On June 8, 2007, the Employer Support for Guard and Reserve Committees of Massachusetts and Connecticut joined together to thank Friendly Ice Cream Corporation for it’s commitment to “stand behind and support its employees who are in the Guard and Reserve”. Friendly’s Ice Cream opened its first shop in Springfield Massachusetts in 1935, and today has hundreds of Friendly’s Restaurants located in 16 States.

  Mr George Condos, CEO and President of the Friendly Ice Cream Corporation proudly signed a statement of support on behalf of the Corporation. Statements will also be distributed to all Friendly Restaurants, along with a letter from Corporate Headquarters requesting each manager display a five star statement at his or her location, as a demonstration of support for those citizen soldiers called to serve.

  Following the signing, Mr Condos was presented the Above & Beyond Award.

  During the ceremony, Mr. Condos reflected on how he was asked about Friendly’s policy when employees are called to service. At the time, Mr. Condos didn’t know. The Chief Executive did look into the policy and found that it paid employees the difference between their military pay and civilian pay for up to six months of military service. This was a generous policy that exceeded what is required by law but Mr. Condos wanted to do more when an employee is called to serve. The policy is now changed to cover the difference in pay for the period an employee is currently required to serve in the military.

  This policy was also made retroactive, so those that have already served will receive their pay differential for the entire period they were away. Following the signing and this surprise announcement, Mr Condos presented retroactive checks to two reservists who were invited to attend the ceremony.

  Pictured from the left are: CT ESGR State Chair Lewis Vasquez; Mr. George Condos, President and CEO; EOC Brant Wilkerson, USNR; SSG Timothy Sullivan, MA Army NG; and Mr Kenneth Forchielli, MA ESGR State Chair.