Coors Brewing Company honored by the Secretary of Defense in Washington, DC

The 2004 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award was presented to Coors Brewing Company by the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve on September 21, 2004.

(PRWEB) September 23, 2004 -- The National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), in conjunction with the Secretary of Defense, honored Coors Brewing Company as a 2004 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award recipient on September 21, 2004 in Washington, DC.

Coors Brewing Company has a legacy of providing support to members in the armed forces. The Coors Veterans Group, an internal volunteer organization located at the companys three U.S. facilities, works with the Guard and Reserve families to provide support during times of mobilization. Additionally, this internal volunteer organization coordinated employee efforts to support our troops in the war by boxing and shipping more than 3,000 pounds of donated items. The Companys long-standing policy of differential pay was updated to a full year after September 11th. Mobilized employees have the option of continuing certain benefits for up to one year as well.

As a company that has long valued, respected and supported our nations armed forces, we are humbled by this recognition by the Secretary of Defense", said Leo Kiely, President and CEO, Coors Brewing Company. Coors is a proud and patriotic company, and all of our employees believe that we should support those who serve and protect our country every day", Kiely added.

The Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, a Waterford crystal eagle, was introduced in 1996 to publicly recognize the significant contributions and sacrifices made by Americas employers of Guardsmen and Reservists.

Coors exceptional support of their Reserve and National Guard employees during mobilization for the war against terrorism has set a standard for all employers to follow", said David Janes, ESGR National Chairman. The Companys advocacy of extending continuing benefits, making up pay differentials, and ensuring employees are returned to their jobs in a timely manner is truly a role model for corporate America. I am proud to have participated in the selection of Coors Brewing Company for this prestigious award", added Janes.

Founded in 1873, Adolph Coors Company is the worlds eighth-largest brewer. Adolph Coors Companys principal U.S. subsidiary is Coors Brewing Company, the third-largest brewer in the U.S., with a portfolio of malt beverages that includes Coors Light, Coors Original, Aspen Edge, Killians, Zima and Keystone family of brands. Adolph Coors Company stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol RKY. For more information on Adolph Coors Company, visit the companys website at www.coors.com .

The unique mission of ESGR to gain and maintain active employer support from all public and private employers for the men and women of the Guard and Reserve as defined by demonstrated employer commitment to employee military service.

ESGR provides free education, consultation, and if necessary mediation for employers of Guard and Reserve employees. More information about ESGR Employer Outreach Programs and volunteer opportunities is available at www.esgr.org, or by calling 800-336-4590.

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