2005 Best Companies to Work For.Our annual look at the best employers in Utah has a new twist this year. We've taken the annual Utah Business "Best Companies to Work For" feature, and partnered with the Utah Department of Workforce Services, whose Work/Life Award has recognized outstanding Utah employers for the past seven years. Together, we are proud to present the 2005 Best Companies to Work For: ten companies that emerged from a strenuous stren·u·ous adj. 1. Requiring great effort, energy, or exertion: a strenuous task. 2. Vigorously active; energetic or zealous. application and review process that sought to highlight Utah businesses that have created exceptional workplaces, making for unprecedented levels of commitment between employees and employers. Making the final list is no small feat; more than 50 companies vied for the honor, a 25 percent increase over those applying in 2004. The award also establishes a benchmark for others companies to shoot for, so while reading the following profiles of the winners you might want to take notes; through hard work, dedication, and creativity, maybe someday some·day adv. At an indefinite time in the future. Usage Note: The adverbs someday and sometime express future time indefinitely: We'll succeed someday. Come sometime. you can get your company on the list, too. 1-800 CONTACTS If you ask employees at 1-800 CONTACTS what they like about their company, most will mention the amazing a·maze v. a·mazed, a·maz·ing, a·maz·es v.tr. 1. To affect with great wonder; astonish. See Synonyms at surprise. 2. Obsolete To bewilder; perplex. v.intr. subsidized sub·si·dize tr.v. sub·si·dized, sub·si·diz·ing, sub·si·diz·es 1. To assist or support with a subsidy. 2. To secure the assistance of by granting a subsidy. food in the first-rate cafeteria cafeteria: see restaurant. . "I've never worked anywhere that went to such great lengths to make their employees happy," says Colleen Walker Colleen Walker (born August 16, 1956 in Jacksonville, Florida) is an American golfer who formerly played on the LPGA Tour. She is currently playing on the Legends Tour. Walker attended Florida State University and her rookie year on the tour was 1982. , a nine-year veteran at the company. "They are constantly working to make the work environment as comfortable and enjoyable as possible for us." [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Other perks perk 1 v. perked, perk·ing, perks v.intr. 1. To stick up or jut out: dogs' ears that perk. 2. To carry oneself in a lively and jaunty manner. include a fitness room, "relaxation rooms," and classes such as personal finance, gardening, and cooking. Tuition reimbursements help many college-student employees, and flexible schedules let employees work around school schedules or family needs. Another employee says that he attended a meeting during which CEO (1) (Chief Executive Officer) The highest individual in command of an organization. Typically the president of the company, the CEO reports to the Chairman of the Board. and founder Jonathan Coon coon: see raccoon. encouraged employees to take a day off whenever they were feeling burned out or needed some personal time. "It's not often you hear that from the top, and he really meant it," he says. Employees know that their well-being contributes to good customer service, which means a healthy bottom line. That decision comes straight from the top, says Emily Dyer, a call center associate director who has worked for the company for six years. "Jonathan has been quoted numerous times as saying he can't take care of each of his 2.5 million customers, but he can take care of each of his 600 employees, who will take care of his customers," she explains. Coon says, "We are certain our 'trickle down' employee-first model has been the key to our repeated business--which is at 85 percent--customer retention, and growth," says Coon. "We continue to have one of the lowest turnover rates in the calling industry." --Lucy Burningham ARUP Laboratories ARUP Laboratories is a great place to work, as its lengthy list of workplace awards proves. The company has earned a 2005 Commuter Vision Award from UTA uta see leishmaniasis. , a Gold Level Healthy Worksite Award from the Utah Council for Worksite Health Promotion, and has been named one of Utah's Best Companies five years running. ARUP, owned by the University of Utah The University of Utah (also The U or the U of U or the UU), located in Salt Lake City, is the flagship public research university in the state of Utah, and one of 10 institutions that make up the Utah System of Higher Education. , tests thousands of medical specimens in a round-the-clock operation. Recognizing the strong connection between employee satisfaction and productivity, ARUP strives to provide a workplace supportive of its employees. Employees attribute ARUP's great environment to the involvement and accessibility of every level of management, beginning with CEO Carl R. Kjeldsberg M.D. "The CEO briefly stepped into a training meeting of new hires and won us all over within the first minutewith