IRVING, Texas, May 21, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Chuck Sonsteby, CFO of The Michaels Companies, Inc. (Nasdaq:MIK), signed a Statement of Support Wednesday for the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense office, at the Michaels store in Irving, Texas. ESGR Chief of Employer Outreach Tom Bullock joined Sonsteby at the signing.
A photo accompanying this release is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=33184
The Statement of Support confirms Michaels joins other employers in pledging:
- We fully recognize, honor and enforce the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act.
- Our managers and supervisors will have the tools they need to effectively manage those employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve.
- We appreciate the values, leadership and unique skills service members bring to the workforce and 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.
"Michaels is proud to reaffirm our support of the Guard and Reserve, and we hope that taking the pledge will encourage other Texas companies to do the same," said Michaels CEO Chuck Rubin. "As North America's largest arts and crafts specialty retailer, we firmly believe in supporting our servicemen and women when they are on duty and when they are home. Michaels is committed to hiring retired military personnel as well as spouses and family members throughout all branches of the company."
"Today, supportive employers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation's Guard and Reserve units. The ESGR Statement of Support program is the cornerstone of ESGR's efforts to gain and maintain employer support. The intent of this program is to increase employer support by encouraging participating employers to act as advocates for employee participation in the military," said Bullock. "Michaels is setting a high standard for all Texas employers to follow by providing above-and-beyond support of Texas' Veterans, many of whom currently serve in the National Guard and Reserve."
About The Michaels Companies, Inc.
The Michaels Companies, Inc., is North America's largest specialty retailer of arts and crafts. As of Jan. 31, 2015, the Company owns and operates 1,168 Michaels stores in 49 states and Canada and 120 Aaron Brothers stores, and produces 12 exclusive private brands including Recollections®, Studio Decor®, Bead Landing®, Creatology®, Ashland®, Celebrate It®, ArtMinds®, Artist's Loft®, Craft Smart®, Loops & Threads®, Imagin8® and Make Market™. Visit www.Michaels.com for additional information.
About ESGR
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve is a Department of Defense office established in 1972 to develop and maintain employer support for Guard and Reserve service. ESGR advocates relevant initiatives, recognizes outstanding support, increases awareness of applicable laws, and resolves conflict between service members and employers. Paramount to ESGR's mission is encouraging the employment of Guardsmen and Reservists who bring integrity, global perspective and proven leadership to the civilian workforce.
More information about ESGR Employer Outreach is available at www.ESGR.mil or by contacting Tom Bullock, Chief, Employer Outreach, at 571-372-0709 or by email at thomas.s.bullock6.civ@mail.mil.
Media Contact: Megan Duran or Loren Rutledge
817-329-3257
Michaels@spmcommunications.com
