2013 Top Places To Work

2013

Presented by

Supplement to

take control of your employee benefits risk and reduce claims by 25%.

You can do nothing about employee benefit risk and cost. Or take action with the help of Albers & Company. Most companies try to manage cost and have minimal control. Others actively manage risk to gain control.

Call us to explain the Albers Cost Risk Management Spectrum. We will help you identify where you are now, where you want to be and set up a plan that gives you more control.

The Albers Cost Risk Management Spectrum

Biometrics, Vision exam, Physical exam, HRQ

Level 1

Wellness, Smoking cessation

Some Control

Detailed claims analysis

Do nothing

Minimal Control

Bidding Risk Transfer, HSA/HRA Employer/Employee cost sharing

Cost Management

Self-funding, Forecasting, Reporting

Risk Management

Level 2

Identify future claimants, Assess, Clinician intervention

Substantial Control

Target Target high claimants, Incentive-based benefit programs Manage next 12-24 months of spending

Thanks to The Business Examiner for honoring Steve Albers, our beloved founder. The community benefactor and leader passed away last summer due to a bicycle accident during a grueling one-day 154-mile bike ride around Mt. Rainier. We continue to live by Steve’s core values of integrity, excellence, commitment to family, friends and community, celebrations filled with fun and laughter, and lifelong learning. Albers & Company thrives as a result of Steve’s forethought.

4733 Tacoma Mall Blvd, Ste 200

2 | Top Places to Work

| 888-8ALBERS

| alberscompany.com

introduction I’m sure the vast majority of us are very aware of how much time we spend at work.

Still, when you stop and quantify it all at once, it’s hard to wrap your head around.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, for example, people in this country spend at least 1,896 hours per year at work. Taking into account that Gallup polls show that the average American enters the workforce at 22 and expects to retire at 67, that makes a mean of 45 years of professional toil. And at just shy of 1,900 hours every year, that’s 85,500 hours worked in a lifetime.

No wonder it’s so important for all of us to find a fulfilling workplace. And no wonder, by extension, that all the good South Sound professionals who responded to our survey were so eager to make their voices heard: When you like the place where you spend all that time, you want everyone to know.

Now, I’m sure it’s a point of pride for all of our finalists and winners this year that their workers cared enough to put it in words for us. But I’m equally sure that the employers don’t do what they do for the recognition.

I’m sure they do the things they do because they want a happy, productive workplace for the folks who spend their professional lives under the company’s umbrella.

HOW THE TOP PLACES TO WORK HONOREES WERE SELECTED:

together, and also what sets them apart. These companies know that taking care of their own is more than just providing good benefits, though they go the extra mile to do so. They know that there’s more to a worker’s professional development than their time clock, job title and paycheck. They know that keeping their teams happy means more than just a foosball table in the break room or a dance party in the office, although those definitely don’t hurt.

These businesses don’t belong to one single industry.

They aren’t all big, and they aren’t all small. Their business models are as diverse as their employees, and they have locations all over the South Sound.

But each of them, in their own way, has proven that their way works. It’s unequivocally clear from the words of the people who work for these businesses that they feel valued, integrated, motivated, validated and rewarded.

So congratulations to our finalists and winners, and thank you. Thank you for everything you do for your respective teams. Thank you for going the extra mile.

Thank you for leading the way and setting an example. In a nutshell, thank you for being one of the South Sound’s Top Places to Work.

Honorees were selected by majority vote.

Qualifications for consideration included: • 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 percent of the nominee’s South Sound work force must submit an employee opinion survey evaluating their workplace culture

CATEGORIES: OVERALL NONPROFIT INTEGRITY: Company vision is communicated

I’m sure that they do the things they do because a content, committed, cared-for staff is a dutiful, driven, dedicated staff, and that’s what moves your business forward.

and consistent with employee responsibilities.

Employees are provided with resources needed to complete tasks. Communication is open and accessible.

And I’m sure that they do the things they do because when you spend that much time together, you become more than just co-workers, staff members and employees.

You become a team, a core — a family.

Arnie Aurellano Content Manager, Business Examiner

That’s what ties the businesses profiled in these pages

Sponsored by:

APPRECIATION: Employees are consulted on

Thank you to our Judges!

Jeff Albers

Judges, representing HR professionals of the local business community, reviewed the applications that nominees submitted, as well as the results of surveys completed by the respective companies’ employees.

Lauren Owen

Carol Bowser

relevant decisions. Professional development is supported. Personal lives are respected.

Sponsored by:

GRATIFICATION: Employees are proud of their personal contributions, team contributions, the organization’s products and its reputation.

Sponsored by:

EQUITY: Rewards are distributed with fairness. Promotions and hiring are based on ability and qualifications. There is a process for appeals.

Discrimination is intolerable.

PRESENTED BY:

CONTRIBUTING SPONSOR

Sponsored by:

SOLIDARITY: The organization has a socially welcoming work culture and creates a sense of team or family. People have the ability to be genuine and authentic individuals.

Sponsored by: EVENT PARTNERS

Photography by Dane Gregory Meyer

Top Places to Work | 3

top place to work

Associated Petroleum Products Many in the fuel industry are known only for what they take and charge. But the employees of Associated Petroleum Products Inc. describe their employer by what it gives to them. “(The) owners are very family focused, creating a very familyfriendly environment,” a staff member said. “When my husband was deployed, they were very flexible with my schedule to accommodate my need to work at home with two kids, if sick or otherwise. They give back to the community. (They) are always very friendly and genuinely interested in how you are and if you’re happy.”

“We have fun bosses who allow us the freedom to make our own decisions rather than being micromanaged,” wrote another. “It gives us a good sense of trust and respect in the workplace.”

The company’s 186 employees also appreciate the material perks of working for APP, which range from profit sharing to tuition reimbursement to an onsite fitness center open 24 hours.

“Because of the great benefits the company gives, including functions just for fun, it allows us to bond as a family organization and drives us to give it our all and feel like we have a vested interest in the outcome of our successes,” an employee wrote.

The benefits are just part of what has helped grow and sustain the APP workforce. According to company records, 27 percent of the employees have worked there for four to six years, 19 percent have worked there for seven to 10 years and 17 percent have worked there for 10 years or more.

“The work environment at APP is distinctly unique, with the company retaining focus on providing a comfortable, family-oriented environment for its employees and guests throughout the years,” an employee wrote. “APP doesn’t just go out of its way to ensure its customers are happy and satisfied, but they also ensure their staff are afforded the same care.”

Since APP is primarily a distribution company that employs more drivers than office workers, the ownership invests heavily in employee events to foster the camaraderie and family atmosphere needed to attract loyal employees. For example, the company has an annual Christmas party and switches year-to-year from a more formal event, where it rents hotel rooms for the employees, to a more casual bowling party with big prizes given away by the company.

Loyalty and hard work seem to pay off at APP. Fifty-three percent of employees in managerial roles were promoted from within the company.

“Hard work gets noticed, and pay raises/bonuses are completely merit-based,” wrote an employee.

“It gives us a good sense of trust and respect in the workplace,” said another.

Rather than micromanaging, the company’s officials claim they seek new plans that encourage employee growth. For example, in 2012 the company changed the sales force compensation package from salary with bonus to salary with a tier-level commission structure that “rewards both sales growth and profit contributions.”

If employees do, for some reason, figuratively crash, APP is willing to work with them to get them back on track.

“The owners are really focused to help out each and everyone of their employees any way they can in and outside of work,” wrote an employee.

Another wrote that the ownership understands that “each employee is key to APP’s success.”

“Their door is always open, whether it be to discuss an issue we may be having, listen to our ideas to better the company, or just to visit and have a good laugh,” the same employee continued. “I can honestly say that I love my job and I love that I make difference to this company — I want to be here and I want to make APP the best company it can be.”

Other employees also noted that the company does more than just give back to employees.

“Besides our excellent benefits, wages and outstanding work environment, I am proud to work here for all the community involvement throughout the year,” wrote one employee. “APP supports many charities and hospitals in our area.”

Ultimately, one employee was able to sum up why APP was a great place to work by simply stating, “They treat us like family.”

4 | Top Places to Work

size 186 full-time employees location Tacoma industry Petroleum transport and marketing health insurance 90 percent paid by

company for each full- time employee

benefits 401k, pension plan, profit sharing,

life insurance, maternity/paternity leave, tuition reimbursement, telecommuting, flex time, job sharing, formal training, health reimbursement account, onsite fitness center, short term and long term disability, fuel discounts, employee loyalty program

Pictured: Shannon Feichter Anna Ross Don Kollmansberger Frank Pupo Jr. – Partner Luke Xitco – President

inSteve honor of Albers (Dec. 26, 1951 - July 27, 2012)

Believing in business, and giving back

W

hen Steve Albers founded insurance brokerage firm Albers & Company in Tacoma in 1985, optimism and enthusiasm were key ingredients to growing it into a successful local business.

“Steve’s entire professional career was centered in Tacoma’s business community,” said younger brother and current Albers & Company partner Jeff Albers, “with the vast majority of it serving other local businesses as their trusted advisor in workplace benefits.”

And, Steve Albers not only had a passion for his business; he had a passion for life.

An avid athlete, traveler and father who tragically lost his life during the 152-mile Ride Around Mount Rainier in One Day (RAMROD) cycling race last July 27, he was fondly commemorated at his memorial four days later by family and friends for, “ … his intense love for play, love of family, and his big smile.”

The Lakes High School graduate, who at-

tended Washington State University and ultimately earned a business degree from the University of Puget Sound, made a positive impact on the South Sound in more ways than just business, though.

