Fla. producer gives veterans, former inmates a second chance
Florida biodiesel producer Genuine Bio-Fuel Inc. has designed a model program, entitled the Second Chance Program, for staffing its company with quality, dedicated employees as well as assisting former inmates and veterans reestablish themselves within society.
“Companies in the alternative energy industry have a responsibility to spur job creation,” said Genuine Bio-Fuel Executive Vice President Jeff Longo. “What better way to spark the economy then to employ and equip people eager to learn with the tools to build a better future for them.”
Genuine Bio-Fuel’s Second Chance Program provides equal wage jobs to former inmates and veterans. The program was established to create an environment where former inmates and veterans are able to start a new life. In addition to each employee receiving another chance to rebuild their lives, Genuine Bio-Fuel also offers them free training if they want to pursue careers in the green sector.
The program’s success is partially due to the “hire, not fire” approach taken by the Genuine Bio-Fuel executive team. Its outreach efforts include hiring veterans who have just returned from serving their country as well as former inmates in need of a fresh start and new lease on life. Employees in this program are empowered through comprehensive on-the-job training, and as a result Genuine Bio-Fuel has built a cohesive team-driven environment and experiences low attrition rates.
“We hope to serve as a positive example in the biodiesel industry of what happens when businesses begin investing in people again,” Longo said.
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