2021 BEST WORKPLACES ALASKA by Anchorage Daily News

•2021•

BEST WORKPLACES ALASKA

A Co-Op for Alaska A Co-Op for Alaska by Alaska by Alaska

In Alaska and throughout the world, there have been challenges In Alaska and throughout the world, there have been challenges wovenwoven into nearly every moment of the last two years, rallied into nearly every moment of the last two years,and and we’ve we’ve rallied together alongside our communities to remain resilient. together alongside our communities to remain resilient. The employees that make upMTA the MTA Family rugged, dedicatedand andcompassionate compassionate The employees that make up the Family are are rugged, dedicated — and when our community needed us, we’ve stepped up together in big ways. — and when our community needed us, we’ve stepped up together in big ways. From linemen to product developers and creatives to salespeople, each of us played From linemen to product developers and creatives to salespeople, each of us played an important role in keeping Alaskans connected. an important role in keeping Alaskans connected.

With diverse job opportunities, impressive beneﬁts, and long-term dedication to its

With diverse job opportunities, impressive beneﬁts, and long-term dedication to its employees, MTA is a great place to be and grow. As a team, we will keep creating, employees, MTA is a great to be keep and grow. As keep a team, we will keep creating, keep adapting, keepplace innovating, building, growing, keep bringing keep adapting, innovating, building, keep growing, keep bringing Alaskanskeep together and keepkeep moving forward. Alaskans together and keep moving forward. Join our team today at mtasolutions.com/careers

Join our team today at mtasolutions.com/careers

mtasolutions.com

CONGRA TULA TIONS

WINNERS EXTRA-LARGE BUSINESSES

LARGE BUSINESSES

MEDIUM BUSINESSES

SMALL BUSINESSES

Alaska Behavioral Health

Ancora Home Health and Hospice

Birch Horton Bittner & Cherot

Heather’s Choice

Furniture Enterprises of Alaska

McKinley Management LLC

First Rate Financial

Natural Health Center

MTA

VOA Alaska

Parker, Smith & Feek Inc.

Public Employees Local 71 Union

T ha nk You To Our S P ON S OR S Reception Sponsor

Silver Sponsors

Gold Sponsor

Bronze Sponsor

| Sunday, December 5, 2021

E X T RALARGE B U S IN E S S

Alaska Behavioral Health serves a wide range of clients of all ages with a spectrum of behavioral health needs across the state of Alaska through our clinics in Anchorage and Fairbanks. Services include assessment, psychiatry, individual, family and group therapy, case management, skill development and crisis services. The Alaska Child Trauma Center at AKBH is a national leader in providing care for children and families affected by trauma. Our child and family team provides therapy and wraparound supports in clinics, schools and in the community in Anchorage and Fairbanks. Our adult teams provide therapy, as well as more intensive services for those with serious mental illness who need a higher level of support. The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Alaska Behavioral Health provides high-quality, easy-access services for active-duty military, post-9/11 veterans and their families. We focus on training and professional development for our staff to provide excellent services for our clients. Alaska Behavioral Health supports more than 4000 clients per year and continues to expand to meet needs in Alaska.

BEST WORKPLACES ALASKA

ALASKA BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

“[The] quality improvement process is open to all staff and encouraged to have staff initiate, share and develop new and more meaningful processes.”

Best Workplace in Alaska 2021 OUR EMPLOYEES ARE DEDICATED TO HELPING OUR COMMUNITY - AND IT SHOWS! Behavioral Health Services include: Therapeutic Pre-school Child & Family Counseling School Based Counseling Individual & Group Therapy for Children & Adults Treatment for Co-occurring Mental Illness and Substance Use Residential Treatment for Adults Community-based Support Services

www.alaskabehavioralhealth.org

907-563-1000

| Sunday, December 5, 2021

E X T RALARGE B U S IN E S S

FURNITURE ENTERPRISES OF ALASKA

Furniture Enterprises of Alaska is the parent company for Sadler’s, Williams & Kay, Ashley, the Ultimate Mattress Store and Mattress Firm, with locations in Anchorage, Sterling, Wasilla and Fairbanks. We pride ourselves on being Alaska grown: our owner started out as a delivery man, so we know the importance of developing from within. FEA’s mission is to build the best team in the industry through dedication to continuous improvement, because we believe our strength and purpose comes from introspection and development in sales, selection, service and delivery.

