RALEIGH, N.C. -State Employees' Credit Union (SECU) has received a Five Star Recognition from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) organization. The Five Star Recognition was given to acknowledge SECU's support of men and women, currently employed with SECU, who are serving in America's National Guard and Armed Forces Reserve. There are only 58 5-star designations across the country with 27 in North Carolina. The Recognition signifies that SECU has done the following: *Signed a statement telling the community that SECU stands behind US troops and its employees in peace, crisis and in war. *Reviewed its human resources policies to ensure that policies comply with the provisions of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act. *Trained managers and supervisors, giving them the tools needed to effectively manage SECU Guard and Reserve member employees. *Adopted `Over and Above' policies providing its Guard and Reserve member employees with more support than required by law. *Shown support for ESGR and its efforts. Currently some 14 SECU staffers are serving in the Guard/Reserve with 11 of the 14 mobilized since September 11, 2001. Some of the SECU benefits afforded these men and women include: their position being held open indefinitely, receiving benefits pay each month and continuing to accrue leave, receiving active duty differential pay if called up for more than 60 days, and 40 hours of leave with regular pay per calendar year for training. In addition, the SECU board of directors approved a military payment of $1,500 in December 2004 for all current and prior active duty employees. "State Employees' Credit Union is appreciative of the efforts of these young men and women in serving our Country. Our continuing support acknowledges these efforts and we are proud to have them as SECU employees. The sacrifices these soldiers make are much greater than what we as an organization can do," said SECU Board Chairman Dr. Jim Merrill. The National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) was established in 1972 to promote cooperation and understanding between Reserve members and their civilian employers. ESGR now operates with more than 4,500 volunteers throughout 55 committees, with one in each US state. With 1.2 million Guardsmen and Reservists in the United States and 345,000 activated since September 11, 2001, with 190,000 currently on active duty the ESGR says the support of more employers is needed. "SECU is a great friend to the North Carolina National Guard," said Major General Ingram. "While many employers have stepped up to assist Guardsmen and Reservists, SECU has gone over and beyond in their support." SECU is busy encouraging other credit unions across the country to support their Guard and Reserve employees. For more information visit www.esgr.com and click on Employers Information Area, then click on Pledge Your Support.

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