The Greater Marysville Tulalip Chamber of Commerce
receives 2007 “Friends of the Navy” award
Rear Admiral James Symond, Commander, U.S. Navy Region Northwest, recognized The Greater Marysville Tulalip Chamber of Commerce as a 2007 “Friend of the Navy” at the annual Friends of the Navy Reception and Sound of Freedom Concert on September 19, 2007. The event was held at Naval Station Everett, Washington.
The citation accompanying the award reads as follows:
“Commander, Navy Region Northwest Takes pleasure in Recognizing a 2007 Friend of the Navy Caldie Rogers, for her extraordinary support of the Navy, Sailors, and their families in the Pacific Northwest in 2007. Understanding the difficulties of a mobile military life, Ms. Rogers has been the driving force behind the Chamber’s Military Family Friendly Program, designed to inform area businesses about the benefits of hiring military family members, and encouraging businesses to provide the most positive environment for employed spouses. This program has achieved wide-ranging recognition in the Puget Sound region and at the gubernatorial level. Ms. Rogers’ commitment and extraordinary contributions to the military community are most commendable and merit this special recognition, as well as the appreciation and thanks of the United States Navy.
Spearheaded by the Chamber’s Military Affairs Committee, the growing coalition of Snohomish County cities, chambers, and businesses will help military spouses and dependents achieve fulfilling employment goals while providing businesses access to a readily available, diverse and talented pool of job candidates.
Significant progress pertaining to these efforts was made on September 12 at Naval Station Everett, as military brass, political leaders, and community members all came together at a county-wide leadership summit. About 120 individuals, including County Executive Aaron Reardon, attended the conference, where organizations and businesses were urged to sign a pledge saying they would support the Military Family Friendly Partnership, and welcome military spouses and their families to apply for open positions.
Only days after the Greater Marysville Tulalip Chamber of Commerce held the summit, support has been pouring in. Several cities and county business offices already have agreed to include information on the project with their license-renewal notices. Others are requesting that the Chamber make presentations to their governing bodies. “Every city that was represented at the summit called within twenty-four hours saying they wanted more information,” beamed Rogers. “This response was everything we hoped for and more. The key to reaching businesses will be through the city and county offices as well as their local chambers, but support from school districts will also help.”
Return to 2007 -2008 Index to Chamber Resolutions
See Press Articles Regarding the Military Family Friendly Partnership
» Initiative for hiring military spouses gaining support
Seattle Times 9/19/07
» Locals lead effort to end hiring discrimination against military spouses
Marysville Globe 9/19/07
» Military family members run into trouble when they hunt for jobs..
Everett Herald 9/13/07
» Job equality for military families sought
Seattle Times 7/16/07
