WILDWOOD, NJ – The New York Shipping Association (NYSA) was today presented the Best-In- Class Veteran Hiring Award at the 97th Annual Convention for The American Legion, Department of New Jersey. Accepting the Award on behalf of the NYSA was Association President John Nardi and Susan Winfree, Vice President, Workforce Development and Corporate Diversity Officer. Presented by the former State Commander and current Chairman of the Employment and Education Committee Bob Looby, this award is the top external award presented by the American Legion New Jersey Department and recognizes NYSA for its “superior, leading and ongoing program hiring 312 Veterans since May 2014 and achieving a 51% goal of all new hires with our heroes.” “I am honored to accept this award and truly appreciate the recognition from the American Legion, New Jersey Department as it highlights the substantial commitment we made more than 2 years ago with the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) to provide good paying jobs in the Port of New York and New Jersey to Veterans,” said John Nardi. “We have worked in partnership with the ILA to ensure that we meet our 51% goal of all new hires with our heroes,” Nardi explained. NYSA and the ILA have hired more than 582 new workers to work in the Port of New York and New Jersey over the past 18 months. “More than a year ago we hosted the first ever dedicated Veteran’s job fair in partnership with The American Legion, Department of New Jersey, Economics and Employment Committee. Today I can proudly say that more than 312 Veterans are gainfully employed in the Port of New York and New Jersey,” said Susan Winfree. This is the 97th annual convention for The American Legion, Department of New Jersey and the awards presented by the Employment and Education Committee represent the Committee’s mission to ensure that US veterans have the opportunity to provide with honor and dignity, the economic necessities of life for themselves and their families.