THE BEST OF MAINE
TIPS FROM SOME OF BANGOR’S BEST PLACES TO WORK
WAYS TO CELEBRATE EMPLOYEES AND HONOR LOCAL BUSINESSES
Employee SATISFACTION
TIPS FROM SOME
OF THE AREA’S BEST PLACES TO WORK
BY JULIA BAYLY
There’s no reason going to work can’t be fun. Just ask the employees of the 2024 Best Places to Work in Maine. For these workers, a combination of collaborative settings, opportunities for advancement, meaningful support from management, and lighthearted office furnishings make for a positive on-the-job environment.
Currently in its 19th year, the annual Best Places to Work in Maine are selected through a competitive process by The Maine State Council of the Society for Human Resource Management, in partnership with Best Companies Group and Bridgetower Media. The process surveys company employees around the state.
A few of the companies making the 2024 list in the Bangor area are the James W Sewall Company, Downeast Federal Credit Union, Eaton Peabody, Haley Ward, Katahdin Trust, and Hammond Lumber.
“When I found out we had made the list, I looked through the survey results and what really stuck out were the really high percentage of satisfaction our employees had with their relationships to their supervisors,” said Jill Walsh, director of human resources at Haley Ward. “That really bubbled up to the top of what makes people satisfied.
The engineering company is also a place where employees feel their leaders actually care about their well being, Walsh said, in addition to being well compensated for their work.
Part of that attention to wellbeing is an onsite employee gymnasium with locker rooms and showers, according to Jessie Pottle, director of marketing. There is even an office foosball table.
“There is so much engagement among employees and they really work well together,” Pottle said. “They connect in ways beyond the job like through inhouse photo contests and events around favorite sports.”
The recognition of being a best place to work in Maine is vital to a successful business, according to Joseph Moses, president and CEO of Downeast Credit Union.
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“It’s important for business leaders to provide a robust working environment for their teams,” Moses said. “So employees enjoy coming to work, servicing members and customers, and achieving organizational goals.”
Moses said the credit union uses a “servant leadership style” approach in which every employee up through top management serves each other.
“For example, I serve my entire team to ensure they have the support, tools, and skills to be successful,” he said. “In doing so, we provide exceptional service to our members and customers [and] we retain the best talent, where our team feels valued and they are committed to dedicating their skills and talents to Downeast Credit Union.”
Among the support offered at the credit union is a 100 percent payment of higher education tuition and books for employees working toward a degree.
But it does not need to be a huge expense to make employees happy, Moses said. All an employer needs to do is truly care.
“Leaders just need to operate with integrity, fairness, honesty, listening to feedback, acting on the feedback, and continuously focusing their energy on serving their teams,” he said.
Back at Haley Ward, that caring extends to making sure employees out-of-office life is taken care of.
“We see great satisfaction from employees in the flexibility they have,” Pottle said. “They are given the time to take care of family or personal obligations.”
That satisfaction produces its own feedback loop at Haley Ward with the company experiencing massive growth. Over the past decade it has grown from 65 to 300 employees in five states.
“When you are always growing, roles and opportunities evolve for employees,” Pottle said. “Everyone wants to be part of making their community better.”
It’s really quite simple to make it on the list, Moses said.
“Everyone serves each other’s best interests,” he said. “The rest naturally follows.”
HOW BUSINESSES CAN EXPRESS APPRECIATION for Employees
Without the dedication and hard work of employees, businesses large and small would not be successful. Recognizing that it takes a team of professionals to help their companies function optimally, business owners can show appreciation to the staff in various ways. Employees who feel valued may be less likely to leave their jobs and be more fully engaged and productive.
Employers who want to offer more than verbal appreciation to employees can explore these ideas.
· MAINTAIN A POSITIVE TONE. There are always problems to be solved in business. Rather than focusing on what went wrong or what could be fixed, lead conversations with recent wins or steps in the right direction. An overall positive tone can make a difference in employee satisfaction.
COURTESY OF METRO CREATIVE
· EXPRESS INTEREST IN EMPLOYEES. Make time to sit personally with each employee over coffee or lunch. Ask questions to help employees feel heard.
· OFFER NON-MONETARY PERKS. Many employers show their appreciation through raises or gifts but the funds may not be there in tight economic times. Reward work done well or special milestones with a reserved parking spot, an extra paid day off, or early dismissal.
· HOST TGIF GATHERINGS. Make Fridays a chance to have a little fun and gather together. Use this informal time to address employee accomplishments, and encourage communication and positivity.
· HIGHLIGHT WORKERS ON SOCIAL MEDIA. Social media is a significant part of modern business
operations. Companies can create a Wall of Fame page to spotlight an employee who is contributing in his or her own way. Not only does this improve the morale of the team, it provides the public with a glimpse into the positive working environment of the company.
· CATER MEALS WHEN POSSIBLE. Employers recognize the key seasons of the year that are crunch times for their particular businesses. Employees may have to work harder or put in longer hours during this time. Set aside one day a week to have lunch or dinner catered for the team.
· HOST COMPANY EVENTS. Spending time away from the office or the job site can provide the break employees need. Company retreats or special family days help give back to the team in an enjoyable way.
BEST PLACE TO WORK IN MAINE:
HOW JAMES & WHITNEY CO. PUTS EMPLOYEES FIRST
COURTESY OF JAMES & WHITNEY CO.
When it comes to roofing and exteriors, James & Whitney Co. is not just raising roofs, it’s raising standards. For the second year in a row, this Maine based roofing and exteriors company has earned a coveted spot on MaineBiz’s annual “Best Places to Work in Maine” list. The recognition reflects a company culture built on valuing employees, fostering community connections, and delivering exceptional service across Maine and New Hampshire.
A FOUNDATION BUILT ON PEOPLE
James & Whitney Co. provides exceptional roofing and exterior services across Maine and New Hampshire, but its real strength lies in its people first approach. President Ryan McCaslin puts it best: “We’re genuinely invested in helping people whether they are employees or clients.” This mindset resonates across every level of the organization, creating a workplace where employees feel supported, appreciated, and empowered to excel.
A COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE
At James & Whitney Co., excellence is a team effort. Every day, employees come together with a shared mission: to deliver exceptional services and unparalleled value to their customers. This collaborative spirit fuels innovation and ensures the company’s reputation for consistently high quality results.
people as we can, whether that’s our employees or the community around us,” McCaslin explains.
This commitment shines through in the company’s numerous charitable initiatives. From building dugouts for local Little League teams to partnering with organizations like Annie’s Angels and Habitat for Humanity, James & Whitney Co. has donated complete roof systems to families in need and supported various local causes. These efforts underscore the company’s deep rooted dedication to making a meaningful impact where it matters most: in the communities where their employees live and work.
PRESIDENT RYAN MCCASLIN PUTS IT BEST: “WE’RE GENUINELY INVESTED IN HELPING PEOPLE WHETHER THEY ARE EMPLOYEES OR CLIENTS.”
Competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for career growth form the foundation. Yet, the company goes beyond these essentials by championing open communication and teamwork. Every employee’s goals matter, and James & Whitney Co. is dedicated to providing the tools, resources, and encouragement for both professional and personal success.
Earning a spot on the “Best Places to Work in Maine” list for two years running is no small feat. This recognition reflects the success of James & Whitney Co.’s team driven approach and its unwavering commitment to creating a positive and productive workplace.
GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY
For James & Whitney Co., success is measured not only in business growth but also in the positive impact it has on the community. “We like to take care of as many
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
As James & Whitney Co. continues to grow, it remains steadfast in its commitment to employee development, customer satisfaction, and community involvement. By prioritizing these values, the company has established itself as a leader in the roofing and exteriors industry, not just for its craftsmanship but for its people first approach.
Whether it’s roofing, windows, gutters, or siding, James & Whitney Co. combines unmatched expertise with a customer first mindset to deliver exceptional results. Discover more about their services and their commitment to excellence at jameswhitneyco.com.
BANGOR
REGION CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 2025 ANNUAL AWARDS:
HONORING THE Best of Bangor
BY CRYSTAL SANDS
For years, the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce has been honoring the best of the Bangor region, but this year, there are some exciting changes being made to both the awards and the ceremony honoring winners.
Usually held in January, this year, the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce will be holding the big event to celebrate winners of the awards in April. With an “Old Hollywood” theme to align with the event’s sponsor, Hollywood Casino Hotel and Raceway, the event will look quite different from events of the past. This year, instead of a sit-down dinner, the event will be shorter and will feature hors d’oeuvres and refreshments. In addition to
an awards ceremony, the event will feature performances by the Bangor Symphony Orchestra and the Penobscot Theatre Company.
“Attendees often remark that they leave the event proud and inspired to be part of the Bangor region and all of the great things happening,” said Deb Neuman, President and CEO of the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce.
This year’s awards will include the Norbert X. Dowd Award, the “Spirit of the Region” Cultural Award, Large Business of the Year, Small Business of the Year, Non-Profit of the Year, the Sarah Dubay Community Service Award, and the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Award.
The Norbert X. Dowd Award is the event’s most prestigious honor, and, according to the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce, is meant to recognize someone who has used their time, resources, and talent to make “the Bangor region a better place to pursue one’s livelihood and dreams.” The “Spirit of the Region” Cultural Award honors an individual, business, or organization that has made a significant contribution to the Bangor region in the area of arts, entertainment, and cultural opportunities.
The Large Business of the Year Award recognizes a business in the Bangor area with over 25 employees that sets an example of leadership, quality, and opportunity. Large Business of the Year award winners of the past include
the Bangor Daily News, Bangor Savings Bank, Darling’s, and Dysart’s.
The Small Business of the Year Award honors businesses with fewer than 25 full or part-time employees. It is important to note that small businesses account for 80 percent of the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce’s membership. Previous Small Business Award winners include Rebecca’s and Tiller & Rye.
The Non-Profit of the Year award goes to a nonprofit in the Bangor region that has made a significant difference in the lives of the people in the area. According to the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce, the Sarah Dubay Community Service Award honors “an individual who has contributed a significant amount of time and expertise to serving the Bangor region either by helping others directly or by enhancing community or regional assets that add to that quality of life.”
Lastly, the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Award focuses on a newer business in the Bangor area that has used innovation and creativity to create economic opportunity.
Nominations for these important awards come directly from the community. Individuals may not nominate themselves but may nominate others and businesses in the area that deserve recognition. In the past, nominees needed to be members of the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce, but an important change this year is that nominees need not be members. The winners are then selected by a committee of volunteers made up of prior year award winners, and according to Neuman, the committee emphasizes quality over quantity, so the decision for winners is not based on the number of nominations. It is important to note that, while the Chamber seeks to honor new winners every year, it is possible for a business or individual to win an award again.
“Each year the chamber is honored to recognize individuals, businesses, and organizations making significant positive contributions to the Bangor region,” Neuman said. “Oftentimes the recipients are well known in the community and many times they are ‘under the radar’ doing incredible things. Shining the spotlight on these winners brings awareness to the community about their contributions.”
BRCC’s Paul Bunyan-themed awards and (below) the 2017 awards ceremony.
BDN FILE PHOTOS
Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce President Deb Neuman speaks at the 2022 Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce’s annual award ceremony on the Bangor Waterfront.
SAWYER LOFTUS | BDN
KNOW OF A DESERVING INDIVIDUAL OR ORGANIZATION? NOMINATE THEM FOR A BANGOR REGION CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AWARD! FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT BANGORREGION.COM/ANNUAL-AWARDS-EVENT
NOMINATIONS FOR THE APRIL CEREMONY CAN BE MADE NOW THROUGH JANUARY 31, 2025
