Cullman’s Topre America Corp. is among three Alabama businesses that are semifinalists for the U.S. Defense Secretary Employer Support Freedom Award.

Nominations are submitted by Guardsmen and Reservists. This year, 3,064 nominations were made. There are 148 semifinalists for the prestigious award.

In addition to Topre, the other semifinalists from Alabama include Team TSI of Albertville (small business) and the Phenix City Board of Education (public sector). Topre is in the large business category.

“One of our long term associates nominated Topre America for this prestigious award. Michael Bryant has been with Topre for 12 years, he began as an operator and has progressed to the supervisor level. He is described as an individual who always goes above and beyond to help his team, a self-starter that can be depended on no matter what the task. Michael is one of the many in the Topre family that has answered the call to service to our country. At Topre America we try to keep things simple, we take care of our people and we take care of our customers. We are truly honored by this nomination,” said Natalie Caudle, manager of human resources at Topre.

The Freedom Award began in 1996 by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve to draw attention to support from the employer community. To date, only 235 employers have received the award. More than 17,000 nominations have been received since 2011.

“We are proud that Topre America Corp has been selected from more than 3,000 nominations for the Freedom Award,” said Peggy Smith, executive director of the Cullman Economic Development Agency. “What an outstanding award. It says that Topre supports the Guard and Reservist and the role they play in helping to keep our community and state safe. Topre recognizes the value that these men and women bring to all of us and they support the Mission of ESGR, which encourages hiring of Guardsmen and Reservist in the civilian workforce. Cullman is fortunate to have Topre as a quality company that is committed to giving back and supporting the community and their associates.”

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense agency, seeks to develop and promote a culture in which all American employers support and value the military service of their employees with ESGR as the principal advocate within DoD. ESGR does this by advocating relevant initiatives, recognizing outstanding support, increasing awareness of applicable laws and resolving conflict between employers and service members. Paramount to ESGR’s mission is encouraging employment of Guardsmen and Reservists who bring integrity, global perspective and proven leadership to the civilian workforce.

David Palmer may be contacted at 256-734-2131, ext. 116.