IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 24, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Autobytel Inc. (Nasdaq:ABTL), pioneer of the automotive Internet and the company dedicated to connecting automotive consumers with dealers, today announced it has committed to an annual corporate sponsorship of Orange County, California-based nonprofit, Working Wardrobes, for the fourth consecutive year.
The company also announced it has signed on as a title sponsor for the nonprofit's upcoming Camp Pendleton "Men's Power Up for Success" event, committing $10,000 to help active duty servicemen transition to civilian employment.
"We fundamentally believe in Working Wardrobes and its mission to help people overcome challenges to find jobs," said Jeff Coats, president and CEO of Autobytel Inc. "Working Wardrobes offers local residents in need much more than its name implies. It works tirelessly to provide men, women, veterans and young adults with career-readiness services, life skills workshops, career coaching, and job placement, in addition to professional attire. When area residents work, the local economy benefits. That's why we encourage other businesses to lend support too."
The Working Wardrobes Men's Power Up for Success Event, scheduled for March 15, 2014, provides informative career planning workshops and training seminars conducted by area business leaders, authors, and career experts, to help active duty servicemen successfully transition into civilian employment.
Two years ago, Working Wardrobes launched VetNet, a safety net for veterans that provides career training and employment services for vets returning from war and struggling to overcome challenges such as PTSD, domestic violence, and addiction and substance abuse.
Jerri Rosen, founder and CEO of Working Wardrobes, says corporate sponsorships like that of Autobytel's, are critical to the nonprofit's success.
"Autobytel has become a true partner to Working Wardrobes and our mission of getting people back to work," said Rosen. "As more and more businesses make Corporate Social Responsibility a focus, they must understand that success hinges on deep relationships and longstanding commitments in order for nonprofits to truly reach their full potential. Jeff and his team epitomize what that commitment means, and we couldn't be happier to have their support again this year."
Area businesses interested in becoming a Working Wardrobes corporate partner, or those that need assistance in developing and implementing a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) plan, can contact Megan Harless, Working Wardrobes' VP of Development, at (714) 210-2460 or by email at meganh@workingwardrobes.org.
About Autobytel Inc.
Autobytel Inc. provides high quality consumer leads and associated marketing services to automotive dealers and manufacturers throughout the United States and offers consumers robust and original online automotive content to help them make informed car-buying decisions. The company pioneered the automotive internet in 1995 with its flagship website www.autobytel.com and has since helped tens of millions of automotive consumers research vehicles; connected thousands of dealers nationwide with motivated car buyers; and helped every major automaker market its brand online.
Investors and other interested parties can receive Autobytel news releases and invitations to special events by accessing the online registration form at investor.autobytel.com/alerts.cfm.
About Working Wardrobes
Working Wardrobes is an independent nonprofit organization that empowers men, women, veterans, and young adults overcoming difficult challenges to confidently enter the workforce and achieve self-sufficiency. The organization provides career training, job placement assistance, and professional wardrobe services in an environment of dignity and respect.
Since 1990, Working Wardrobes has grown to serve over 70,000 men, women, veterans, and young adults overcoming difficult challenges including alcohol and substance abuse, prison re-entry, homelessness, catastrophic illness, and traumatic financial losses. It assists CalWorks recipients, clients of social service agencies, and individuals in 60 shelters or programs in Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego, and the Inland Empire. The Working Wardrobes social enterprise model serves as an example of self-sustainability to organizations nationwide.