Brazos Valley's 50 Best Places to Work

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39 Brazos Valley Community Action Agency 40 Santa’s Wonderland 40 College Station High School 40 The Payne Law Group 40 North Zulch Elementary Presented by Vista College and The Eagle 44 Allen Segal Attorney 18 Criag Anderson DDS University Title at Law Brazos Christian School 18 Guaranty Title 45 Ulta 20 American Lube Centers 45 College Station C.C. Creations 20 City of College Station Legal Monkeys Middle School South Knoll Elementary 20 Callaway Jones 45 Rock Prairie Funeral Home & College Station I.S.D. Elementary Crematory St. Joseph Regional 48 The Real Estate Center 23 Hospice Brazos Valley Healthcare 48 A&M Consolidated 23 Bryan ISD Coldwell Banker High School 23 TEEX Aggieland Title 50 Agency Systems 26 Cognizant BBVA Compass 50 Brazos County Abstract Technology Compassionate Care 50 Ecolyse, Inc 26 Bottom Line Bookkeeping 50 Hilton Garden Inn Hospice 26 City of Bryan Evolve Performance 50 The Eagle 26 HEB Group 30 Baylor Scott & White Customer Impact Brazos Valley’s Bryan/College Station 30 Texas A&M University 30 Citizens State Bank Convention & Visitors 30 Blinn College Bureau 34 Messina Hof Century 21 34 Axis Pipe & Tube BCR Realtors PLACES TO WORK 34 JB Knowledge College of Science 37 The Retina Center Dean’s Office, 38 Allergy Assoc Texas A&M

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Vista College prepares students for rewarding careers

Over the past 26 years, we have earned a well-deserved reputation for preparing motivated people like you for some of the most rewarding jobs in America.

Our students come to us for different reasons. Some are looking for affordable educational options after high school. Others want to make a career change, and many are struggling to get a job in today’s difficult economy.

Whatever their reasons, our graduates have earned degrees, completed certificate training and realized their goals of beginning great, rewarding careers.

Today they are business owners, administrators, and computer technicians working in hundreds of the best professions that are the backbone of economic development in Texas and beyond.

As you begin your journey to a new and rewarding career, you’ll experience personal and professional growth, change and opportunity.

Through your College Station Campus experience, you’ll meet new friends and exchange ideas with them, learn from instructors who are experts in their fields and receive support from college staff who will guide you every step of the way.

You work hard for your family. You want them to have a better life.

Vista College understands your dreams and can help make them come true.

We understand your life is busy.

With day or evening classes, we make the schedules flexible so you can continue to work, go to school and still have time for family.

Many Associate degrees have you ready for a new career in just 80 weeks with successful full-time enrollment. Classes start every five weeks, and they’re convenient.

Financial aid is available to those who qualify. Don’t wait make your dreams a reality.

New Careers Start Here www.vistacollege.edu

Business Management Information Technology Medical Assisting Medical Insurance Billing/Coding HVAC

Call For More Information:

(979) 200-4313

2704 Texas Ave S, College Station, TX 77840

Consumer information may be viewed at www.vistacollege.edu. Not all programs are available online or at every campus.

Vista College College Station is a branch campus of Vista College El Paso Texas.

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50 BEST PLACES TO WORK

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Brazos Valley’s 50 Best Places to Work What leads to employee satisfaction, tips for unhappy workers

By SHAUNA LEWIS The Eagle Things that people seek in a workplace include financial stability, the ability to move up the career ladder and long-term, self-sufficient employment, according to local education and career experts.

Managers at companies voted as one of the Brazos Valley’s 50 Best Places to Work added that there is something to be said for treating workers as their best asset or as family.

Jeff Atkinson, campus director at Vista College in College Station, said most of the college’s students are those who are already working. Vista College sponsored the Best Places to Work contest.

“Most of the students we have at Vista College are adults looking to change careers,” Atkinson said.

Atkinson believes many of those students are in “jobs that wouldn’t necessarily be considered careers;” they are jobs that simply pay enough to “meet ends.”

Atkinson said those people generally are looking to work at a job that will make them more financially secure and also that has a “career ladder,” meaning they can advance to higher positions within the company.

At Workforce Solutions Brazos Valley (WSBV), staff members provide a variety of free services for both job seekers and employers in the Brazos Valley.

