Skyline Membership Corporation
SKYLINE MEMBERSHIP CORPORATION -- (House of Representatives - September 21, 2006)
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Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I ask permission to address the House for 5 minutes.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the gentlewoman from North Carolina is recognized for 5 minutes.
There was no objection.
Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor today to rise and commend the Skyline Membership Corporation for its enormous contributions not only to the Fifth District of North Carolina, but also to our Nation and the global war on terror. It is my pleasure to congratulate them upon receiving the 2006 Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve's Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award. It is of great note that they are only one of 15 recipients this year.
This award publicly recognizes employers for exceptional support for the National Guard and reservists above Federal law requirements. This award, the ESGR, as it is commonly known, is the highest in a series of Department of Defense awards that honors employers who provide excellent support for their excellent Guard and Reserve employees.
The Skyline Membership Corporation is a local member-owned cooperative established in 1951 to help bring telephone service to rural communities, and I am a member. Since its inception it has grown into the second largest of the nine telephone cooperatives in North Carolina. Today it serves over 360,000 access lines, covering an 840-square-mile area in northwest North Carolina and Tennessee.
Skyline Membership Corporation is governed by a nine-member board of directors and operates with a staff of 125 employees. Today it has expanded to provide a number of telecommunications services and has promoted job growth and economic development. It is a leading example of a prosperous business that also played an integral role in community development.
The ESGR is a Department of Defense agency that was established in 1972 by the Secretary of Defense William Perry with the sole purpose to gain and maintain active support for the National Guard and Reserve from all private and public employers.
I am honored and thrilled that such a fantastic business in North Carolina has been one of the 15 chosen out of thousands of companies across the country. It goes to show that in the Fifth District of North Carolina, we have some of the hardest-working people who are dedicated to our country and have a steadfast resolve to support our Nation. They are committed to shield it from terrorism and ensure our Nation is protected by their brave employees who choose to answer the call of our country.
This is a true honor for Skyline Membership Corporation. It is being recognized alongside major businesses such as DuPont, Starbucks, MGM Mirage and various large public agencies for its contributions to the Guard and Reserve units. This award exemplifies the commitment and leadership of the corporation and their determination to encourage their employees to answer the call of their Nation in a time of need.
While fighting the global war on terror, companies such as Skyline are inextricably linked to our Nation's security by sharing their most valuable asset, their employees. One example of its steadfast dedication, not only to the global war on terror, is that they ensure their employees have the best possible accommodations overseas.
One example is the recent action the Skyline Membership Corporation took to support their employee's unit overseas in Iraq. Upon learning that an employee's unit was in dire need of lightweight cabin cots for shelter from insects, sand, heat and other elements, the Skyline Corporation sent 44 cots in a matter of days to that employee's units.
Skyline has gone above and beyond the call. That is why they have been chosen for such a prestigious award. It has supported its employees who are serving their country by answering the call to go to such places as Iraq and Afghanistan. Skyline has provided everything from continued benefits during deployment to care packages. Not only are the folks at Skyline making a difference in their employees' lives, but they are supporting our military and Nation's security.
Skyline has been such a successful business because of the strong leadership it has shown. It recognizes that when hiring National Guard and Reserve members, it can expect superior employees whose military training instills them with virtues such as efficiency, dedication, loyalty and teamwork. These employees share dedication to excellence, which has made Skyline a successful business, and, in turn, Skyline has returned the favor by encouraging and supporting its employees in every way possible to serve our country.
Skyline recognizes the importance of national security and serving our Nation. Its actions are truly deserving of the honor of such a prestigious award.
I wish Skyline all the best, and I have a message for them. Keep up the good work. You have made North Carolina and our Nation proud
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I am pleased to be able to commend Skyline Membership Corporation for its tremendous contributions to our Nation and to its employees. In a post 9/11 world their work, support and leadership exemplifies the best there is in North Carolina and highlights the exemplary work of the people of Western NC. Again, I commend The Skyline Corporation for its service, support and dedication.
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