SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- Kum & Go district supervisor Blaine Corlette in Sioux Falls, S.D., has been awarded the Employer Support of the Guard & Reserve (ESGR) Patriot Award for recognition of his support of a fellow Kum & Go associate serving in the Army National Guard.
"Blaine's dedication echoes our company-wide commitment to men and women in uniform," said Kyle Krause, Kum & Go LC president and CEO. "We're proud of our associates who serve our country and equally proud of associates like Blaine who help support our hometown heroes while they are called to serve."
The ESGR Patriot Award recognizes supervisors nominated by an employee serving in the National Guard or Reserve for support provided directly to the nominator. The award reflects efforts made to support military personnel through a wide range of measures including flexible schedules, time off prior to and after deployment, caring for families and granting leaves of absence if needed.
As district supervisor for Kum & Go, Corlette received the award for his outstanding patriotic support of general manager Don Johnson. Johnson, who nominated Corlette for the award, is a Major in the Army National Guard and manager for a Sioux Falls Kum & Go store.
"I know it's not just Blaine that makes all this possible. It's the attitude of Kum & Go management that encourages Blaine to support me," stated Johnson. "Blaine and other associates have a genuine interest in my career goals at Kum & Go and in the military."
Corlette received the award during a special ceremony held at the store.
In other company news, at the groundbreaking of the Des Moines Social Club's new home at a former firehouse in downtown Des Moines last week, Kyle and Sharon Krause presented the organization with a $350,000 gift on behalf of Kum & Go.
Announced in Dec. 2012, the gift will help to preserve and renovate the space, which is scheduled to be completed in early 2014.
"The Des Moines Social Club serves a demographic that's critical to the vitality of downtown Des Moines," said Krause. "We have the utmost respect for the leadership of this unique and visionary organization, and we're proud to support their continued growth."
The Firehouse will include a performance center named the Kum & Go Theater, as well as an art gallery and a classroom. Kyle and Sharon both serve on the Capital Campaign Committee for DMSC. This group is charged with raising the $3.5 million needed for the purchase and renovation of the Firehouse.
"Sharon and Kyle are well known for their ongoing support of the Des Moines area, and they've demonstrated their leadership yet again through this amazing partnership," said Zachary Mannheimer, executive director of the Des Moines Social Club. "They understand that the arts are vitally important to the economy - generating revenue, creating jobs and developing communities. We sincerely appreciate their support."
West Des Moines, Iowa-based Kum & Go is the fifth largest privately held, company-operated convenience store chain in the United States. The family-owned company began in 1959, in Hampton, Iowa, and has grown to more than 420 convenience stores in 11 states (Iowa, Arkansas, Colorado, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota and Wyoming). In addition to a wide selection of products, Kum & Go provides customers a proprietary mix of products under the Hiland brand. Other proprietary product offerings include Java Ridge Premium Coffee, Napa Creek and Sea Ridge wines, Go Fresh Market sandwiches and Nuclear energy drinks.
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