2011 Honorees

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2011 Honorees:

Gordon Thomas Honeywell - Large company category - 100+ employees

BLRB Architects - Medium company category - 50-99 employees

Sitecrafting - Small company category - 5-49 employees

YWCA Pierce County - Non-profit category

HopeSparks Family Services - Solidarity - Fosters a socially welcoming work culture ~ Sense of team or family ~ Ability to be genuine and authentic as individuals

York Enterprises - Gratification - Employees are proud of: personal contributions, team contributions, organization's products and reputation.

Avaunt Technologies - Equity - Rewards are distributed with fairness ~ Promotions and hiring are based on ability and qualifications ~ There is a process for appeals ~ Discrimination is intolerable

KMB Design Groups - Appreciation - Employees are consulted on relevant decisions ~ Professional development is supported ~ Personal lives are respected

YWCA Pierce County - Integrity - Company vision is communicated and consistent with employee responsibilities ~ Employees are provided with resources and tools needed to be successful and complete tasks ~ Communication is open and accessible.

               

EVENT- was held May 10, 2011 @ The Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center.

To view photos of the 2011 event, please CLICK HERE.

2011 FINALISTS-

• A Step Ahead in Pierce County
  
• APA the Engineered Wood Association
• Associated Petroleum Products
• Avaunt Technologies
• Bannon, Carlson & Kessel
• BLRB Architects
• Breast Cancer Resource Center
• Broadway Center for the Performing Arts
• Children's Museum of Tacoma
• CodeSmart Inc.
  
• Comcast Business Services
• Courtyard by Marriott
• Eden Advanced Pest Management
• Emerald Home Furnishings
• Farwest Fabrication
• Favors Retting CPA's
• Gordon Thomas Honeywell
• Heartwarming Care
• Hemisphere Design and Marketing
• Heritage Bank
• Hometown Property Management
• HopeSparks Family Services
• Johnson, Stone & Pagano, P.S.
• KMB Design Group
• Medical Imaging NW
• Metropolitan Park District
• Multi Service Center
• Olympic Landscape & Irrigation
• PACLAND
• Port of Allyn
• Sitecrafting
• Tacoma Regional CVB
• The Bead Factory
• Thurston First Bank
• York Enterprises
• YWCA of Pierce County

ABOUT THE PROGRAM-Top Places to Work recognizes outstanding company cultures in the South Sound. Nominees are evaluated in five categories, Integrity, Gratification, Equity, Solidarity and Appreciation.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Organization must be headquartered in the South Sound (Pierce, Thurston, Mason or Lewis Counties, or South King County)
• Organization must be at least five years old
• Organization may not be the subsidiary of a parent organization
• Organization must complete the application process
• 30% of the nominee's South Sound workforce must submit an employee opinion survey evaluating their workplace culture

PUBLICATION - The Top Places to Work special event publication will distributed in the May 16, 2011 issue of the Business Examiner. Additional copies available by contacting circulation.


SPONSORSHIPS - This leadership program and event would not be possible without the dedication and support of our valued sponsors.



Presented by:

      

• Albers & Company We're workforce management partners. Using our 25 years experience in employee benefit consulting we discovered a fundamental flaw in the traditional approach. In 2007 we began to create The Accountability EdgeTM. The TAE helps our clients control costs, maximize their benefits investment, engage employees and accomplish their goals. In addition, to moving from a tactical to a more strategic approach, one of the most profound outcomes our clients tell us they appreciate is they can measure their return on investment. The results? We've saved our clients thousands in premiums. While we can't take too much credit, several of our clients have been nominated or awarded the BE's "Top Places to Work" designation. CEOs and HR clients agree, instead of the annual "benefits quandary", which we've named the Relentless Dissatisfaction Cycle, TAE participants have "peace of mind" knowing they've got a game plan . . . and it's working.
  

Supported by:

         

• Heritage Bank has been creating financial solutions for the changing needs of our neighbors since 1927. They are known as the "quality bank" because they combine a heritage of excellence in relationship banking with 21st century technology, products and services. They offer a variety of business banking products to assist you with your business needs.


• Comcast Business Class says "Say goodbye to expensive phone company plans. Get unlimited long distance to anywhere in the country with savings you can put back into your pocket with business telephone service from Comcast. Comcast Business Services can help maximize your productivity with Internet speeds up to 100 Mbps using our reliable, fiber-optic network. Our local Puget Sound account executives are available on your schedule to customize a plan just for you". Visit business.comcast.com for more information.
• Washington Business Bank helps build strong communities by providing financial services that enable our customers to become more successful. We provide you with the tools needed to successfully manage your business and personal finances. If you are looking for a bank that is dedicated to bringing you professional service at a personal level, you've found it at Washington Business Bank.


