Fareway Stores Inc. Signs Statement of Support
Fareway Stores Inc., based in Boone, Iowa, has signed a Statement of Support with the Iowa Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR). Fareway joins companies nationwide such as General Motors, Wal-Mart, and Coca-Cola in signing a Statement of Support with ESGR.
Fred Greiner, President and COO, signed the Statement of Support in front of over 200 Fareway store managers and assistant managers on Tuesday during the quarterly meeting in Boone. Rick Beckwith, CEO of Fareway, signed for Fareway on Wednesday with the second group of 200 Fareway managers and assistant managers.
The Statement of Support was designed to help employers put into place practices that will minimize or even eliminate problems and at the same time assist their employees who serve our nation as Guard or Reserve members. The program also seeks to inform and educate employers about their rights and responsibilities toward their employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve. The 5-Star level shows that the company not only complies with the Uniformed Service Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), but also has policies that go over and above the law. The company also supports the ESGR mission and vision by becoming an advocate for ESGR and the support of military members.
Rob Kelly, State Vice-Chair for Iowa ESGR, was on hand and spoke to Fareway’s managers about the level of commitment and support that Fareway managers across the state have given to their employees who also serve in the Guard or Reserve. Fareway recently held a spaghetti feed to benefit military members that had recently returned from deployment. Local store managers have also sent care packages, given extra paid-time off, and showed great support for their employees that have been deployed.
About Fareway: Fareway Stores, Inc. was founded in Boone in 1938 by former Safeway workers, Paul Beckwith and Fred Vitt. Currently, Fareway has over 90 stores in 3 states (Iowa, Illinois, and Nebraska), with approximately 7000 employees.
