The Top Places to Work program recognizes outstanding company cultures in the South Sound. Nominees are evaluated in five categories, Integrity, Gratification, Equity, Solidarity and Appreciation.
2010 Finalists Include: Associated Petroleum Products, Inc. C.C.'s Classy Chassis Inc Cascade Print Media Dillanos Coffee Roasters Fast Transact Inc Frost & Company GCI Ad Agency Gordon Thomas Honeywell LLP Harborstone Credit Union Heritage Bank ImageSource, Inc. Kelley Imaging Korsmo Construction Medical Imaging Northwest/Diagnostic Imaging Northwest Northwest Leadership Foundation O Bee Credit Union Pacific Lutheran University Premier Media Group Robinson & Noble, Inc. Sound Glass Sales, Inc. Sprague Pest Solutions Tacoma Community House Tacoma Public Utilities Tacoma Rainiers Tacoma Regional CVB Thurston First Bank Valley Medical Center Vision Service Group Washington Architectural Hardware Company Washington State Employees Credit Union EVENT- The Top Places to Work and Category Honorees will be announced at the 2010 Top Places to Work event.
Date: March 31, 2010 Time: 5:30 - 8:30 pm Location: The Greater Tacoma Convention Center, Tacoma WA Tickets: $50pp, $45pp for groups of 10+
AWARD CATEGORIES: Honors will go to companies outstanding in each of the judging areas:
Solidarity - Fosters a socially welcoming work culture ~ Sense of team or family ~ Ability to be genuine and authentic as individuals
Gratification - Employees are proud of: personal contributions, team contributions, organization's products and reputation
Equity - Rewards are distributed with fairness ~ Promotions and hiring are based on ability and qualifications ~ There is a process for appeals ~ Discrimination is intolerable
Appreciation - Employees are consulted on relevant decisions ~ Professional development is supported ~ Personal lives are respected
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
Three organizations will take home titles of the Top Place to Work for the highest cumulative scores in the above categories:
Large company category - 100+ employees
Small/medium company category - minimum of five employees
Non-profit category
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 at the recognition event and inserted in the April 5, 2010 of the Business Examiner.
Since 1902, Goodwill's concept of building job skills, instead of giving handouts, has given people of all ages and backgrounds a chance to succeed. Tacoma Goodwill opened in 1921 as the 19th Goodwill in the United States, offering training and assistance for people with disabilities or disadvantages. The cycle of donations, processing, resale and wages is still the backbone of Goodwill Industries. Tacoma Goodwill receives 50 million pounds of donated goods each year. Goodwill supports their vocational programs through proceeds from 21 stores, an on-line store, a packaging & assembly resource for businesses and commercial custodial services. Goodwill proudly serves the citizens of 15 counties in Washington State.
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.
Sound Glass Inc. For over 25 year we have striven to adapt to our customer's needs by focusing on residential and commercial glass services. We also developed the sales, manufacturing and installation of custom sunrooms. After our Lakewood location expanded sufficiently we opened another shop in the Kent area. Years later we expanded by adding a store in Bremerton. Sound Glass evolved to three locations, sixty employees and twenty two service vehicles. We continue to improve our facilities and adapt so we can offer our customers superior service. Our focus on quality long term employees also adds to consistent excellent customer service. Sound Glass exceeds our customer expectations emphasizing our reputation for quality products and service. As a team and individually, we are motivated to achieve the high productivity and quality that make us the "Glass Company of Choice." - Warren W. Willoughby President, Sound Glass
Albers & Company - provides insurance and financial services and products to individuals and employers throughout Washington State, including employers with branch locations throughout the western United States and Hawaii. As an independent broker, we work with a broad variety of insurance carriers and vendors. Because of our volume of clients, we have been asked to participate in an advisory capacity to several carriers, which benefits both the carriers and our clients. Whether you're an individual, an employer, or both, we provide a single source to meet your needs - an integrated approach. Your well being and economic peace of mind are our mission.
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 policy and practices!
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.
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, IncThe 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.
J Robbins Florist Jennifer Robbins has been designing inspired flowers for weddings and events for over a decade. Her fresh, fun outlook, boundless creativity and can-do attitude puts her clients at ease and provides the assurance that their special day will exceed all expectations
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.
If your company is interested in aligning yourself with the BE in a unique way reaching this niche demographic please contact us.
The Top Places to Work program recognizes outstanding company cultures in the South Sound. Nominees are evaluated in five categories, Integrity, Gratification, Equity, Solidarity and Appreciation. 
Published by Business Examiner Newspaper Group a locally-owned company.