4/10/08

Chamber's jobs initiative receives 7 Seals award

In recognition of the groundbreaking Military Family-Friendly Employment Initiative (MFFEI), 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.

The Seven Seals Award is the highest award given by ESGR and was created to publicly recognize American employers who provide outstanding support and cooperation to employees and families of those who have been called to serve.

“It is truly special to be able to present this award today. There are times when years can pass without finding a recipient worthy of the Seven Seals Award,” said John Patterson, ESGR representative.

The military employment initiative addresses the workforce shortage facing employers in the region by opening the doors to a previously untapped resource: military family members. In return, it addresses the problem of employment for military family members, which has been called the number one crisis facing the military today.

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 and Labor convention earlier this month in Florida 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, chamber president.

Congressman Jay Inslee commented, “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.”

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 MFFEI by visiting the Chamber website at www.marysvilletulalipchamber.com.