Johnson Financial Group Signes "5-Star" Statement of Support for the Wisconsin National Guard and Reserve

Racine, WI, April 01, 2006 --(PR.com)-- Mr. James G. Rebholz, State Chair of the Delaware Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Committee, an agency of the Department of Defense, announced that Mr. Richard Hansen, President and CEO of Johnson Financial Group, signed a “5-Star” Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve in Racine, Wisconsin.

The “5-Star” Statement of Support confirms that Johnson Financial Group:

• Signed a Statement of Support publicly demonstrating its support for its employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.
• Reviewed its Human Resources policies to ensure compliance with the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act (USERRA).
• Promotes training for managers and supervisors to effectively manage its employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve.
• Adopted polices and programs that are “Above and Beyond” what is required by the USERRA Law.
• Is an advocate for employee service in the National Guard and Reserve and will help to promote the mission of ESGR.

“Today, supportive employers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s National Guard and Reserve units. I am asking all Wisconsin 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 Rebholz. “Many Wisconsin 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 “5-Star” criteria, Rebholz said “By meeting the ‘5-Star’ Statement of Support criteria, The Management of Johnson Financial Group will stand proudly with its Guard and Reserve employees, who like the Minutemen before them, continue to answer their nation’s call to defend our way of life. Their personal sacrifices are essential to the strength of our nation”.

“As a former reservist, I understand the great importance of an organization like the ESGR,” said Richard Hansen. “The sacrifice we make as a company is small compared to the sacrifice our employees make when they are deployed. We are so very proud of this honor and what it means to our associate soldiers and our country.”

“Mr. Hansen joins a cadre of his fellow Fortune 500 companies, state and federal agencies and thousands of America’s employers in demonstrating support for our armed forces,” added Rebholz. “By signing the ‘5-Star’ Statement of Support, Mr. Hansen is sending a clear message to the employees of Johnson Financial Group that while they are serving their country they do not have to worry about their civilian jobs.”

Johnson Financial Group is a premier financial services company offering comprehensive financial solutions in the areas of banking, trust, insurance, investment management and leasing. The $3.7 billion financial services company has operating companies in Wisconsin, Arizona and Europe. Principal owners of Johnson Financial Group are members of the Samuel C. Johnson family. Helen Johnson-Leipold is Chairman of Johnson Financial Group and Chairman, Chief Executive Office and Chairman of the Board of Johnson Outdoors Inc. in Racine, Wisconsin. For more information visit www.johnsonbank.com

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) is a Department of Defense agency established in 1972. ESGR volunteers provide free education, consultation, and if necessary mediation for employers of Guard and Reserve employees. As the 1.2 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 America’s new Minutemen. More information about ESGR Employer Outreach Programs and volunteer opportunities is available at www.esgr.mil, or by calling Mike Smith, Executive Director of the Wisconsin ESGR Committee, at 608-242-3169.

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