Vonda Morrison, on the Workforce Solutions Brazos Valley (WSBV) Board, said “The goal of most job seekers using Workforce services is quality, long term self-sufficient employment. Employers who use Workforce services are looking for a skilled labor force.”

According to a Gallup study on the “State of the Global Workplace,” employment engagement makes for 4 | October 12, 2014

more satisfied employees, who in turn are more productive.

“Engaged employees have welldefined roles in the organization, make strong contributions, are actively connected to their larger team and organization, and are continuously progressing,” the study states.

The study shows that from 2011 to 2012, only 13 percent (roughly one in eight) of employees 18 and older worldwide were “engaged” at work, meaning they are psychologically committed to their jobs and likely to be making positive contributions to their organizations. Employees who are “not engaged” – they lack motivation and are less likely to invest discretionary effort in organizational goals or outcome – made up 63 percent. That leaves 24 percent of workers who were “actively disengaged,” indicating they are unhappy and unproductive at work and are likely to spread negativity to coworkers.

When workers are not engaged, they are not reaching their full potential, a problem that has significant implications for the individual performance of American companies and the economy, according to the study. Gallup estimates that active disengagement costs $450 billion to $550 billion per year.

More about employee satisfaction The criteria used by Gallup to measure employee engagement are universally applicable, according to the study, because they address fundamentally human emotional needs, such as the need for respect, positive relationships and a sense of personal development. The questions used by Gallup to measure engagement were: x 1. I know what is expected of me.

2. I have the materials and equipment I need to do my work right.

3. At work, I have the opportunity to do what I do best every day.

4. In the last seven days, I have received recognition or praise for doing good work.

5. My supervisor, or someone at work, seems to care about me as a person.

6. There is someone at work who encourages my development.

7. At work, my opinions seem to count.

8. The mission or purpose of my company makes me feel my work is important.

9. My associates or fellow employees are committed to doing quality work.

10. I have a best friend at work.

11. In the last six months, someone at work has talked to me about my progress.

12. This last year, I have had opportunities at work to learn and grow.

Hiring and developing great managers and building up and leveraging the strengths of each employee are two key ways to boost employee engagement, Jim Clifton, CEO and chairman, states in the study.

University Title Company (UTitle) in College Station was voted first in the Brazos Valley’s 50 Best Places to Work competition. Celia GoodeHaddock, chairman of the board and CEO of UTitle said, “Because the individuals on our team love their chosen profession and interact with each other as family, this comes across in everything they do, especially in their dealings with customers.”

Karen McCarroll, president and COO of UTitle, added that employees are treated as the company’s best asset.

“If we provide the best employee experience possible for our staff, they in turn provide exceptional service to our clients,” McCarroll said.

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C.C. Creations in College Station, which placed third, prides itself on employees feeling like they’re part of a large family at work. Kenny Lawson, president and CEO, said a big factor of that is growing up together.

“We have shared in challenges and success that have been part of laying the foundation for this company,” he said.

He added that employees come to work knowing their opinions are respected and their hard work is appreciated.

Higher education For those who are looking into career choices, Atkinson suggested exploring education options before making any decisions.

Besides Vista College, other higher education options in the Brazos Valley include Blinn College and Texas A&M University.

“Look at all the options,” Atkinson said. “They might find that a school like Vista fits what they’re looking for, or it could be a traditional college or a community college like Blinn.”

Vista College offers two-year programs and is similar to a community college, but tends to have smaller class sizes and more handson training, he said. Curriculum is geared specifically for careers.

Program options include a diploma in HVAC orAssociate ofApplied Science degrees in business management, information technology, medical assisting or medical insurance billing and coding.

Vista College offers career services for students, including resume writing, interview skills and other job-hunting help.

Blinn College and Texas A&M University also offer a variety of degrees and student services.

For more information visit www. vistacollege.edu, www.blinn.edu and www.tamu.edu.

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Legal Monkeys Creative thinking company features ‘play as a team’ approach to work

Five years ago, with the leadership of CEO Corey Cormier,Legal Monkeys was born out of the belief that there is a better way. This company was built by creative thinkers who constantly strive to think outside the box, to innovate, and to be more than just another software company or records collection service.

Legal Monkeys is a startup located at 100 W William J Parkway in Downtown Bryan. They build technologically advanced case management tools to make records collection simpler for personal injury law firms nationwide.

Jessica Varley, a native to the Bryan-College Station area, is one of the Team Leads and the Sales and Marketing Coordinator, and has been working at Legal Monkeys for over

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three years. She says she is excited for the company to have made it to the list because this is an opportunity for people in the community to learn about Legal Monkeys.

