Press
Summit Credit Union signs Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve
MADISON, WI (September 23, 2013) — Fred McCormick, chair emeritus of the Wisconsin Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense agency, announced that Kim Sponem, CEO/President, Summit Credit Union, signed a Statement of Support for the Guard and Reserve on August 19, 2013. The signing ceremony occurred at the offices of Summit Credit Union in Madison.
The Statement of Support confirms that Summit Credit Union joins other employers in pledging that:
- Summit fully recognizes, honors and enforces the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act (USERRA)
- Summit’s managers and supervisors will have the tools they need to effectively manage those employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve
- Summit will continually recognize and support our country’s service members and their families in peace, in crises and in war
“Today, supportive employers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s Guard and Reserve units. I am asking all Wisconsin employers to take a look at their current human resources policies to incorporate policies supportive of Guard and Reserve employees,” said Fred McCormick. “Many Wisconsin employers provide ‘above and beyond’ support with pay differential to offset the loss of wages, and extension of health care benefits, which complement coverage provided by the military, when their employees are mobilized.”
When asked about the criteria, McCormick said “By meeting the Statement of Support criteria, Summit pledges to stand proudly with its 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”.
“At Summit, we believe it is our responsibility to make a positive difference in the communities we serve, and we believe the Guard and Reserve is an essential component to the overall well-being of our communities and society as a whole,” said Sponem. “It is an honor to sign the Statement of Support and publicly confirm our commitment to and support of our employees who have served for our country.”
“Ms. Sponem, and Summit Credit Union, joins a cadre of Fortune 500 companies, state and federal agencies and thousands of America’s employers in demonstrating support for our armed forces,” added McCormick. “By signing the Statement of Support, Ms. Sponem is sending a clear message to the employees of Summit that while they are serving their country they do not have to worry about their civilian jobs.”
In Sept. 2013, Summit Credit Union merged with Milwaukee-based Veteran’s Administration Credit Union, a financially healthy, growing credit union with a deep connection with the VA Medical community.
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve is a Department of Defense agency established in 1972 to develop and maintain employer support for Guard and Reserve service. ESGR advocates relevant initiatives, recognizes outstanding support, increases awareness of applicable laws, and resolves conflict between service members and employers. Paramount to ESGR’s mission is encouraging employment of Guardsmen and Reservists who bring integrity, global perspective and proven leadership to the civilian workforce. For more information about ESGR Employer Outreach Programs and volunteer opportunities is available at www.esgr.mil, or by calling Doris Schmidt, WI ESGR Committee at 608-242-3729 or Fred McCormick, Chair Emeritus of the Wisconsin ESGR Committee, at 608-215-5650.