Nixon recognizes O'Reilly Auto for hiring practices

Gov. Jay Nixon yesterday recognized O'Reilly Automotive Inc. for its efforts to hire veterans under the state's Show-Me Heroes program.

The governor presented the auto parts retailer with the Flag of Freedom award while visiting the company's Springfield headquarters, according to a news release.

O'Reilly - which operates more than 4,000 stores and 24 distributions in 42 states - had hired roughly 500 veterans as of Jan. 1.

“In the more than 55 years since O'Reilly Auto Parts opened its first store in Springfield, our company has grown to become one of the nation’s top leaders in the automotive aftermarket business. To achieve this success, we recruit team members who value hard work, friendly service and a knowledge base our customers count on,” O'Reilly President and CEO Greg Henslee said in the release. “That’s why we’ve been so proud to hire American military veterans at our stores and distribution centers across the country."

Nixon established the Show-Me Heroes program in January 2010 to help military veterans find job opportunities after returning from service. According to the release, 2,989 Missouri businesses have participated and hired 4,271 veterans.