BEST WORKPLACES ALASKA

“I really enjoyed the annual classes provided with the goal of increasing our motivation and product knowledge. I hope that those will resume soon.”

| Sunday, December 5, 2021

E X T RA LARGE B U S IN E S S

MT A Established in 1953 as a 100-percent locally-owned and -operated Alaskan cooperative, MTA is Alaska’s best choice for technology and communications products. As a key player in the economy of Southcentral Alaska, MTA provides residential and business technology solutions to empower member-owners and patrons to live a connected life. Today, MTA remains as one of the largest technology co-ops in the U.S. With diverse job opportunities, generous benefits and a robust internship program, MTA is a top choice for employment in Alaska. For more information, visit https://www.mtasolutions.com/ or connect with MTA on Facebook.

BEST WORKPLACES ALASKA

“What is most motivational is the focus and collaboration among the different departments to ensure that the customers’ requirements are met and we provide the best services possible.”

| Sunday, December 5, 2021

L A R GE B U S IN E S S

ANCORA HOME HEALTH AND HOSPICE Ancora Home Health and Hospice has quickly grown into a leading provider of skilled services in Alaska, due in large part to their dedicated and caring staff. Always putting the patient first, Ancora has the character, experience and trust that the community has come to expect. Recognizing the significant needs of our growing and aging population, Ancora currently has two locations in Anchorage and Wasilla and serves all surrounding areas. Ancora is caring for our community at home.

BEST WORKPLACES ALASKA

“What motivates me the most is that the company encourages flexibility, work-life balance and community care.”

| Sunday, December 5, 2021

L A R GE B U S IN E S S

MCKINLEY MANAGEMENT LLC McKinley Management LLC is a privately-held, Alaska-based firm providing world-class investment, research, consulting and advisory services to clients around the globe. Our three businesses, McKinley Capital Management LLC, McKinley Alaska Private Investment LLC and McKinley Research Group LLC, work together to provide clients multiple services and integrated solutions umbrellaed under one company from our headquarters in Anchorage, Alaska, and offices in Juneau, Alaska, and Chicago, Ill. McKinley is committed to being a people-first organization that provides exciting and rewarding career opportunities in a supportive work-life balanced environment

BEST WORKPLACES ALASKA

“I think our company has a wonderful work-life balance. [The] company encourages working hard, but also family first, vacation, health [and] wellness.”

Recognized by Alaska Journal of Commerce as a Best Workplace

Investing in people is our business. At McKinley, we put our people first by creating exciting and innovative career opportunities in a supportive work-life blended environment.

McKinley Capital Management

McKinley Research Group

McKinley Alaska Private Investment

mckinleycapital.com

mckinleyresearch.com

mckinley-alaska.com

| Sunday, December 5, 2021

L A R GE B U S INE S S

VOA ALASKA VOA Alaska is the premier agency in Alaska for youth mental, emotional and behavioral well-being services and supports. Nationally, Volunteers of America was founded in 1896, when the concept of “volunteering” meant serving others as a vocation. Our name represents 125 years of serving our country’s most vulnerable citizens. In Alaska, VOA Alaska has continued that history of service since opening the Adolescent Residential Center for Help in 1981. Offering a range of services in person, in schools, in the community and via telehealth, our team strives to meet the needs of every child, teen and young adult in our care. Each member of our team is highly qualified, caring and competent. Whether serving as a clinician, counselor, case manager or another administrative/support role, at our core, our team is committed to the youth and families we serve in Alaska. Each day we seek to empower Alaskans and uplift the human spirit through recovery services, housing and promoting health communities.

BEST WORKPLACES ALASKA

“The teamwork that everyone throughout the organization has. Regardless of the problem, stress, tension, impending deadline, insane last minute changes or requests that require entire teams of employees to adjust on the fly to cover, every employee, as high as the CEO, is focused on doing what they can to help. The organization, and all of my coworkers, are truly driven to help those in the community in need in the ways VOA as an organization empowers us to.”

| Sunday, December 5, 2021

M ED I U M B U S IN E S S

BIRCH HOR TON BITTNER & CHEROT

Birch Horton Bittner & Cherot is one of the oldest and largest law firms in Alaska. With diverse backgrounds and specialized knowledge and experience in a broad base of legal areas, our full-service team is able to meet the legal needs of a broad range of industries. Our most unique quality is how our attorneys take a coordinated team approach to representing clients. We are passionately engaged to provide client-driven solutions that achieve their goals and build partnerships. We take great pride in the increasing number of women attorneys who hold leadership roles within BHBC. In 2021, our firm was honored to celebrate its 50th year of service to the legal needs of clients, both in Alaska and across the nation.