“Unless you are in the legal industry, it is not likely that you know our name. For those looking for a career in the Bryan-College Station area, Legal Monkeys has definitely been, until now, a hidden gem,” Varley said.

Ask any Legal Monkeys employee, and they tend to sing the same tune.

Shelly Landry has been a Medical Records Clerk at the company for the past two years, and she explains that the reason she loves her job simply comes down to the people and the culture.

“The support I receive from my teammates and the managers is

amazing,” Landry continues. “One of our core values is ‘Play as a Team,’ and we truly live that out here. We are all aligned to work towards the same goal, and it is nice to have everyone on the same page and feel supported.”

What fosters this positive, playas-a-team environment that is so unique to Legal Monkeys?

As Varley explains it, “We really put our people first, and culture is of the utmost importance for us when we consider any decision for this company. I think when you put the people first, and give them the autonomy to help build this company and trust them to make decisions, you get a great environment and happy employees.”

In the spirit of keeping the

FoURTh PLACE 100 W. William J Parkway, Bryan 979-779-0520 • legalmonkeys.com Employees: 45

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employees at the center of the company, Legal Monkeys has created their very own Spirit Team, responsible for promoting morale around the company. They coordinate events such as Waffle Friday and the Best First Week (for new employees), to name a few.

The company also offers the Legal Monkeys Leadership Series, a series of presentations and workshops on the subject of leadership that are free for all employees to attend, and they have the Legal Monkeys Mentor Program, which assists new employees in acclimating to the culture and the work.

Interested in learning more about what it is like to work at Legal Monkeys? Visit: legalmonkeys.com/ company.

We’ve built the most technologically advanced case management tools to make medical records collection for law firms simpler than ever.

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C.C. Creations Employees treated as a big family

C. C. Creations started off as a small screen printing shop in downtown Bryan in 1982 with two manual print presses and five employees. Now, after 32 years in business the company has grown to become the largest custom screen print and embroidery company in Texas. C.C. Creations is currently operating 15 automatic screen print presses, running two shifts and proudly employing more than 260 employees. It has added embroidery, signs and banners, trophies and awards and promotional products to the extensive list of services.

“We have great employees and a very loyal customer base,” said Kenny Lawson, president and CEO. “I would put our employees up against any business. They are dedicated and committed to doing business the right way. They believe in building better relationships with our customers, vendors and the great community we live in.

C.C. Creations prides itself on its employees feeling like they’re part

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of a large family. Lawson says, “We have basically grown up together, for the last 32 years we have shared in challenges and success that have been part of laying the foundation for this company.”

Employees can come to work every day and know their opinions are respected and their hard work is appreciated. The people who have built C.C. Creations are still here, Lawson said, and they “will not lose sight on how valuable the employees are to our future growth.”

When employees come to work, they know they’re doing something the community will benefit from, whether that’s making a shirt for a fundraiser, making a child’s first trophy or helping a business build its brand with vehicle wraps and promotional materials. That’s one of the many reasons employees love working at C.C. Creations. Lawson attributesthelow workforceturnover to the company’s culture, as the ownership and management team are committed to each employee’s

well-being. He also added, “They are compensated with higher than average pay, good benefits and the opportunity to advance in a growing company. There are many success stories on how employees started off at an entry-level position, and after numerous years with the company, have advanced to supervisor or management positions. They are our best advocates; they tell our stories.”

Since the start of the Best of the Brazos Valley contest 14 years ago, C.C. Creations has been voted the “Best Custom Clothing” company every year, as well as “Best Custom Embroidery” and “Best Promotional Items.”

Lawson added, “With state-ofthe-art technology and 15 custom artists, we have experienced growth at a very rapid pace. Our goal is to continue to challenge ourselves to stay a leader in our industry.”

C.C. Creations also operates two retail stores, The Warehouse and

Third plaCe

114 Holleman Drive, College Station 979-693-9664 • cccreationsusa.com Employees: 260

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Maroon U. The Warehouse is 20,000 square feet of “Everything Aggie,” and has become one of the most anticipated places to visit during Aggie game day weekends. Located right next door to The Warehouse is C.C. Creations’ newest company - Maroon U. You can find unique Aggie gifts and brand name apparel, including Adidas, Columbia and Nike.

