The Greater Marysville Tulalip Chamber of Commerce
Receives Seven Seals Award
Accepting the Seven Seals Award with Chamber President / CEO Caldie Rogers were Military Affairs Committee members (left to right front) Charles Dionne, Black Belt Academy, Marci Miller, Horizon Bank, Caldie Rogers, Marysville Tulalip Chamber, John Patterson, ESGR, Rebecca Mulhollen, Washington State Employment Security. Back Row: Cmdr. Don Leingang, Naval Station Everett, Steve Chilson, Lasting Impressions, Paul Pukis, American Family Insurance, David Chin, Go Small Biz, Lenny Simpson, WorkSource.
Military Committee members not pictured: Lisa Agcaoili-Stover, Naval Station Everett; Sue Ambler, Workforce Development Council; John Bell, Willis Hall; Jesse Bennet, US Navy; Dr. David Beyer, Everett Community College; Janet Duffy, RMI Rents; Pamela Flemions, US Navy; Joe Frew, Frontier Associates; Patti Gobin, Tulalip Tribes; Rick Huling, US Navy; Patrick Martinez, Employment Security; John McKeon, McKeon & Associates; Lt. Jim Pederson, US Navy; Marilyn Sheldon, Tulalip Tribes; David Toyer, Toyer Consulting; Heather Villars, Workforce Development Council; Mike Warden, Quil Ceda Tanning; Melissa West, Carlson Wagonlit Travel; Rick Williams, US Navy;
The Greater Marysville Tulalip Chamber of Commerce was presented with the elite Seven Seals Award from the Washington Committee for Employer Support of Guard and Reserves (ESGR) on March 28, 2008.
The Seven Seals Award is the highest award given by ESGR, and was created to publicly recognize American Employers who provide outstanding patriotric support and cooperation to employees and families of those who have been called to serve. Supportive employers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of our armed forces.
“It is truly special to be able to present this award today. There are times when years can pass without finding a suitable recipient worthy of the Seven Seals Award.” John Patterson, ESGR
This honor was bestowed in recognition of the Chamber’s Snohomish County Military Family Friendly Employment Initiative (MFFEI). This initiative addresses the workforce shortage facing our employers in this region, by opening the doors to a previously untapped resource – military family members. In return, it addresses the number one crisis facing our military today – the employment of military family members.
The MFFEI initiative has swept across Snohomish County with hundreds of employers, city governments, and chambers publicly declaring their organizations to be “Military Family Friendly Employers.” This program is now drawing national attention, including being showcased at a national Department of Defense & Labor convention earlier this month in Tampa, FL, as an innovative role model for workforce solutions.
“This award represents the vision of the Chamber Board of Directors, along with the talent, dedication, and efforts of the Chamber’s Military Affairs Committee.” Stated Caldie Rogers
During the award presentation the Chamber also signed a 5-Star Statement of Support of the Guard and Reserve, and encouraged all business leaders present to follow suit. The Chamber continues to ask all businesses to register for the MFEEI if they have not done so already by visiting the Chamber website at www.marysvilletulalipchamber.com.
"Everyone is aware of the sacrifices made by service members defending our country, but the difficulties experienced by military spouses seeking employment show that we need to work harder to highlight the abilities of those who support our brave soldiers. I am proud that the Greater Marysville Tulalip Chamber of Commerce has developed this groundbreaking program to help military spouses and family members achieve their employment goals while providing businesses in Snohomish County access to a wealth of well educated, skilled, and highly trained employees.” Congressman Jay Inslee
ESGR is a Department of Defense volunteer organization. It provides free education, consultation and, if necessary, mediation for employers of Guard and Reserve employees. ESGR's goal is to support America's employers who share their employees with the Department of Defense to ensure our national security.
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