USO Wisconsin Presents Northwestern Mutual with the 2016 Veteran Friendly Workplace Award for Excellence in Supporting Veterans

Award recognizes company for its commitment to U.S. military service members

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Nov 10, 2016, 11:31 ET

MILWAUKEE, Nov. 10, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- USO Wisconsin has named Northwestern Mutual the 2016 recipient of the Veteran Friendly Workplace Award for excellence in hiring and retaining veterans, and for outstanding support of veterans in the community. Northwestern Mutual was announced as the winner from five Wisconsin finalists.

"This award recognizes Northwestern Mutual for demonstrating initiatives to support military personnel and inspiring other companies to join their efforts," said Josh Sova, executive director of USO Wisconsin. "Service members not only deserve an opportunity to begin a career outside the military, but they also embody the skill set of an ideal employee; they work hard to reach goals, are used to long hours, are proven leaders, and will accomplish any task given to them. They often just need to be given a chance."

Northwestern Mutual is a strong supporter of those who serve in the U.S. Armed Forces. Earlier this year, the company received the Patriot Award by an agency of the Department of Defense for extraordinary support of employees serving in the Wisconsin National Guard and Reserve. The awards are examples of the deep respect that Northwestern Mutual has for military service members and veterans, and its ongoing commitment to recruiting, hiring and retaining them as well as helping them have stronger and more secure financial futures.

"As a company, we are honored to receive this recognition, but the true heroes are the veterans and active military who serve our country with pride and have sacrificed greatly to secure our freedom," said Ron Joelson, chief investment officer for Northwestern Mutual and executive sponsor of the company's Military Veterans Employee Resource Group. "That's why our employees and financial representatives are so passionate about supporting and equipping service members with the tools and confidence they need to have a more secure financial future. It's one way that we can give back."

Research conducted by Northwestern Mutual* shows that military veterans are already steps ahead of the general population when it comes to financial security, perhaps because nearly half of veterans say they have a written, long-term financial plan in place, and two in five say they work with a financial advisor on their plan.

"Those with military service and training tend to be more disciplined in their approach to personal financial planning and more actively seek out financial advisors," said Joelson. "They see the value of having a plan and following through, and our financial advisors are with them on that journey."

Northwestern Mutual also believes many veterans making the transition from the military to civilian life may find a career in professional financial advising to be a compelling and desirable option, and an opportunity to utilize many of the skills they developed during their time in the military.

"Financial advising offers an incredible opportunity and flexibility as a career option, even at an entry level, and places a premium on entrepreneurship," continued Joelson. "I can think of only a few careers that directly train you to be both a leader of business and of people."

Aspects of financial advising that military veterans may find appealing include:

Career advancement – Financial advisors have substantial control over forging their own path at their own speed. Companies like Northwestern Mutual provide education towards professional designations and credentials that amplify expertise and credibility in the industry.
Opportunity to make a positive impact – Having a lasting impact on people's lives by helping them achieve financial goals and building long-term financial security is both personally and professionally rewarding.
Mentoring, guidance and support – While there is plenty of room for entrepreneurship, companies like Northwestern Mutual offer a broad range of resources, mentoring support and collaborative work programs.

To learn more about Northwestern Mutual careers for military veterans and success stories, visit: https://www.northwesternmutual.com/careers/military-veteran-success-stories.

About the Research
* Harris Poll conducted over 4,300 interviews in June 2015. The interviews were completed among U.S. adults age 18+ and included members of the general population.

About USO Wisconsin
USO Wisconsin is a non-profit that supports currently serving military and their families in Wisconsin. They had 56,367 program participants in 2015. With no funding from the government, military, or USO Inc., this non-profit organization is solely supported by the generosity of private citizens, service organizations, corporate gifts and foundations. They have centers at the Milwaukee and La Crosse Airports, Milwaukee Entrance Processing Station, and Fort McCoy. They have monthly programs focusing on helping families reconnect including Operation Christmas, Father/Daughter Dance, and Admirals Military Appreciation night. The USO has had a continuous presence in Wisconsin since 1941. In 1984, Wisconsin incorporated as a Charter Center of the USO Inc.

About Northwestern Mutual
Northwestern Mutual has been helping families and businesses achieve financial security for nearly 160 years. Our financial representatives build relationships with clients through a distinctive planning approach that integrates risk management with wealth accumulation, preservation and distribution. With $238.5 billion in assets, $27.9 billion in revenues and more than $1.6 trillion worth of life insurance protection in force, Northwestern Mutual delivers financial security to more than 4.4 million people who rely on us for insurance and investment solutions, including life, disability income and long-term care insurance; annuities; trust services; mutual funds; and investment advisory products and services. Northwestern Mutual ranks 100 on the 2016 FORTUNE 500, and is recognized by FORTUNE as one of the "World's Most Admired" life insurance companies in 2016.

Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, Milwaukee, WI, and its subsidiaries. Northwestern Mutual and its subsidiaries offer a comprehensive approach to financial security solutions including: life insurance, long-term care insurance, disability income insurance, annuities, life insurance with long-term care benefits, investment products, and advisory products and services. Subsidiaries include Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS), broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC; the Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company (NMWMC), federal savings bank; and Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company (NLTC).

SOURCE Northwestern Mutual