Lawson concluded, “We look forward to serving our customers and community for many years to come. Whether you are a current or new customer, we hope you get a chance to experience what makes C.C. Creations truly a great company.”

Full-service custom services for screen-printing, embroidery, promotional products, signs, banners, trophies and awards.

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MY FIRST JOB not quite what you had in mind!

Starting at the bottom of the ladder is a fact of life. You just have to see this step as a springboard. Who knows where your first job may lead you?

PHOTO: STOCKBYTE / THINKSTOCK

Finding a first job involves learning and working with a few select words — autonomy, freedom, maturity, projects, money, and the future. And to get the job you want, you have to be proactive.

You have to roll up your sleeves. You have to be the best candidate for the job that you desire.

Your resume is light on professional experience?

Enhance it with everything that makes you a unique human being.

SELL YOURSELF Of course, you probably don’t have much to say in your resume at this point in your life. But think about including everything that makes you unique. Mention your education, training, volunteer or paid work, prizes, special mentions, awards, and scholarships. They could make a difference.

Don’t be afraid of selling yourself; you’re eager to learn!

Of course, if it’s your first job, you won’t have a lot of experience under your belt. Finding an employer who is willing to give you your first chance could be a challenge. You’re not entitled to your first job; you have to earn it. You have to take the initiative and be interested in all possibilities, even those that are

MAKE YOURSELF VISIBLE Make visits to trade fairs, conferences, and workshops in your domain. On site, adopt a professional and self-assured attitude. Inquire about the companies that interest you. What are they looking for? Get busy linking with contacts in the field, through business networks such as LinkedIn. Your arrival in the job market will add some more new words to your vocabulary — bosses, coworkers, effectiveness, efficiency, working conditions, and salary. They’ll appear as if by magic in this brave new world!

FIVE TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL JOB INTERVIEW

PHOTO: STOCKBYTE / THINKSTOCK

It looks like your resume wasn’t put at the bottom of the pile; you’ve been called in for an interview! When you

It is important to prepare both mentally and physically before a job interview.

find out you’re on the short list of candidates for your dream job, it’s only normal to be stressed. Not feeling that way would in fact be a bad sign, unless, of course, you’re used to this sort of meeting. A job interview is a vital part of the process, for which you have to prepare both mentally and physically.

1.Punctuality, politeness, and looking smart are essentials that are not included in your resume, but they are big factors in getting further in the process. Feel free to consult a family member for advice if this is your first job interview.

2.Read up on the company. Think of questions you might ask about the company during the interview. Wait for the right time to ask them, bearing in mind that you are not the person in charge of the meeting and conversation flow.

4.In your answers, show how your skills, strengths, ambitions, and particular interest in this company can be of benefit to the employer. Without actually saying so outright, demonstrate that you are the best candidate on the list.

3.A job interview is not a questionnaire with multiple choice answers. You must answer all questions, while remaining honest, positive, and constructive. Hesitating from time to time will not be interpreted as a failing.

Thinking before answering demonstrates that you are interested in the question.

5.Be ready to discuss working conditions, including salary. Opening the door to such a discussion will give you a good idea of what to expect.

Lastly, do not hesitate to ask what the follow-up to this interview will be. This is a question that deserves an honest and accurate answer.

The labour market is increasingly open to people aged 50 and older.

PHOTO: COMSTOCK IMAGES / THINKSTOCK

A NEW JOB AT 50: MORE COMMON THAN EVER! There are many reasons why you might find yourself looking for a new job in middle age — the restructuring or closure of the company you work for; moving to a new city; yearning for a new challenge. Whether you do it out of necessity or desire, your job search at 50 or older must be well planned and carefully thought out.

Above all, keep in mind that over your career you have developed qualities that are highly valued by employers, such as diligence, maturity, confidence in your abilities, a sense of responsibility and a job well done, availability to help less experienced colleagues, and team-building skills.

• You act wisely. Exploit your skills and assets. Be positive and remember that anything is possible. After all, you have a wellstocked toolbox.

Believe in your chances of achieving the goals you have set for yourself. Of course, retirement is just around the corner and time is running somewhat short. So this is no time to mess around; you must act now.

• Hone your CV. Update it; don’t forget anything important, but don’t tell your life story either. An interested employer will ask the right questions.

• You are ready to sell your skills. Experience is a gold mine and you are a worthy opponent for all the young people who apply for the same job.

