GRIMES, IA. – Dec. 1, 2020 –Black Hills Energy joined leaders of the Iowa National Guard and Reserve to pledge support to the country and state’s military forces by signing an Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Statement of Support. 

“We are proud to have several veterans and service members in the Black Hills Energy family”, said Shirley Welte, vice president of Iowa operations. “Signing this statement of support is a way for us to honor Veterans Day, to show our commitment within the communities we serve and be an advocate of employee participation in the military.”

ESGR is a Department of Defense program that fosters a culture with businesses and organizations nationwide to support employing members and veterans of the National Guard and Reserve.  Citizen warriors could not defend and protect us at home and abroad without the continued promise of meaningful civilian employment for themselves and their families. 

More than 10,000 military service members are actively serving either in the Iowa National Guard or in reserve units throughout the state.  "I commend the leadership of Black Hills Energy on their commitment to hire and retain Guard and Reserve service members,” said Maj. Gen. Ben Corell, Iowa National Guard adjutant general. “Businesses throughout our state continue to go above and beyond for our men and women in uniform.” 

By signing the ESGR Statement of Support, Black Hills Energy pledges to:

• Fully recognize, honor, and comply with the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act.
• Provide our managers and supervisors with the tools they need to efficiently manage employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.
• Appreciate the values, leadership, and unique skills service members bring to the workforce and will encourage opportunities to hire military members and veterans.
• Continuously recognize and support our country’s service members and their families, in peace, in crises, and in war. 

Becky Coady, Iowa ESGR Committee Chair said “Throughout its history, Black Hills Energy has made community a priority for their company. Today is one more tangible example of that commitment. We thank Black Hills Energy for understanding and supporting their National Guard and Reserve military members.”