Mall of America® officially proclaimed a yellow Ribbon Company
Contact:
Sarah Schmidt
952.883.8805
Mall of America® Officially Proclaimed a Yellow Ribbon Company for Supporting Military Employees
Governor Mark Dayton to inaugurate the honor at MOA on Jan. 17
BLOOMINGTON, Minn. (Jan. 9, 2014) The State of Minnesota officially has proclaimed Mall of America® a Yellow Ribbon company. In an ongoing effort to support and recognize those who serve our country, the nations largest Mall has worked with the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon program to help employees who are service members and veterans, as well as their families with community support, training, services and resources before, during and after deployment.
Were proud that several Mall of America employees also serve in our nations military. In fact, 30 percent of our security team are service members and veterans, said Rich Hoge, vice president of operations for Mall of America. It has been a longstanding tradition to support our people in the armed forces, and now, as a Yellow Ribbon company, we can ensure our service members, military families and veterans loyalty to our country is celebrated.
Mall of America first began the16-step certification process for Beyond the Yellow Ribbon in February 2013. To achieve this proclamation, Mall of America in addition to its military discounts at select MOA retailers will provide ongoing support through its human resources, community and employee outreach departments as well as training and development programs. Some examples of that support for employees and their families include, but arent limited to:
- 34 percent discount at select MOA retailers on proclamation day (celebrating the 34th MN Infantry Division)
- Free dining out events at MOA restaurants
- Vikings tailgate parties and family day at MOA
- Free rides at Nickelodeon Universe® and free tickets to Theatres at Mall of America®
- Welcome home events for returning service people at MOA
- Employer paid benefits for 30 days prior to deployment
- Providing work readiness programs for current service member employees
Serving my country for 10 years in the National Guard has been an honor, but to have the unwavering support of my employer is extraordinary, said Will Bernhjelm, security patrol captain at Mall of America. The benefits and support the Mall provided during my deployment allowed me to reintegrate back into my job with ease.
A proclamation ceremony for this achievement will take place on Friday, Jan. 17 at 11:30 a.m. in the Rotunda with Governor Mark Dayton, Minnesota National Guard Adjutant General Richard Nash and Mall of America executive vice president of Operations Rich Hoge. The event will include MOA employees in uniform with their families and Color Guard.
About Mall of America®
Mall of America is the nations largest retail and entertainment complex. At 4.2 million square feet, MOA is home to more than 520 world-class shops; Nickelodeon Universe®, the nations largest indoor family amusement park; SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium, a 1.2 million gallon walk-through aquarium; Moose Mountain Adventure Golf; Theatres at Mall of America® - a 14-screen movie theater with VIP theatre and more. The Mall opened in August of 1992 and is located in Bloomington, Minn., just minutes from downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul. Follow Mall of America on Facebook and Twitter or visit our blog.
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