Better Business Bureau of Central SC and Charleston signs Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve
April 28, 2009COLUMBIA, SC – April 27, 2009 – Mr. John V. Green, Chair of the SC Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Committee (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced that Mr. John Eckstrom, Chairman of the Better Business Bureau of Central South Carolina and Charleston, signed a Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve on Wednesday, April 22, 2009. The signing ceremony occurred at Mr. Eckstrom’s place of business, Carolina Business Equipment, Inc.
The Statement of Support confirms that members of the BBB of Central South Carolina and Charleston join 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 South Carolina employers to review and amend their current human resources policies to ensure compliance with the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act Law (USERRA),” said Mr. Green. “Many South 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, Mr. Green said “By meeting the Statement of Support criteria, The Better Business Bureau of Central SC and Charleston 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”.
Mr. Eckstrom stated, “We are pleased to support ESGR. BBB and ESGR share similar missions committed to promoting ethics and integrity. Signing a Statement of Support is one more way to demonstrate BBB’s commitment to building trust between consumers and businesses in the communities we serve”
“Mr. Eckstrom 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 Mr. Green. “By signing the Statement of Support, Mr. Eckstrom is sending a clear message to the employees of members of Better Business Bureau that while they are serving their country they do not have to worry about their civilian jobs.”
In addition to Mr. Eckstrom’s signing on behalf of the BBB he signed a Statement of Support on behalf of Carolina Business Equipment, Inc. where is serves as President of the company. BBB Board of Director, Richard Mitchell, also signed on behalf of Carolina Comfort, Inc. where he serves as President/CEO.
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 conflicts through informal mediation. ESGR volunteers provide free education, consultation, and if necessary mediation for employers of Guard and Reserve employees.
The Better Business Bureau
The Better Business Bureau is an independent non-profit organization that works to combat consumer fraud and to maintain ethical practices in the advertising and selling of products and services.
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 Mr. Derek Shumpert, Program Support Specialist of the SC ESGR Committee, at 803-806-2515.