Several members of the Illinois Chamber were among the companies who participated in a virtual Statement of Support ceremony with Illinois Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve and O’Fallon Shiloh Chamber of Commerce.
Business representatives heard an employer briefing presented by Vice Chair Michael Holub. ESGR State Chair Laurie Silvey, who is also President of Center for Business Management at the Illinois Chamber, then asked the members in attendance to sign their own copies of the Statement of Support.
The Statement of Support is one of ESGR’s primary efforts to build strong support for the Guard and Reserve. The purpose is to encourage more employers to support their reserve component employees by publicly acknowledging that the company signing the document recognizes the importance of the Guard and Reserve.
O’Fallon Shiloh Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Debbie Arell-Martinez asked some of the members on the call to speak about why they were signing. Patti Fischer of HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital spoke about the multiple employees they have who currently serve. She noted that at all of their locations that they support their servicemember employees fully. Dr. Cynthia Doil of SIUC-Scott AFB also talked about their recognition of the strong work ethics and skills that servicemembers bring to their civilian jobs. Southern Illinois Builders Association also took part in the event which was held on July 22, 2020.
Right top: Debbie Arell-Martinez, Executive Director of O’Fallon Shiloh Chamber
Lower left: Walter Denton, City of O’Fallon
Lower right: Patti Fischer, HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital