Local small businesses showed their support for employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve at a Canalside event on Friday.Employers from across Western New York attended the event, hosted by the U.S. Small Business Administration. They were urged to hire active service members and stand behind them should they be deployed.
There are more than 1 million members of the National Guard and Reserve across the country. Dennis Lutz, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve State Chairman, said service members benefit businesses.
“The employer gains by employing a service member – somebody that’s got dedication to what they do. They’re disciplined in what they do, and so they get a good employee and in turn they’re supporting what that service member represents, and that’s service to something greater than themselves,” said Lutz.
Along with the U.S. Small Business Administration, employers signed a statement of support. It pledges that business will recognize and respect the special circumstances that serving our country can create.
The signing of the pledge drew more than 200 people to Canalside to help kick off Small Business Community Day.
