Briess Honored as Patriotic Employer

CHILTON, Wisc.Briess Malt & Ingredients Co. was recognized by the Department of Defense as a "Patriotic Employer" for its support of America's National Guard and Reserve Force. The award recognizes companies that go above and beyond federal requirements for offering support and services to military employees.

The nomination was submitted by Leona Propson, a quality control specialist employed at Briess since 1995 and an Army Reservist assigned to the 432^nd Civil Affairs Battalion, Green Bay. Since 2000, Propson has been deployed twice, first to Kosovo and more recently to Iraq.

In nominating Briess for the award, Propson noted that management and co-workers offered personal support to her and her family.

"Several people placed flags in their cubicles and on their doors the whole time I was gone. They also made a quilt and hung it in the office to show their support. I received frequent emails from co-workers,  owner Monica Briess and president Gordon Lane. I received care packages. And when I came off of active duty, I was offered a new position within the company that was equivalent to a promotion," she wrote in the nomination.

"What I have found is that Briess and the Army have similar values," Propson recently explained. "The Army has several values: loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage. I see those same values with owner Monica through management to the employees who work for Briess Malt & Ingredients Co."

The award recognized Briess "for contributing to national security and protecting liberty and freedom by supporting employee participation in America's National Guard and Reserve Force." It was presented by Chester McDonald of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a DOD agency.