Patriot Award
ISM Receives Patriot Award
In honor of its continued support of U.S. troops and military operations, the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) recently presented the prestigious Patriot Award to Industrial Sales & Manufacturing (ISM), an Erie-based supplier and manufacturer of quality machined, fabricated and assembled components. The family-owned company was nominated by Guardsman Ron Greer, ISM's quality assurance manager.
"This means a lot to our organization," said CEO Jim Rutkowski Sr., who accepted the Department of Defense Certificate of Appreciation and Patriot lapel pin before an impromptu gathering of employees and military personnel at the company's West 12th Street facility. "They (soldiers) deserve our respect and support."
During the presentation, Maj. Timothy Foor, executive officer for the 1st Battalion 112th Infantry, and Master Sgt. John Pfadt, USA (Ret.), representing the Department of Defense, both commended ISM for its contributions to U.S. military efforts at home and abroad. "It is very important to us that our soldiers have a good relationship with their employers," Foor said. "The best employers are those that provide support."
Added Rutkowski's son Charlie, plant manager at ISM, "It is tough on a company of our size, but we know how important it is when an employee is called into active duty. After all, our military personnel are the people who keep this great nation free."