Friday, November 09, 2007
More Than 200 Iowa Employers Participate In First-Ever Group Statement Of Support Signing
Governor Culver leads event in Des Moines, Simultaneous events held around the state
(DES MOINES) – More than 200 Iowa employers participated today in the state’s first-ever group signing of Statements of Support for their military employees. At the State Historical Building n Des Moines, Governor Chet Culver took the lead in signing a Statement of Support for his military employees. Around the state, simultaneous group Statement of Support signings were held in Davenport, Dubuque, Mason City, Carroll, Sioux City, Spencer and Fort Madison.
“We recognize the sacrifice employers make,” Governor Chet Culver said. “That’s why we’re proud to sign a Statement of Support today. It’s also why we took the step during this last session to sign into law HF 849, a law that gives preferential treatment in government contracts to companies that employee civilian military members.” Governor Culver also outlined other measures the state has enacted – financial aid to injured veterans, financial aid to veterans to purchase homes, and college education benefits for the National Guard, among others.
After Governor Culver signed an Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Five Star Statement of Support, other employers signed statements of support on behalf of their companies. A Statement of Support is a formal pledge by the employer that their company will abide by state and federal laws and will support their employees who serve as members of the Guard and Reserve. Signing a Statement of Support sends a positive message to employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve and sets the example for other employers.
“We are proud of our National Guard and Reserve military members and in awe of the sacrifice they make for all of us,” said Barry Spear, chairman of the Iowa Committee of ESGR. “At the same time we recognize that employers are making sacrifices as well. ESGR works to educate and communicate with employers about the law that protects military employee jobs. When employers sign Statements of Support, it sends a message to our voluntary civilian military that their jobs are secure.
Assistant Secretary of Labor Charles Ciccolella confirmed that Iowa is well ahead of other states in the country in resolving conflicts that arise. “Iowa does an excellent job of working with employers and military employees to prevent problems from arising,” Ciccolella said. “And when a problem does come up, Iowa is 40% faster than other states in resolving the conflict.”
Governor Culver also received the Seven Seals Award at today’s ceremony from Barry Spear, the Chairman of the Iowa Committee of ESGR. The Seven Seals award is the highest state award given on behalf of the Iowa Employers for Support of the Guard and Reserve in recognition of a significant individual whose support and encouragement over time promotes the mission of ESGR.
ESGR is a Department of Defense agency tasked with gaining and maintaining employer support for those who serve in the National Guard and Reserve. ESGR achieves this mission by providing educational, consulting and mediation services to current and potential employers of Guard and Reserve members. More information about Iowa ESGR is available at: www.iowaesgr.org.