GROWMARK, Inc., Illinois Farm Bureau, and IAA Credit Union Receive Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Certificates

GROWMARK, Inc., Illinois Farm Bureau, and the IAA Credit Union joined their affiliated company COUNTRY Financial in displaying their support of their employees in the National Guard and Reserve by signing a Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve.
Colonel (ret.) Gene Blade and Lieutenant Colonel (ret.) Reginald Bernard from the Illinois Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve presented Statement of Support certificates to company representatives Thursday, February 26 at 2:00 p.m. in a ceremony held at the IAA building.

The Statement of Support confirms these companies join other employers in pledging that:

• They fully recognize, honor and enforce the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act (USERRA).


• Their managers and supervisors will have the tools they need to effectively manage those employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve.


• They will continually recognize and support our country’s service members and their families in peace, in crises and in war.

Supportive employers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s National Guard and Reserve units. By meeting the Statement of Support criteria, these companies proudly recognize their Guard and Reserve employees, who continue to answer their nation’s call to defend our way of life, and agree that their personal sacrifices are essential to the strength of our nation.

These companies join a cadre of Fortune 500 companies, state and federal agencies and thousands of America’s employers in demonstrating support for our armed forces. By signing the Statement of Support, they send a clear message to their employees that, while they are serving their country, they do not have to worry about their civilian jobs.

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) is a Department of Defense agency established in 1972. The mission of ESGR is to gain and maintain employer support for Guard and Reserve service by recognizing outstanding support, increasing awareness of the law, and resolving conflicts through mediation. ESGR volunteers provide free education, consultation, and if necessary mediation for employers of Guard and Reserve employees. More information about ESGR Employer Outreach Programs and volunteer opportunities is available at http://www.esgr.org/

GROWMARK Senior Vice President of Finance Jeff Solberg (center) accepts the Employer Statement of Support for the Guard and Reserve from Ret. Lieutenant Colonel Reginald Bernard (left) and Ret. Colonel Gene Blade (right).