his warmth and sincerity," says one employee. "All employees from the bottom to the top are treated as equals and peers. I feel equally at ease with our medical directors as I do with our specimen processors." [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "The integrity of the company is amazing," says another employee. "The executives don't seem to put themselves above anybody and are always at our level. Every Thursday there is an open walk with the CEO, and anyone can go and chat with him." "The executive team truly believes that the employees are the key to our success, and are willing to invest in that belief," says Von Madsen, assistant vice president of human resources The fancy word for "people." The human resources department within an organization, years ago known as the "personnel department," manages the administrative aspects of the employees. . "Everything that happens here is done by an employee, and if we keep employees happy and healthy it will show up as better quality of patient care, better customer service, improved productivity and ultimately higher profitability." --Connie Myers Employer Solutions Group Established in 1997, ESG ESG Enterprise Strategy Group (Veritas) ESG Emergency Shelter Grant (Florida, USA) ESG Expeditionary Strike Group ESG Electronic Service Guide (used in DVB) helps its clients with a variety of business services, including human resources. Ranked as one of the top employers in Utah in recent years, it offers employees a comfortable environment where family comes first. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "ESG has a corporate culture unlike any that I am aware," remarks Eric Dyches, marketing and business development director. "I continually hear employees state how different the ESG culture is compared to what the employee has experienced in the past." Dyches tells a story of taking off a morning to tend to a sick child. Instead of being chastised chas·tise tr.v. chas·tised, chas·tis·ing, chas·tis·es 1. To punish, as by beating. See Synonyms at punish. 2. To criticize severely; rebuke. 3. Archaic To purify. for being late, he was encouraged to take care of pressing issues at home. "It's reassuring re·as·sure tr.v. re·as·sured, re·as·sur·ing, re·as·sures 1. To restore confidence to. 2. To assure again. 3. To reinsure. to know that my employer offers this type of latitude latitude, angular distance of any point on the surface of the earth north or south of the equator. The equator is latitude 0°, and the North Pole and South Pole are latitudes 90°N and 90°S, respectively. ," he says. "ESG is among the best companies to work for, if not the best company, because of our corporate culture," says Sher Bingham, a human resource specialist. "Management understands that our work life is an important part of life and should be enjoyed, and that hard work is derived from people who enjoy working together." ESG empowers its employees by showing trust and confidence in them, says Bingham. "The last company I worked for had a management style that made me feel like I was being micro-managed and not highly trusted," she says. "That's exactly opposite from my experience at ESG. I was given confidential information Noun 1. confidential information - an indication of potential opportunity; "he got a tip on the stock market"; "a good lead for a job" steer, tip, wind, hint, lead about ESG's client-base on my first day on the job. At my previous company, I did not feel like upper management was approachable to ask questions, whereas I feel completely comfortable approaching any ESG executives." --Brad Fullmer Futura Industries When Stephanie Bryant's husband, John, was diagnosed with cancer last summer, his employer rallied around the family. "It was quite unbelievable," she says. From arranging for long-term disability insurance to holding fundraisers, Futura Industries, where John had worked in sales for five years, took care of the Bryants during a difficult time. John died just three months later at age thirty-five, leaving stay-at-home-mom Stephanie with five children. Futura's president and CEO Susan Johnson Susan Johnson is the name of:
The company, which has 250 full-time and 15 part-time employees and produces aluminum extrusion products, has received a Utah Department of Workforce Services award for being a family-friendly enterprise five times. "People say, 'You must offer daycare on site,'" Johnson laughs. "But we get the award primarily because we recognize that each employee is an individual." While the concept sounds simple, Futura implements the approach to a unique degree. For example, Johnson sends handwritten hand·write tr.v. hand·wrote , hand·writ·ten , hand·writ·ing, hand·writes To write by hand. [Back-formation from handwritten.] Adj. 1. birthday and Christmas cards to each employee. And she knows each of their names. "Nobody wants to be part of something where you're anonymous," she says. