Governor Mark Dayton proclaims Mall of America® a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Company for support of military employees

BLOOMINGTON, Minn., Jan. 17, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Governor Mark Dayton and Minnesota National Guard Adjutant General Richard Nash recognized Mall of America^® today for completing the process to become a "Beyond the Yellow Ribbon" company at a proclamation ceremony held at the Mall.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140117/CG48649)

Hundreds of special guests, employees, family members and service members attended. Many Mall service members and veterans donned traditional military attire in honor of this special recognition.

The nation's largest Mall worked with the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon program to help employees who are service members and veterans, as well as their families with community support, training, services and resources before, during and after deployment.

"The Beyond the Yellow Ribbon program is important. This process has given us the opportunity to look closely at what we have done in the past. Even better, it helped us to identify the potential for what we could do to support military members moving forward," stated Rich Hoge, executive vice president of operations at Mall of America. "The most important part of today is the realization that each of us, everyone gathered here, recognizes and honors the sacrifices our military service members, veterans and their families have made."

Mall of America first began the16-step certification process for Beyond the Yellow Ribbon in February 2013. To achieve this proclamation, Mall of America – in addition to its military discounts at select MOA retailers – will provide ongoing support through its human resources, community and employee outreach departments as well as training and development programs. Some examples of that support for employees and their families include, but aren't limited to:

• 34 percent discount at select MOA retailers on proclamation day (celebrating the 34^th MN Infantry Division)
• Free "dining out" events at MOA restaurants
• Vikings tailgate parties and family day at MOA
• Free rides at Nickelodeon Universe^® and free tickets to Theatres at Mall of America^®
• "Welcome home" events for returning service people at MOA
• Employer paid benefits for 30 days prior to deployment
• Providing work readiness programs for current employees

About Mall of America®
Mall of America is the nation's largest retail and entertainment complex. At 4.2 million square feet, MOA is home to more than 520 world-class shops; Nickelodeon Universe®, the nation's largest indoor family amusement park; SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium, a 1.2 million gallon walk-through aquarium; Moose Mountain Adventure Golf; Theatres at Mall of America® - a 14-screen movie theater with VIP theatre and more. The Mall opened in August of 1992 and is located in Bloomington, Minn., just minutes from downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul. Follow Mall of America on Facebook and Twitter or visit our blog.

SOURCE Mall of America