Minnesota Companies Go Above and Beyond at Conference
April 13, 2022 (MAPLE GROVE, Minnesota) – Representatives of Beyond the Yellow Ribbon (BTYR) companies from across Minnesota gathered at the Great River Energy corporate headquarters in Maple Grove, Minnesota, to attend the bi-annual Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Company Conference on April 13, 2022.
“These conferences are important because it allows us to bring together Minnesota Companies who have made over and above commitments to support service members, veterans and military families,” said Annette Kuyper, director of military outreach for the Minnesota Department of Military Affairs. “Gathering them twice a year allows for building relationships, sharing best practices and providing education on military-specific resources. This allows us to synchronize support efforts throughout the state to ensure veterans, service member or military family members feel appreciated and supported.”
The Minnesota National Guard now partners with 84 companies who have achieved Yellow Ribbon status since the program began in 2008. Within those BTYR companies, they have had to learn how to best support those among their employees who are Reserve or National Guard service members.
At this year’s conference, Great River Energy, which became the 57th Yellow Ribbon company for Minnesota in 2017, shared their best practices regarding veteran recruitment & retainment, supporting service member’s during deployments, and their veteran employee resource group.
“I commend all of you,” said Army Maj. Gen. Johanna Clyborne, assistant adjutant general for the Minnesota National Guard. “You are creating those connections and leading the way for how companies can create an environment that supports, honors, and recognizes the value of military service. One of the Minnesota National Guard’s priorities is partnerships, and without a doubt, every company here is an extraordinary partner to our military.”
If your company or community is interested in becoming a part of the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon, visit https://mnbtyr.ng.mil/
Article by Staff Sergeant Sydney Mariette
