Community Relations Service

Daryl Borgquist
202/305-2966
www.usdoj.gov/crs

     WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, the U.S. Department of Justice Community Relations Service (CRS) announced that a mediation agreement promoting improved communications and establishing procedures for addressing complaints of discrimination between the U.S. Coast Guard, the Cheboygan Area Chamber of Commerce, and the City of Cheboygan will be signed on Tuesday, June 10, 2003. The signing will take place at 7:00 p.m. during a town council meeting at City Hall, 403 N. Huron Street, Cheboygan, Michigan.

     "CRS is pleased to have helped service members of the United States Coast Guard and Cheboygan businesses resolve conflict over services and improve relations between them," said Community Relations Service Director Sharee Freeman.

     Earlier this year, CRS provided mediation assistance to the parties in resolving informal discrimination complaints brought by U.S. Coast Guard service members against Cheboygan businesses. The parties agreed to mutual remedies including: an annual chamber of commerce orientation for service members, a U.S. Coast Guard community service outreach program, and improved communications through press and media for the Coast Guard.

     This is the third CRS-assisted Memorandum of Understanding involving the U.S. Coast Guard.

     The U.S. Department of Justice, Community Relations Service offers conflict resolution and mediation services to communities affected by issues of race, color, and national origin. More information about the Community Relations Service is available at www.usdoj.gov/crs.

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