PALATINE, Ill. - Schneider Electric's North American Operating Division and Dave Petratis, president and chief executive officer, have been awarded the Patriotic Employer Award by the National Committee of Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR). The award is given to those employers with policies and practices supportive of their employees' participation in the National Guard and Reserve.

Schneider Electric was specifically singled out for its unconditional support of Charles J. Madison, a sales support representative for Schneider Electric, who serves in the Company A 234th Signal Battalion of the Army National Guard.

Madison, recently returned from a tour of duty in Iraq, presented Petratis with an award certificate and lapel pin during the 50th anniversary celebration of the company's Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Square D plant.

This is the second year in a row in which the North American Operating Division has been honored for supporting U.S. troops. Last year, the Cedar Rapids plant was recognized locally by the Iowa Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve for its military leave and pay policy, flexible use of personal days for Guard-related activities, and use of company equipment for unit training.

Publication date: 10/17/2005