WELLSBORO, Pa. – Pennsylvania Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense program, announced that C&N Bank recently received a Patriot Awards in recognition of extraordinary support of employees serving in the Pennsylvania Guard and Reserve.
The Patriot Award reflects the efforts made to support citizen warriors through a wide range of measures including flexible schedules, time off prior to and after deployment, caring for families, and granting leaves of absence if needed.
C&N Bank’s Vice President and Regional Banking Manager Jill Pino was nominated for the Patriot Award by Sgt. Maj. Bryan Bailey, of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard’s 28th Infantry Division. Bailey is the operations sergeant major of the general staff for civil-military operations (G5 Staff); he recently returned from an overseas deployment and is currently stationed at the Harrisburg Military Post.
In nominating Pino, Baily stated: “C&N Bank fully recognizes, honors, and complies with the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act. My supervisors effectively manage those who serve in the Guard and Reserve. On numerous occasions I have been told that the values, leadership, and unique skills that I bring to the bank as a Service member makes me a valuable team asset. C&N Bank continually recognizes and supports our country's Service members and their families. On a personal level, Jill Pino has always communicated openly, honestly, and regularly. She encourages my self-growth and helps me to achieve my goals. She has offered practical assistance when needed. She ensures that my schedule is flexible to allow me to complete my military obligations. She always offers constructive feedback and recognizes my hard work. Above all, she makes sure that I feel valued on the C&N team.”
Presenting the award to Pino on behalf of ESGR was William Burkhard, Pennsylvania North-Central Area Chair. Burkhard commented: “It’s critical and an honor to recognize and pay tribute to those employers that hire and support our Guard and Reserve forces. Without employer support, it would be difficult for those in the uniformed services to perform their mission.” Burkhard added: “Today’s members of the Guard and Reserves are highly trained and skilled; they bring integrity, a global perspective and, proven leadership to the civilian workforce.
Upon receiving the Patriot Award, Pino thanked Bailey and signed an ESGR Statement of Support confirming than C&N Bank joins other employers in pledging: • We fully recognize, honor, and comply with the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act (USERRA). • We will provide our managers and supervisors with the tools they need to effectively manage employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve. • We appreciate the values, leadership and unique skills service members bring to the workforce and will encourage opportunities to hire Guardsmen, Reservists and Veterans. • We will continually recognize and support our country’s service members and their families, in peace, in crises and in war.
“Today, supportive employers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s Guard and Reserve units,” said Burkhard. “I am asking all North-Central Area Pennsylvania employers to take a look at their current human resources policies to incorporate policies supportive of Guard and Reserve employees.” Many Pennsylvania employers provide support above and beyond their legal requirements by law by offering pay-differential to offset the loss of wages, and extension of health care benefits, which complement coverage provided by the military, when their employees mobilize.” C&N Bank joins a cadre of Fortune 500 companies, state and federal, agencies and thousands of America’s employers in demonstrating support for our armed forces. Burkhard added: “By signing the Statement of Support, C&N Bank is sending a clear message to its employees that while they are serving their country, they do not have to worry about their civilian jobs.” ESGR, a Department of Defense office, seeks to foster a culture in which all employers support and value the employment and military service of members of the National Guard and Reserve in the United States. ESGR facilitates and promotes a cooperative culture of employer support for National Guard and Reserve service by developing and advocating mutually beneficial initiatives, recognizing outstanding employer support, increasing awareness of applicable laws and policies, resolving potential conflicts between employers and their service members, and acting as the employers’ principal advocate within DoD. Paramount to ESGR's mission is encouraging employment of Guardsmen and Reservists who bring integrity, global perspective and proven leadership to the civilian workforce. For more information about ESGR Outreach Programs, or ESGR volunteer opportunities, please call 1-800-336-4590 or visit www.ESGR.mil/PA PHOTO (L–R): Sgt. Maj. Bryan Bailey, Vice President Jill Pino, and ESGR Area Chair William Burkhard