• Get family and friends involved • Consult local newspapers regularly • Read the bulletin boards • Use social networks • Contact companies that interest you • Be available for any job interviews

A resume should be written with precision. It can’t talk, but it says everything.

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PHOTO: BRAND X PICTURES / THINKSTOCK

IS YOUR RESUME AN ASSET OR A HANDICAP? Are you looking for a new job? Your resume is an asset if it’s wellstructured, but it will be a handicap if it’s just thrown together. When updating your CV, remember that the employer does not have time to separate the essentials from the frills, especially if he or she has to read dozens of resumes for the same job.

POWER RESUME DO’S • Make a list of your qualifications, starting with the most recent. Don’t forget to mention any certificates for additional training. Those are the kind of extras that can make all the difference.

• Depending on your work experience, your resume should not exceed three pages, including your letter of introduction, also called a cover letter. Make it concise and uncluttered.

• Use action verbs in short sentences. Saying too much is often like saying nothing at all.

• Emphasize your strengths in a few lines, while leaving details for questions from the employer during an eventual interview.

• Provide an error-free resume.

Edit it repeatedly and have a trusted and competent friend proofread it.

POWER RESUME DON’TS • Don’t make the mistake of believing that the value of a resume is proportional to its number of pages.

• Don’t be humble and skimp on things that make you look good; a lightweight resume lacks note of your strengths and skills.

• Don’t forget to make sure your resume is up to date and specifically tailored to the job you are applying for.

Your CV is the tool that will help you get your foot in the door. Give it lots of thought, and make sure it is done well.

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The Eagle

bringing the news to the Brazos Valley The Eagle employees each play a part in the important job of delivering news -- of what’s happening in the Aggieland community and beyond -- to readers every day.

The Eagle, at 1729 Briarcrest Drive in Bryan, first opened in 1989, and now employees 115 staff members.

The newspaper was purchased in 2012 by Berkshire Hathaway Media Group (BH Media Group), a division of Berkshire Hathaway Inc.in Omaha, Nebraska. Berkshire Hathaway Inc. is often known for investor Warren Buffett, the company’s chairman, president and CEO. BH Media is a provider of information and news across print and digital platforms.

It operates 69 newspapers located in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Florida, Texas, Iowa, Nebraska, Oklahoma and New Jersey. Besides The Eagle, the other BH Media newspaper in Texas is the

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Waco Tribune-Herald.

The Eagle has the extraordinary opportunity to provide readers with news each day of what’s happening in the Brazos Valley – in print, as well as on its website, mobile site, app and social media outlets. Each issue becomes part of history archives of the community, and countless readers over the years have saved newspaper clippings of things important to them, whether it’s a story about themselves or a loved one,a photo,an obituary or a wedding or anniversary announcement.

Businesses are also able to reach The Eagle’s readers with print, online and email advertising, helping them to spread the word of their products and services, and to thrive in the area.

Crystal Dupre’, The Eagle’s publisher for the last two years, is proud of The Eagle’s designation as

one of the “Best Places to Work,” as well as of the company’s role in the community. Dupre’ said she enjoys coming to a place where each workday is not the same.

“I think it’s awesome that The Eagle was named as one of the Best Places to Work,” Dupre’ said. “Being one of the oldest businesses in town and the ‘archives of the community’ is a big responsibility that we don’t take lightly. For many years The Eagle has been blessed to have a fantastically talented staff that starts with a blank piece of paper 365 days of the year and brings the news to your doorstep. We get the privilege and opportunity to interact with so many different people in the community, and make a difference in their lives. It’s exciting to come to work every day. You never know what tomorrow holds. Many of the people on the staff have been here over 20 years and some more than 1729 Briarcrest Drive, Bryan 979-776-4444 • www.theeagle.com.

Employees: 115

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40 years. We are like one big family that genuinely cares about each other.”

Being part of one big family at The Eagle and getting involved with the community are aspects that make for an enjoyable work environment, she said.

“The Eagle is a big believer in being a community partner, which opens the door for many of our employees to participate in external functions,” Dupre’ said. “We do our best to make those functions fun. Of course, nothing is complete without feeding the crew every once in a while. It’s not uncommon to see the smoke coming from the grill on the back dock several times throughout the year as we grill hamburgers and sausage and gather for lunch.”

For more information, see www. theeagle.com.

