Company Recognized for Support of Employees Serving in National Guard and Reserves

Company Recognized for Support of Employees Serving in National Guard and Reserves
Joe Chlapaty, left, chairman and CEO of Advanced Drainage Systems Inc. (ADS) accepts the ‘Above and Beyond’ award from William Hebert of the Massachusetts Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense operational committee.

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Advanced Drainage Systems Inc. (ADS) known for its stormwater and sanitary sewer management pipe and products, received the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) ‘Above and Beyond’ award at its Ludlow, Mass., manufacturing plant. The award was presented to ADS Chairman and CEO Joe Chlapaty. 

The ‘Above and Beyond’ award is presented by ESGR state committees to recognize employers at the local level who have exceeded the legal requirements of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act by providing their Guard and Reserve employees additional, non-mandated benefits. The award is given in limited numbers by state committees to employers who have had at least one of their supervisors/managers recognized with a Patriot Award, and who have signed or agree to sign a statement of support. 

“Without a doubt, this is a heartfelt honor for me personally and for ADS as a company,” Chlapaty stated. “We have always supported our employees with educational and training programs that enable them to progress at ADS. Our initiative to assist employees on active duty, which specifically recognizes their commitment to our county, is one component of that company-wide mission. Throughout our company, we currently have four employees on active military duty and have had 13 employees deployed during the past three years.” 

ADS produces corrugated plastic pipe, and makes a variety of other products for the storm drain, retention/detention, water quality and sanitary sewer application markets. ADS products are utilized in commercial construction, highway, airport and railroad projects, and agricultural fields throughout the United States and the world. The company has a network of 56 domestic and international manufacturing plants and 28 distribution centers with more than 3,500 employees. 

In April 2013, the ADS Ludlow, Mass., plant manager, David Pare, was presented with the ESGR’s Patriot Award. The Patriot Award was created by ESGR to publicly recognize individuals who provide outstanding patriotic support and cooperation to their employees. Pare was nominated by ADS Ludlow employee Jerry G. Paquette, who is also a Technical Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force Reserve, to show his appreciation for the strong support given to his military career. 

Additionally, upon his return from active duty Paquette presented to the company a combat mission flag that was flown aboard a C-17A Globemaster III during combat missions over Afghanistan. It is now on display at the ADS headquarters in Hilliard, Ohio. 

“ADS also supports the Wounded Warrior Program, Honor Flight, Honor Guard,” offered Chlapaty. “Plus our employees organize their own events to show appreciation and to raise money to support our Armed Service members such as the ADS Annual Motorcycle Memorial Day Weekend Ride which will celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2014. We encourage all companies to help our men and women in uniform with programs of partnership that can be a source of supportive strength for them and also for their families.” 

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve is a Department of Defense operational committee established in 1972 to develop and maintain employer support for Guard and Reserve service. ESGR advocates relevant initiatives, recognizes outstanding support, increases awareness of applicable laws, and resolves conflict between service members and employers. Paramount to ESGR’s mission is encouraging the employment of Guardsmen and Reservists who bring integrity, global perspective and proven leadership to the civilian workforce. 

About ADS
Advanced Drainage Systems Inc. (ADS) produces HDPE corrugated plastic pipe. Founded in 1966, it serves the stormwater drainage and onsite industry through a global network of 56 domestic and international manufacturing plants and 28 distribution centers. In addition to its flagship N-12 pipe, the company offers a complete line of fittings and other accessories including StormTech stormwater chambers, Nyloplast drainage structures and various geotextiles. For more information, visit www.ads-pipe.com.



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