Skyward honored for support of Reserve, National Guard

By: Nathan Vine
Stevens Point Journal staff

February 28, 2009

The National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve on Friday awarded a Patriot Award for outstanding support of employees in the National Guard or Reserve to Skyward Inc.

Skyward was selected for the award because of actions including publishing a military leave policy in the employee handbook, continuing employees' salary during military mobilization and providing a hiring policy that is favorable to applicants with current or past military service.

Vincent Ledlow with ESGR gave the award to Skyward CEO Cliff King and said companies with these types of policies help military personnel focus on the task of protecting the country.

"When these men and women are away, it's tough to have to worry about whether or not that pay raise is supposed to come or if they should get that promotion," Ledlow said. "A company like this really can relieve a service member of those worries."

Jeff Adams, a customer service employee with Skyward who spent seven years with the Army Reserve, nominated the company for the award.

When scheduled for his weekend training once a month in Milwaukee, Adams said he would typically have to leave at 4 a.m. Saturday and sometimes would not return to Stevens Point until 10 p.m. Sunday. Skyward made sure he had no work conflicts that would prevent him from meeting that commitment.

"They have flexibility that I have never seen," Adams said. "Very early on in my time with this company, it was made clear to me that what I had to do would not be a concern."

King said he and the company were "very honored" to received the award, and that the company has had these types of policies since it opened in 1980.

Skyward provides K-12 administrative software to more than 1,300 customers worldwide.

Saint Michael's Hospital received the Patriot Award last year.