(Gov. Tim Pawlenty (far left) joined with representatives from 3M in declaring the company a Yellow Ribbon Corporation)Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty was in International Falls yesterday to honour a Minnesota company as the state's third "Yellow Ribbon Corporation."
The distinction to 3M recognizes the firm's outreach program and support to military service members and their families.
Pawlenty says 3M has been a model company for the program.
"They have reached out and trying to, within their company, identify who the members of the military and veterans are," says Pawlenty, "and designed programs to try and support and encourage and thank them ranging from making sure that if they get deployed they won't take a step down in salary."
Pawlenty says 3-M has also assisted with their military members reintegrate into civilian life.
Target and Marvin Windows were honoured in previous events.
Pawlenty presented the award to 3-M during a summit on the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Campaign.
Members of the National Guard were in International Falls to promote the initiative aimed to increasing support for troops and ensuring they have supports mechanisms when they return.
Lt. Col. Barbara O'Reilly says they're hoping more companies, businesses and agencies get on board.
"The vast majority of the population supports the troops and want to do something," says O'Reilly. "What we're trying to do is build a network that gives them an opportunity to serve."
The campaign was first developed in 2005, but only recently has the Guard travelled across the state to promote the program.
