For more information, contact:
Eric Skrum, Wisconsin Bankers Association,
608/441-1216,
eskrum@wisbank.com
WBA encourages bank members to do the same
(MADISON) – The Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) formally signed a “Statement of Support” with members of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) during a ceremony held June 5 at the WBA offices. Other banks across the state have already signed similar statements and WBA members are encouraged to participate in this worthwhile program.
“WBA is proud to join the many banks and businesses that already are a part of this important endeavor,” said Rose Oswald Poels, WBA president/CEO. “This is a significant way for our association to honor and serve those in the National Guard and Reserves.
“On a personal note, I believe it is important to support the reemployment of veterans as I come from a military family with both a father and uncle who were in World War II and another uncle who was in both the Korean War and the Vietnam War,” she added.
The mission of the ESGR program is to develop and promote a culture in which all American employers support and value the military service of their employees and encourage employment of Guardsmen and Reservists.
By signing the Statement of Support, WBA pledges that:
It fully recognizes, honors and enforces the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act (USERRA).
Its managers and supervisors will have the tools they need to effectively manage those employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserves.
It will continually recognize and support our country’s service members and their families in peace, in crises and in war.
Dick Vallin, chair of the Wisconsin Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, an agency of the Department of Defense, said, “By meeting the Statement of Support criteria, WBA will stand proudly with Guard and Reserve employees, who continue to answer their nation’s call to defend our way of life. Their personal sacrifices are essential to the strength of our nation.”
Dignitaries participating in the June 5 ceremony were:
Tim Flatley, executive director, ESGR
Alice Hensen, president, Bank of Sun Prairie
Gary Kuter, vice president, Capitol Bank
Scott Lockard, president – Madison market, U.S. Bank N.A.
E. David Locke, president, McFarland State Bank
Mark Meloy, president/CEO, First Business Bank
Rose Oswald Poels, president/CEO, Wisconsin Bankers Association
Tom Papenthien, president/CEO, Bankers’ Bank
Mike Pierce, director of employment initiatives, ESGR
Bob Roth, director of employer outreach, ESGR
Scott Stewart, vice president, The Park Bank
Terry Taylor, president, Oak Bank
Dick Vallin, Wisconsin Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve State Chairman
Any media wishing to attend the event should contact WBA’s Eric Skrum at 608/441-1216 or eskrum@wisbank.com.
