City announces five-star employer status, new Veterans Ombudsman

For immediate release
Nov. 9, 2007

Council Member Lee Leffingwell and City Manager Toby Hammett Futrell today joined more than 100 City of Austin veterans and reservists for a special recognition event at Austin City Hall.

The City of Austin has been named a five-star employer by the Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve for its outstanding support of military employees. ESGR is a Department of Defense volunteer organization dedicated to recognizing employers that support their employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve. The five-star recognition is the highest honor ESGR can award.

“We all know that the City of Austin's veterans are heroes, but even heroes have challenges when they return from serving our country and restart their jobs,” said Leffingwell, who spearheaded the effort to make the City a five-star employer. “I want to make sure that our veterans know the City of Austin will support their decision to serve, but we will also do everything we can to make their return smooth and successful."

“One of the things I love most about the City of Austin is our diverse work force, and that includes the men and women who serve our country,” Futrell said. “I’m proud of the City for achieving this honor, and more importantly, that we’ll be able to provide additional support to our military employees.”

The Five-Star program is designed to help employers put into place practices that assist their employees who serve our nation as Guard or Reserve members while also minimizing or eliminating any potential issues. The program also seeks to inform and educate employers about their rights and responsibilities.

The Five-Star Statement of Support confirms that the City of Austin:

• Promotes training for managers and supervisors to effectively manage its employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.
• Signed a Statement of Support publicly demonstrating its support for its employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.
• Reviewed its human resources policies to ensure compliance with the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act (USERRA).
• Adopted polices and programs that are “above and beyond” what is required by the USERRA Law.
• Is an advocate for employee service in the National Guard and Reserve and will help to promote the mission of ESGR.

In addition, the City formally introduced its first Veterans Ombudsman, Allen Bergeron, who will serve as an advocate for City of Austin employees in the service and their families. Bergeron served 20 years in the Marine Corps and will provide veterans and reservists with information on benefits offered through the City of Austin, the community and local military bases.

“We want City of Austin employees to know that while they’re serving our great nation, they do not have to worry about their jobs when they return,” Bergeron said. “It’s often challenging for soldiers to return to civilian life, and I look forward to helping City employees make a seamless transition.”

Bergeron can be contacted in the Veterans Ombudsman Office at One Texas Center, 505 Barton Springs Road; or call (512) 974-3459; or e-mail allen.bergeron@ci.austin.tx.us.

Contact:
Office of Council Member Lee Leffingwell, (512) 974-2260
Karen Haywood, Employee Services Division Manager, (512) 974-3465