Charlotte, NC – Bud Baker, Field Chair of the North Carolina Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Committee (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced that William E. (Bill) Elmore, President & Chief Operating Officer  signed a Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve on May 19, 2009.  The signing ceremony occurred during their annual leadership meeting in Charlotte, NC.  

The Statement of Support confirms that Coca-Cola Bottling Company Consolidated joins other employers in pledging that:
• We fully recognize, honor and enforce the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act (USERRA). 
• Our managers and supervisors will have the tools they need to effectively manage those employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve.
• We 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 National Guard and Reserve units.  I am asking all North Carolina employers to review and amend their current human resources policies to ensure compliance with the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA),” said Bud Baker. “Many North Carolina 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, Bud Baker said “By meeting the Statement of Support criteria, North Carolina will 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”.
“Coca-Cola Bottling Company Consolidated is committed to supporting the men and women that serve our country” said Bill Elmore.  “By signing this Statement of Support, we honor the employees of our company that give so much for us”.

“There are thousands of great employers in our state that support our men and women in the National Guard and Reserve.  Coca-Cola Bottling Company Consolidated is one of those companies” said BG J R Gorham, North Carolina National Guard.  “They are critical in the protection of the state and nation”.
“Mr. Bill Elmore 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 Bud Baker.  “By signing the Statement of Support, Bill Elmore is sending a clear message to the employees of Coca-Cola Bottling Company Consolidated 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 conflict through mediation. ESGR volunteers provide free education, consultation, and if necessary mediation for employers of Guard and Reserve employees.

As the 1.3 million members of the National Guard and Reserve continue to perform an increasing number of unique missions that require extraordinary actions on the part of everyday citizens, ESGR will continue to be the informational agency for the employers of citizen warriors. More information about ESGR Employer Outreach Programs and volunteer opportunities is available at www.esgr.mil, or by calling (Name of PSS), Program Support Specialist of the (State) ESGR Committee, at (Local Phone Number).