Last week, ICMIF member Securian Financial (USA) was officially proclaimed a “Beyond the Yellow Ribbon” company at a ceremonial event on Thursday 21 November in the city of St. Paul where the organisation is based. The Governor of Minnesota Tim Walz, leaders of the Minnesota National Guard, Securian Financial service members and veterans, and other distinguished guests celebrated the official proclamation at the event.
Beyond the Yellow Ribbon companies are organisations which have been recognised as leaders in supporting the needs of service members, veterans and military families. They actively recruit, hire and retain currently serving and veteran employees, develop support policies and resources for military-connected employees, and partner with other organisations on efforts within local communities.
“We are honoured to join the ranks of Beyond the Yellow Ribbon companies and proud to be part of a business community that celebrates the amazing contributions of veterans,” said Chris Hilger, Securian Financial’s Chairman, President and CEO. “Service members bring so much to Securian Financial’s culture and day-to-day business. We recognise, celebrate and support these heroes among us, and our challenge moving forward is to ensure we live up to this honour every day.”
Securian Financial has adopted a series of initiatives in support of service members, including targeted new employee recruitment efforts, accommodations for employees to fulfil ongoing service responsibilities and specifically extending the company’s community commitment to military assistance. Securian Financial’s employee-founded and employee-run military support group recommended these initiatives and will lead implementation of the company’s Beyond the Yellow Ribbon action plan.
“It means a lot to me personally that my employer is a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon company,” said Devin Smith, a Securian Financial Compliance Director and one of the founders of the company’s military support group. “Shortly after joining Securian Financial, I was deployed overseas as a member of the Minnesota National Guard. My wife and I received so much support from the company and my colleagues while I was thousands of miles away. My story is a testament to this recognition being earned, and I am looking forward to ensuring others share my experience through our efforts as a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon company.”