Daily newspaper for the Brazos Valley

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(Continued from pg4) Other job searching assistance Workforce Solutions Brazos Valley’s mission is to provide employers with a quality workforce in the Brazos Valley’s seven counties: Brazos, Burleson, Grimes, Leon, Madison, Robertson and Washington.

A tool for employers and job seekers is WorkInTexas.com, a comprehensive online job search resource and matching system developed and maintained by the Texas Workforce Commission at no charge. It provides recruiting assistance to Texas employers and job search assistance to any individual seeking work in Texas.

Employers can post jobs, search resumes, recruit candidates, get labor market information, receive a variety of other services online, and also use the computers at each Workforce Solutions office’s resource rooms, Morrison said. Those seeking jobs can post their resume, search job listings, obtain employer contact information to apply for jobs, get information about the job market, and receive a

variety of other services online and also via Workforce Solutions office resource rooms.

Additional free services for job hunters include resume workshops; career and labor market information; computer access to online job banks, as well as telephones, copiers, printers and fax machines; one-onone assistance with job searches; job fairs; skills assessments; GED and literacy services; training for career needs; and information and referral to other community resources.

Workforce Solutions Brazos Valley also offers supportive services to those that qualify. Childcare services provide subsidized childcare services to low-income families.

The Workforce Solutions office in Bryan is at 3991 East 29th St. For more office locations and information, visit Workforce Solutions’ website at bvjobs.org. For details on additional employment resources, visit the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce’ssiteatwww.bcschamber. org or other area chambers of commerce.

1451 Louis E Mikulin, Bryan, TX 77803 979-703-6847 • axispipeandtube.com Employees: 156

Axis Pipe and Tube, voted as one of the top 50 places to work in the Brazos Valley, is in construction of its brand new facility in Bryan, TX. The new 183 acre plant will produce ERW energy tubular products in diameters up to 16”, with wall thickness up to .625”.

It will have the capability to produce API grades, as well as ASTM specified products.

If you are interested in joining our exciting team, please visit our website, www.axispipeandtube.com, for all open positions.

Some of our highlighted positions, are as follows.

• Electrical/Mechanical Engineers - 3+ years’experience. Degree required.

• Electricians

• Quality Positions

• Millwrights

• Fabricator

- Industrial experience. PLC a plus.

- 3+ years’experience. Mechanical or Hydraulic repairman preferred.

- 2+ years’experience.

- 1+ years’experience. Shielded/Gas Metal Arc Welding experience required.

We offer COMPETITIVE PAY and COMPrEhEnsIVE BEnEFIT PACkAgE For more information, please contact us at: www.axispipeandtube.com

Adaptability important in the workplace

Employee turnover, downsizing, an economy in flux, and many other factors contribute to the everchanging face of business. While men and women might once have hoped to grow old with a company, today’s workers are more inclined to switch jobs several times before they retire.

Companies routinely evolve to serve their customers, a learning process that will include some trial and error. Companies should be willing to try new strategies as they adapt to ever-changing markets.

Workers who are flexible and able to adapt to adjustments in the workplace are among the most desireable employees.

What defines adaptability varies depending on the profession, but taking the time to learn how to accommodate the needs of bosses and other workers can be a great way for men and women to ensure their long-term success.

• Recognize the likelihood of change. Professional environments are fluid, and employees who resist

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change may find their employers deem them expendable. Employees must recognize that change is part of the business world and must go with the flow to maintain their good standing with employers.

• Look for benefits. A willingness to be flexible can benefit employees just as much as it benefits employers.

Employees may find that a flexible schedule or the ability to telecommute presents new opportunities that can make life easier.

• Keep lines of communication open. Many men and women like working for companies that are willing to try new things. Keep lines of communication with supervisors open to ensure your ideas are heard, and encourage subordinates to offer their ideas at every turn.

• Don’t equate flexibility with being a pushover. Flexibility should not go so far that an employee feels taken advantage of. As companies change, the process is best if it involves give and take on the part of employees and their employers.

If you are looking to hire college students or recent graduates for your entry-level positions, COLLEGE BOOST will help you connect with the best and brightest candidates, faster and easier, across a network of relevant college-oriented job sites.

To find out more about boosting your employment ads call your Classified Sales Rep today 979-776-7355!

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Brazos Valley’s biggest employers In the Brazos Valley, the employers with the largest number of workers are in the education, healthcare and manufacturing industries.

