The Urban League of Lancaster County is proud to announce that Tyson Foods, Inc. of New Holland PA has been chosen as 2010 recipient of its Champions of Diversity Award.
Tyson was chosen because it employs a diverse workforce of over 950 people representing 34 different nations. Tyson Foods is also committed to a set of core values and code of conduct and has developed a reputation for valuing and respecting every employee.
Tyson Foods demonstrates this by offering its employees opportunities for personal development. For example, Tyson offers its employees a tuition reimbursement program for G.E.D. courses, English as a second language classes and college courses. The practice of developing employees is in direct support of Tyson’s policy of promoting from within, offering employees the opportunity to grow and advance within the company.
Tyson’s recruiting efforts reach the inner city of Lancaster as well as several refugee services catering to a diverse population that does not speak English. The company not only provides employment opportunites but also offers funding toward the naturalization process, leading to citizenship for its workers. Recently, Tyson has expanded its services to include chaplaincy to support its workers both spiritually and emotionally.
Tyson has demonstrated civic responsibility by providing funding and product to churches, schools and communty based organizations.
It is important to note that we are not the only ones who have recognized their efforts. In 2009 Tyson’s employment and employee development practices were featured in an edition of Equal Opportunity Magazine. In 2010 the readers of Equal Opportunity Magazine, who are primarily comprised of companies committed to progressive hiring practices, nominated Tyson Foods as one of the nation’s top 50 employers.
It is clear that Tyson not only provides employment opportunities but is also committed to developing its employees to become fully integrated and engaged members of our community. The Urban League is proud to recognize Tyson Foods as it does its part to empower our community by changing individual lives.