Minnesota’s Governor Pawlenty to Recognize Top Minnesota Employers of Guard and Reserve Members

(Golden Valley, MN) Governor Tim Pawlenty will recognize 27 outstanding employers of Minnesota Guard and Reserve members at the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Annual Employer Awards Banquet on Monday, May 12, 2008. This year’s event will be held at the Golden Valley Country Club. Nearly 600 top business, military and elected officials are expected to attend to recognize the awardees.

Among those attending will be Governor Pawlenty, Minnesota Adjutant General Major General Larry Shellito, Minnesota Secretary of State Mark Ritchie, ESGR National Chairman Jim Rebholz, and ESGR National Executive Director Dr. L. Gordon Sumner. Renowned Gospel singer Tom Tipton and former Miss America Dorothy Benham will perform for the crowd.

Nominations by more than 500 members of the Guard and Reserve who felt their employers had gone “above and beyond” their obligations in supporting them while called to duty were considered for the top awards. Among the evening’s awardees will be Target Corporation, Northwest Airlines, Union Pacific Railroad and the City of Rochester.

Currently the Minnesota Air and Army National Guard, Air Force, Army, Navy, Marine and Coast Guard Reserves total more than 18,000 drilling members. More that 13,000 Minnesota National Guard and Reserve members have been mobilized since 9/11.

ESGR is a Department of Defense agency established in 1972. Its mission 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.

For additional information on Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, please log on to our website at www.esgr.mil.