• Eisenhower & Carlson, PLLC. TVs fictional lawyers do amazing things. Give them 10 minutes in the court room and they'll completely destroy a witness' credibility.

  Let's be honest: Trials are an expense that few people or businesses can afford. All too often, the only winners are the lawyers.

  That's why Eisenhower's litigators focus on resolving conflicts as soon as possible. And why we often make extensive use of alternative dispute resolution tools like mediation and arbitration. But if litigation is unavoidable, our attorneys will listen to your concerns, evaluate your position - both advantages and risks - and develop clear options and probable outcomes for you.

          

• The acclaimed Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center's contiguous glass walls give way to breathtaking mountain and water views. Anchored in the heart of a vibrant city, located just south of Seattle, we are the second largest meeting facility in Western Washington. Offering more than 118,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, we are not only upscale, attractive, and affordable, but we are dedicated to protecting the environment through implementation of our green policy and practices.

• Wesley Homes offers a comprehensive network of housing and services including residential homes and apartments, adult day care, assisted living, home health care, restorative therapies, and skilled nursing care. As a mission-driven, not-for-profit organization, Wesley Homes is committed to providing residents, home health clients, staff and family members with high quality services, individual consideration and personal respect.

         

• Powell Human Resources Consulting, LLC, is a Puget Sound area consulting firm providing a wide variety of organizational development and human resources consulting services. Our services can be provided on-site or off-site, or a combination that best meets your organization's needs. Some of our clients use our services to supplement an existing human resource department while others find it advantageous to use our services in place of a formal human resource function. We provide sustainable results to help our clients achieve greater profitability, organizational strength, and individual growth.

• TLB Events is a boutique Event Management & Decor Design Firm, located in Gig Harbor WA. We specialize in custom tailored events: Corporate/Non-Profit/Weddings. From designing the atmosphere, managing every detail or taking on a specific supporting role, our focus: the little details that create the big picture. We consider it an honor to be a part of moments that have one opportunity to make their mark. With an infusion of branding and style, a commitment to keep each event original and true to the vision of the client, we strive to produce quality experiences sure to hit all the senses. Event success comes from working as a team. At TLB Events, we are proud to wear the colors of our clients, dedicated to seeing the process through and aspire to surpass all expectations.

Event Partners:

       

• AA Party Rentals - is a premier party rental company of the Pacific Northwest for an intimate dinner party for two, business function, or a charity event. AA Party Rentals provides the highest quality merchandise, experienced, knowledgeable, and service oriented staff.

        

• Hardcastle Entertainment, Inc The core of our company is providing quality disc jockey services. Entertain your guests! 20 - 20,000 people, whatever your event, we take care of you. Benefit Auctions, Company Parties, Seminars, and even School Dances. Our specialty is audio, visual, and disc jockey services. Talk to us about your wishes, needs, your budget, and we'll help you plan the most effective event for your budget.

      

• Dane Gregory Meyer - Dane Meyer is a West Coast photographer based in the Seattle-Tacoma, WA area. He has been shooting commercially since 1988. In the last decade, his work has focused on interiors, architecture and people. He has served many leading businesses, organizations, architects, designers, developers, contractors, artisans, artists, publications, and ad agencies. His work has often resulted in both regional and national awards for his clients. 

          

• Black Tie Espresso Catering's fully equipped, professional espresso bar lends a sense of sophistication to any event. We will help create a unique and memorable experience, whether it's an open house, corporate event, or private party.                                                                                 
  

        

• Coat Check Complete provides your guests a safe and secure location to store their outerwear and belongings, giving them hassle-free peace of mind to enjoy your event. It also cuts down on trip-and-fall hazards associated with having belongings draped over chairs and left on the floor. Having our "Guest Comfort Kit"TM available ensures that no one will miss out on the fun due to a minor accident or unforeseen situation. Additionally, our signature Guest Concierge Service, which can include assisting with guest book signing, directing guests to designated areas for festivities, distributing party favors and helping guests out of and into their outerwear, adds a special touch of class to your event, setting the tone for what is sure to be a most memorable event!If your company is interested in aligning yourself with the BE in a unique way reaching this niche demographic please contact us.



• ARAMARK is a leader in professional services, providing award-winning food services, facilities management, and uniform and career apparel to health care institutions, universities and school districts, stadiums and arenas, and businesses around the world.

MORE INFORMATION
Please e-mail events@BusinessExaminer.com.