According to the Research Valley, the top employers in the Brazos Valley, with 1,000 or more employees are: Baylor Scott & White (health care), Blinn College (education), Blue Bell Creameries (food manufacturing), Bryan Independent School District (education), College Station Independent School District (education), Reynolds & Reynolds (computer hardware/ software), Sanderson Farms (food manufacturing), St. Joseph Health System (health care) and Texas A&M University System. Employers with 500 to 999 employees are: Brazos County (government), City of Bryan (government), City of College

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Station (government), College Station Medical Center (health care), Monterey Mushrooms (food manufacturing), NOV Grant Prideco (energy) and Ply Gem Windows (manufacturing).

In Bryan-College Station alone, according to information from the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce, the top 12 employers are: Texas A&M University (12,000 employees), Texas A&M University System (8,000 employees), Bryan ISD (2,090), Sanderson Farms, Inc. (1,850), St. Joseph Regional Health Center (1,560), Reynolds and Reynolds (1,400), College Station ISD (1,100), Alenco Holding Corp., Inc. (950), City of Bryan (900), Knife River (800), City of College Station (715) and Brazos County (600).

According to information from Workforce Solutions Brazos Valley,

the number of unemployed people in the Brazos Valley decreased from 8,779 in August 2013 to 7,547 in August this year. The number of employed people increased from 150,787 to 154,820 in the same time period. The average weekly wage in the Brazos Valley increased from $714.27 in the first quarter of 2013 to $736.55 in the first quarter of this year.

The Brazos Valley is part of the Research Valley, which is in the center of the Texas Triangle that is Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio. The region is an international leader in engineering, agriculture and biomedical innovations through the presence of world-class infrastructure and expertise within the Texas A&M System, Texas A&M University and several key state

50 BEST PLACES TO WORK

research agencies – all of which are headquartered in the Research Valley, according to the Research Valley’s website.

The location of the region means connectivity to three of the largest metro areas in the United States and access to Port of Houston and a global distribution network, according to the website.

Other advantages of being in the Research Valley is a low cost of doing business (labor, utility, tax and logistic expenses) and access to a motivated, highly educated workforce with an exceptional work ethic.

For more Brazos Valley employment statistics and other information on the area, visit researchvalley.org, www.tracer2. com, www.bcschamber.org and bvjobs.org.

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University Title Company is the Best Place to Work in the Brazos Valley!!

University Title Company has proudly helped Texans realize the American dream of property ownership since February 21, 1973 when Phillip B. Goode formed University Title Company as an aid to his law practice. His daughter, Celia Goode-Haddock, was the manager of the company and in 1983 she and her partners purchased the agency from her father.

According to Celia GoodeHaddock, Chairman of the Board and CEO of UTitle, “It is a blessing and an honor for University Title Company to be chosen as the Best Place to Work in the Brazos Valley.

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Because the individuals on our team love their chosen profession and interact with each other as family, this comes across in everything they do, especially in their dealings with customers.”

Family: While the concept is explanatory of UTitle’s history, it also indicates the importance of the business and the environment fostered by the company. The purpose of title insurance is to make sure that a family’s home belongs to them and provide protection for their property. Title insurance is highly regulated in the state of Texas, so the cost of the protection is the

same regardless of which company issues the title policy. University Title proudly issues nearly 60% of the title policies in Brazos County because the families in our community have grown to know and love the family of 65 reliable UTitle Team Members.

Karen McCarroll, President and COO of the company, shares, “We have always treated our staff as our greatest asset. If we provide the best employee experience possible for our staff, they in turn provide exceptional service to our clients. It is a very simple business philosophy that has served us well for many years.We are extremely honored that our employees and clients voted us the Best Place to Work in the Brazos Valley.” In addition to the prestigious award, University Title Company

FIRST PLACE

1021 University Dr. E. – College Station 979-260-9818 • utitle.com Employees: 67

50 BEST PLACES TO WORK

earned the Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics in 2002 and 2012, the 2002 Anco Insurance Lifetime Achievement Award and Best Companies to Work for in Texas from 2008 through 2014.

University Title invites you to visit the Best Place to Work in the Brazos Valley, which is located at 1021 University Drive East in College Station. There you will find the region’s most professional, friendly team awaiting the opportunity to provide exceptional service to younot to mention hot chocolate or coffee, iced tea, sodas, water and our famous fresh-baked cookies.

After all, your family is a guest in our home when we have the privilege of closing yours!

University Title Company is The Best Place to Work in the Brazos Valley!!

T H E B R YA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E