BEST WORKPLACES ALASKA

“We are given the freedom to complete projects without micromanagement, and are provided the perfect amount of support and instruction in order to do our job.”

BIRCH HORTON BITTNER & CHEROT IS HONORED TO BE NAMED

BEST WORKPLACES ALASKA 2021 BY ALASKA JOURNAL OF COMMERCE

ONE OF ALASKA'S LARGEST LAW FIRMS, CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF LEGAL EXPERTISE. WE HAVE AN ATTORNEY FOR YOU.

| Sunday, December 5, 2021

M ED I U M B U S IN E S S

FIRST RA TE FINANCIAL

As a boutique mortgage broker with offices in Anchorage, Wasilla and Fairbanks, First Rate Financial guarantees the premiere treatment of its team members, referral partners and its clients. First Rate Financial credits its ongoing successes to a precise balancing between expanding capacity and investing in its team’s satisfaction, to the extent that its thriving company culture acts as one of its most persuasive recruitment tools. Beyond its direct professional services — providing savvy investment perspective, tailored mortgage plans and responsive customer service — First Rate Financial invests in communities and causes directly nominated by their team members through charitable contributions donated by the First Rate Financial Foundation. Learn more at FirstRateAK.com.

BEST WORKPLACES ALASKA

“First Rate finds ways to impact the community. It is more than a job or career: they want to make a difference in the community we serve.

The Best Workplaces Are Built by the

Best Teams

We are incredibly grateful to work with a team of such

talented, engaged, and compassionate professionals.

We set our standards high, and still find them exceeded. We’re proud of what we’ve built together. Thank you!

NMLS #184451

| Sunday, December 5, 2021

M ED I U M B U S IN E S S

Parker, Smith & Feek is an independent, privately owned brokerage firm providing commercial insurance, risk management, surety, benefits and personal insurance solutions. Founded in 1937, Parker, Smith & Feek is an innovative industry leader with roots in Alaska since 1986. Our Alaska team is comprised of 34 employee owners dedicated to serving our communities and developing meaningful and customized solutions for our clients’ needs. We are excited to now be a member of the IMA Financial Group, expanding our footprint to offices across the United States and joining 1400 other associates as one of the largest independently owned brokerages in the country. The leadership at Parker, Smith & Feek focuses on creating a fun, engaging and meaningful culture for our employees. Offering excellent benefits packages and salaries is only part of our overall strategy to cultivate an open, transparent and trusting work environment. Across all levels, our company supports continued professional education, intellectual creativity, and leadership mentoring. This deliberate cultural effort has given Parker, Smith & Feek a reputation in the industry for integrity, honesty and professionalism. Visit www. psfinc.com for more information.

BEST WORKPLACES ALASKA

PARKER, SMITH & FEEK INC.

“Many companies talk about teamwork. PS&F demonstrates teamwork. Knowing that I am part of a team motivates me.”

| Sunday, December 5, 2021

S M A LL B U S IN E S S

HEA THER’S CHOICE

Heather’s Choice is a line of dehydrated meals and snacks for adventuring made here in Anchorage, Alaska. All of our products are gluten, soy and dairyfree, providing backcountry adventurers with healthy food options they can take anywhere. Our products are lightweight, packable and easy to prepare with just hot water. Our best-selling products include our Smoked Sockeye Salmon Chowder, Blueberry Buckwheat Breakfast and Lemon Lavender Packaroons. You can find Heather’s Choice products locally at select retailers such as REI, Sportsman’s Warehouse, Barney’s Sports Chalet, Big Ray’s and the Hoarding Marmot. You can also order through our website, heatherschoice.com.

