Chamber Companies Recognized by Defense Department for National Guard and Reserve Support Award

WASHINGTON, D.C.-Two U.S. Chamber of Commerce member companies, Con-Way, Inc. and General Motors Corporation, were recognized today by the Secretary of Defense for their efforts to assist the families of employees who have been called to active duty in the National Guard and Reserve. The companies were commended for extending health care benefits, providing ample pay, and looking after the families of employees who have been deployed. The 2007 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award spotlights the strong support that employers provide to the men and women who simultaneously serve the nation and their companies.

"By putting their employees before their bottom-line, this year's award recipients are going beyond the call of duty to ensure that National Guard and Reserve employees and their families are carefully looked after," said Dan Christman, Chamber senior vice president for International Affairs. "It is very important that employers are recognized for the critical role they are playing in the defense of the nation."

The 2007 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award is the highest honor given to employers for their support of National Guard and Reserve employees. Award nominations were made by Guard and Reserve members who are employed by the nominated organizations. 1,200 companies were nominated this year. The final fifteen recipients, including Con-Way, Inc. and General Motors Corporation, will be presented the prestigious award on September 12, 2007 in a formal ceremony at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C.

"Hundreds of thousands of members of the National Guard and the Reserve have been called to active duty since September 11, 2001 and their communities, families and employers have pulled together to support them," said Christman. "The business community will continue to support our active and reserve units."

The U.S. Chamber is the world's largest business federation, representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.

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