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] In addition, Futura offers scholarships to employees and their family members, flexible work schedules and telecommuting telecommuting, an arrangement by which people work at home using a computer and telephone, transmitting work material to a business office by means of a modem and telephone lines; it is also known as telework. options, and free English-as-a-second-language classes for its large Spanish-speaking workforce. Steve Silvester, a regional sales manger manger cattle trough which served as crib for Christ. [N.T.: Luke 2:7] See : Nativity , has worked at Futura for almost 19 years. Silvester says that in addition to realizing the importance of his family, the company inspires accountability. "I'm valued here and my opinion matters," he says. "I know they depend on me and I know I give them my best." [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] --Lucy Burningham Nicholas & Co. Owned and operated by the Mouskondis family for the past 65 years, Nicholas & Company prides itself on treating all 500 employees like kin. The results are a workforce that are loyal and capable of keeping the company competitive in the crowded food distribution industry. Many employees have tenures of five, 10, 15, and 20 years. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Dennis Gundersen has held various positions for Nicholas & Co. for 35 years, the Years, The the seven decades of Eleanor Pargiter’s life. [Br. Lit.: Benét, 1109] See : Time longest tenure next to owner Bill Mouskondis'. President and CEO Peter Mouskondis credits the women of his family for many of the company's successes--his grandmother, the company's first book-keeper; his mother Elyce, founder of the human resources department; and Nicole, his wife, who is now a senior vice president. "Our success at Nicholas & Co. is directly related to our family-friendly approach and the work of my grandmother, mother, and wife in making work/life balance an essential part of our culture," Peter says. The staff feels that they can approach the Mouskondis team with problems, questions or suggestions. "We realize the competitive nature of our business, and involve the employees in the decision-making process," says CCE CCE Cornell Cooperative Extension CCE Corporate and Continuing Education CCE Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc. CCE Commission de Coopération Environnementale CCE Centre for Continuing Education CCE College of Continuing Education CCE Certified Computer Examiner Susan Archibque. Dennis Gundersen agrees, noting that this openness defines a large part of the company's culture. "Not all our ideas are implemented, but that isn't as important as the ability to have them heard," he says. For employees with families, the company offers the NICCO NICCO Nippon International Cooperation for Community room, a place where children can play while their parents work--a comfortable solution for childcare emergencies or child sick days. Nicholas also provides flexible workdays and "plenty" of time off for illness, volunteer work and vacation, says the staff. --Lucy Burningham NPS NPS National Park Service NPS Naval Postgraduate School NPS Net Promoter Score (customer management) NPS Non-Point Source pollution NPS Native Plant Society NPS Norfolk Public Schools (Virginia) Pharmaceuticals Employees at NPS Pharmaceuticals can't help but feel good about what they do. After all, the company's goal is to discover, develop, and commercialize drugs to benefit everyone. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "NPS is a team working towards tangible goals," administrative associate Kathie Yocum comments. "Most people here feel their work makes a difference. We're compensated well and given flexibility and respect in the workplace. In return we give back our best." "We get to know each other on a first time basis," another employee notes. "Our CEO leads the staff meetings, so we hear about our future first hand." CEO Hunter Jackson concurs, "It's my personal goal to ensure that this company remains a distinguished and highly sought-after employer." NPS has worked many years to foster an atmosphere in which employees can thrive both in their personal and professional lives. Flexible start and end times emphasize that getting the job done and the quality of one's efforts are more important than arriving early, staying late, or sticking to a rigid schedule. NPS has a long-term care long-term care (LTC), n the provision of medical, social, and personal care services on a recurring or continuing basis to persons with chronic physical or mental disorders. program employees can sign up for which helps their parents and even grandparents grandparents npl → abuelos mpl grandparents grand npl → grands-parents mpl grandparents grand npl pay for nursing home care. Other employees are helped with educational and even adoption expenses. "NPS is one of the best places to work because of the core value of respect for individual dignity," comments human resources specialist Ken Coman. "The practice of respect and good will toward others was the very foundation upon which NPS was built." Adds another, who receives NPS educational benefits, "Because I pride myself in my work and efforts, I see the company's success as my success. It is all connected." --Larry Warren Radius Engineering Although it produces high-tech composite components from ski poles and bike frames to airplane airplane, aeroplane, or aircraft, heavier-than-air vehicle, mechanically driven and fitted with fixed wings that support it in flight through the dynamic action of the air. wings, Radius Engineering's values include old-fashioned caring for each of its two-dozen employees. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] When one employee's wife faced a terminal illness. Radius gave him as much leave with pay as necessary, and, according to according to prep. 1. As stated or indicated by; on the authority of: according to historians. 2. In keeping with: according to instructions. 3. one employee, colleagues had a sixth sense about giving him the space and/or comfort he needed to get through it. Likewise, when long-term employee Brett Josie died unexpectedly, Radius set up Utah Savings Education Plans for each of his three sons. When a staff photo was taken, his picture was included as a tribute to his contributions to the company's success. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] President Dimitrije Milovich is supportive of the needs of all employees. Work hours are flexible, so parents can come and go at will to take care of childcare needs, assist elderly parents, run other necessary errands, or just ride a bike or enjoy an afternoon of powder. Radius is settling into a new facility along the Jordan River Jordan River River, Middle East. It rises on the Syria-Lebanon border, flows through Lake Tiberias (Sea of Galilee), and then receives its main tributary, the Yarmuk River. Parkway, a "green" design that will qualify as Utah's first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, provides a suite of standards for environmentally sustainable construction. ) building. Employees helped in the design, which includes locker Things commonly known as lockers include:
room - an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling; "the rooms were very small but they had a nice view" shower bath, shower stall - booth for washing yourself, usually in a bathroom and bike storage to encourage mental and physical fitness. Workstations are designed to promote collaboration rather than hierarchy. "It's not about people working 8 to 5," writes one employee. "It's about the job getting done. Keep your projects on track, keep your customer and fellow workers happy by keeping everyone informed, go skiing for the rest of the day if you feel like it!" --Larry Warren Redmond Minerals As a salt manufacturer, Redmond Minerals might not stand out immediately as one of the best employers in Utah, but closer investigation reveals a company committed to providing employees an opportunity to thrive. Indeed, its core statement talks about a real passion for work, loyalty, accountability, and employees working to be the best person they possibly can be. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "Our culture is unique enough that it doesn't fit all people," said CEO Rhett Roberts, a 13-year veteran at the company. "Our environment best fits those who are looking for Looking for In the context of general equities, this describing a buy interest in which a dealer is asked to offer stock, often involving a capital commitment. Antithesis of in touch with. a place with minimal structure, little direction, autonomy, team play, room for self initiative, no politics, flexibility, open-ended opportunity, and high responsibility. I once thought everyone wanted these things "These Things" is an EP by She Wants Revenge, released in 2005 by Perfect Kiss, a subsidiary of Geffen Records. Music Video The music video stars Shirley Manson, lead singer of the band Garbage. Track Listing 1. "These Things [Radio Edit]" - 3:17 2. , but have learned over time that it isn't for everyone." The company, with offices in Redmond and Springville, is best known for RealSalt, a natural sea salt mined near Redmond. Other products include agricultural and de-icing salts, along with various types of clays. Redmond provides a family environment for employees, some of whom have been with the company for more than 40 years. Benefits range from flexible hours to tuition reimbursement Reimbursement Payment made to someone for out-of-pocket expenses has incurred. to providing in-house childcare. Roberts realizes that these benefits not only draw the best employees, but helps retain them. "I am surrounded by a group of people I love to work and associate with and that are passionate about where we are going and what they are doing," said Roberts. "There are no politics--just genuine, honest efforts to make things work. I don't have to worry about people's motives or what they are doing and where they are at because I know where their hearts are." --Brad Fullmer Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah regularly figures in the list of best Utah companies--and for good reason. The company goes above and