BEST WORKPLACES ALASKA

“The leadership is always willing to grow and learn. Being a part of the ‘big picture’ movement and growth.”

| Sunday, December 5, 2021

S M A LL B U S IN E S S

NA TURAL HEALTH CENTER

Natural Health Center, located in Midtown Anchorage, is a long-established all-in-one holistic and alternative health center with over 15 providers specializing in acupuncture, naturopathic, chiropractic, rolfing, massage, as well as a nurse practitioner and our in-house dispensary. We care for our patients throughout all stages of their life. Our multidisciplinary approach ensures your care is well-rounded and thorough.

BEST WORKPLACES ALASKA

“It’s consistent across all providers and staff - a compassionate outlook backed by solid experience.”

S M ALL B U S INE S S

PUBLIC EMPLOYEES LOCAL 71 UNION The Public Employees Local 71 Union represents almost 2,000 Alaska Laborers working essential and often unsung positions in all regions of Alaska. With thoughtful consideration to each additional hire, we are proud to have built a team that models our mission every day as we represent the members whose workplace rights depend on us. We stand together for workplace integrity, fair wages, dignity and safety on the job. All Alaskans depend on the members who depend on us. They keep Alaska moving, working on our roads and airports. Our award-winning custodians and building maintenance professionals stay up to date and keep our facilities open, including Anchorage schools and village water projects. We also support our members and families with scholarships and are there for support when tragedy strikes. Having a complete and committed team enthusiastically pulling together keeps us energized and striving for the best every day!

“I get to help people in the blue-collar sector find good jobs with excellent benefits, and continue to be there for them when they need us.”

| Sunday, December 5, 2021

WORKPLACE AWARDS PROGRAM: METHODOLOGY & DISCLAIMERS OVERALL DESCRIPTION

EMPLOYER TIERS

We believe that providing a program to help businesses better serve customers and employees — and recognize excellence — is a logical step for the local business community. To create the list, the publisher partnered with DataJoe Research, a Colorado-based data collection and analysis firm, to determine the top workplaces in the region. DataJoe and the publication facilitated a multifaceted campaign. including a.) Community Nomination, b.) Employee Surveys, and c.) Results Analysis.

Employers were grouped into four categories by size, based on the number of employees:

COMMUNITY NOMINATION DataJoe and the publication sought nominees in the first phase of the program, and received nominations from many private, public, nonprofit and government organizations from across the region. Those organizations rolled out online surveys to employees and had to be completed by the deadline.

EMPLOYEE SURVEYS Employees were asked to answer 25+ questions about organizational health, engagement, and leadership plus other areas like work-life balance, training, pay, benefits, corporate social responsibility and other specialty question categories. Employees rated their employers with scores ranging from 1-7: a score of 1 represented “strongly disagree,” 4 was neutral and 7 was “strongly agree.” Employees could also write comments on topics such as motivation, referrals of potential employees, retention, leadership, values and ethics, direction and cooperation.

RESULTS ANALYSIS Employers were required to meet our minimum response rate in order to be honored as a best workplace. Any employer with mostly negative responses was excluded. DataJoe also reviewed responses, both manually and algorithmically, to isolate and mitigate cheating rings and dishonest practices. Finally, DataJoe tallied up responses and identified the companies with the highest average scoring.

BEST WORKPLACES ALASKA

EXTRA LARGE: 110+ LARGE: 76-109 MIDSIZE: 26-75 SMALL: 10-25 Smaller employers tend to score higher than larger employers, and this was factored into the methodology. Employers with fewer than 10 workers weren’t eligible for the program.

FINAL NOTES Summary. The Best Workplaces program is designed to be an annual free survey and workplace health analysis to identify companies that are creating strong, healthy workplace cultures. We recognize that there are many excellent workplaces that are not shown in this representative list. This is only a sampling of the huge array of vibrant, healthy workplaces within the region. Inclusion in the list is based on our research campaign and the opinions of responding employees in the area. Disclaimers. DataJoe uses best practices and exercises great care in assembling content for this list. DataJoe does not warrant that the data contained within the list are complete or accurate. DataJoe does not assume, and hereby disclaims, any liability to any person for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions herein whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause. All rights reserved. No commercial use of the information in this list may be made without written permission from DataJoe.

QUESTIONS? For research/methodology questions, contact the research team at nominations@datajoe.com.