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.