beyond in offering benefits and conveniences that will make life easier for its employees. "We have on site a credit union, a cafeteria, a fitness center, and a child care center which is extremely popular with employees," says Kevin Bischoff, director of public and corporate affairs. "Recognition for good work is also a major emphasis here." "My favorite My Favorite is an independent synthpop band from Long Island, New York. They released two CDs: Love at Absolute Zero and Happiest Days of Our Lives. My Favorite broke up on September 14, 2005, when singer Andrea Vaughn left the band. onsite convenience is Club Blue, our wellness center," says Nancy Wiscomb, a 17-year veteran with the company. "Not only does the wellness center provide fitness equipment and weights, they provide information on eating healthy." Club Blue also offers a wellness coordinator to help employees meet personal fitness goals. "I like to work for BlueCross because I have been treated with fairness and with respect. The work environment is positive and friendly," says Gabriela Benitez, a marketing sales support coordinator who has been with the company for three years. "With BlueCross I have had the opportunity for different and better positions. I truly appreciate the opportunity to demonstrate my skills and expand my knowledge." Community service is also part of company culture. Employees are encouraged to participate in charity functions like the MS 150 Bike Tour, which is sponsored by the company and benefits the Multiple Sclerosis multiple sclerosis (MS), chronic, slowly progressive autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks the protective myelin sheaths that surround the nerve cells of the brain and spinal cord (a process called demyelination), resulting in damaged areas Society. It's this total package that has employees loyal for life. As Wiscomb says, the company "takes pride in encouraging their employees to become better people by providing a good working environment, by getting employees involved in community activities, and supporting them in healthy lifestyle choices." [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] --Connie Myers Sunshine Terrace Foundation A nonprofit A corporation or an association that conducts business for the benefit of the general public without shareholders and without a profit motive. Nonprofits are also called not-for-profit corporations. Nonprofit corporations are created according to state law. health care foundation that specializes in adult day and assisted living as·sist·ed living n. A living arrangement in which people with special needs, especially older people with disabilities, reside in a facility that provides help with everyday tasks such as bathing, dressing, and taking medication. care, Sunshine Terrace of Logan is often a last place of residence for clients. It requires dedicated caregivers to work here and with these conditions in mind; time is a testament to why Sunshine Terrace is a great employer and worth recognizing for the fourth consecutive year. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Sunshine Terrace has a turnover rate one-third the industry average, a rate that has decreased for three years in a row, according to CEO Sara Sinclair. While Sinclair herself has been with the foundation for 21 years, many employees have received tenure awards for five to 30 years. Why do employees stay loyal when skilled nurses are in demand? "We strive to promote our 370 employees' level of holistic Holistic A practice of medicine that focuses on the whole patient, and addresses the social, emotional, and spiritual needs of a patient as well as their physical treatment. Mentioned in: Aromatherapy, Stress Reduction, Traditional Chinese Medicine wellness, their level of independence at work, their sense of dignity due to the value of their work," says Sinclair. Employees receive competitive pay and benefits, candy on birthdays, parties and recognition as employees of the month. They are offered training in stress management, flexible scheduling, access to exercise equipment, and scholarships. The company hires from within and offers career-ladder training for CNAs, nurses, and administrators. Sunshine Terrace employees feel they are part of a team, from the workplace to the intramural softball Intramural Softball (also known as Pick-up Softball) is a variation of softball played by college students and is designed as not to require superior practice or skill. The rules are more relaxed than regular softball rules as to allow for a noncompetitive environment. field. Alyce Boche, administrator of the Rehabilitation rehabilitation: see physical therapy. Center and employee for 21 years, says, "I consider my employment here a privilege and an honor. The work we do is hard work, but the attitude of this staff is wonderful. We have a great team who works together for the benefit of our residents and at the same time they make the work place a fun place to be." --Pamela Ostermiller Photography by John Blodgett |
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