“What stands out to me was Steve’s genuine passion to want to help others, which (showed) in the variety of community organizations with which he participated,” said wife Donna Albers.

Her late husband didn’t believe in doing anything half way in business or any other capacity, she said. Rather, he had a real passion to help others, and to ‘make the world a better place — to do the right thing.’

“That played out in the way he led us here at Albers & Company,” she said. “One of his favorite mantras was, ‘If you’re not growing, you’re dying.’ Those convictions continue to drive us, along with the many who came in contact with him.”

Some of the ways that Steve Albers committed his talents and energy were through service at regional nonprofit organizations

like Tacoma Goodwill, the United Way of Pierce County and the Pierce County Library System.

“He was a ‘bigger-than-life’ type of guy, and Donna was his partner every step of the way,” said Judy Hosea, director of development for the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Puget Sound. “Together, they were a force to be reckoned with as community volunteers; they were just very communityconscious.”

At the Pierce County Library System, executive director Neel Parikh said she still can’t talk about the activities of the PCLS Board — which Steve Albers helped found — without remembering his voice providing calm, sage advice in her mind.

“He brought a keen eye and critical analysis of library issues,” she said. “The library is stronger today because of his contributions.”

Rick Allen, president of United Way of Pierce County, said that Albers’ local business acumen gave him additional insight

when he and Donna chaired the organization’s annual fundraising campaign.

“They were just completely committed to the community in the first place,” Allen said.

Ultimately, Jeff Albers said that his brother has left the great legacy of a blueprint for growing a local company while simultaneously committing personal skills to help improve others’ lives.

“Steve not only believed, but proved, that it’s possible to build a successful and sustainable business that provides true value to clients and the community, while maintaining unquestionable, and unwavering, integrity,” he said.

Added Donna Albers, “Steve was generous with his time and expertise, feeling excited and inspired to contribute 110 percent to those organizations and people he came in contact with. And he did it all with a giant, full-toothed grin of a smile that just made you want to smile back.”

Top Places to Work | 5

nonprofit

2013

HopeSparks Family Services

size 42 full-time employees, 25 part time location Tacoma industry Nonprofit family services health insurance 75 percent paid by

benefits 401k, life insurance, maternity leave, telecommuting, flex time, formal training, health club membership, health savings account, EAP, long term disability

company for each full- time employee

Pictured: Vianeth Zubrod Robert Penton Bill Dewitt Pati West Jesie Holden

6 | Top Places to Work

It’s been more than a century since Hope Sparks opened its doors in Tacoma for the purpose of strengthening the bonds between and resources for families and children.

Since its 1895 beginnings, though, the non-profit agency has held tight to its mission statement: “We strengthen families by inspiring courage and confidence to make a lasting change.”

It’s definitely working for this 2013 Top Places to Work Nonprofit Award winner.

“What I love about HopeSparks is that every employee is so passionate about the families we serve,” said one employee. “We all strive to better the lives of those we help based on that passion.”

Another employee commented, “There is a strong feeling of commitment towards the families that are served.”

But the “culture of caring,” as president and CEO David Duea phrases it, extends far past the adults and children the agency serves. Within HopeSparks itself, the 42 fulltime and 25 part-time employees have a commitment to encouraging and supporting each other as well.

“Every employee is made to feel that they are valued, and part of our family,” a worker said. “Supervisors consistently express gratitude for employees.”

Added another, “The environment and culture here are both safe and validating. The staff is cared about as individuals first, then for the work we do. Our families are highly respected and cared about as well.”

Another part of the process to enhance collaborative support between HopeSparks employees is just having fun as a team.

“HopeSparks is proud to always implement ‘enrichment days,’ where we take some time to recharge,” explained one worker. “From Ugly Christmas Sweater Day to an afternoon of bowling, these activities are not only fulfilling but also help to make a great team that is healthy enough to heal others.”

“We do a lot of ‘cheesy’ things, and by that we mean activities surrounded by food,” said another. “We have adopted a “Cheese Friday,” where colleagues bring anything that pairs well with cheese (minus the wine), which creates a fun environment that everyone looks forward to!”

And, while outsiders might think that a non-profit might provide fewer benefits to employees because of a slimmer budget, this isn’t so at HopeSparks. Once agency management finds good employees, they aim to keep them. Hence, a full slate of health and life insurance, maternity leave, stock options, and retirement plans are all part of the generous benefits package. Subsidized childcare, health club membership and other perks are also part of process to keep the workers themselves happy and healthy.

“Our management team is very keen on making sure we are healthy,” wrote a worker. “They encourage a healthy lifestyle, and the importance of making family a priority.”

HopeSparks also provides job growth opportunities for those who work there. Evidence? A full 98 percent of employees currently in managerial roles were promoted from within the agency. Clearly, this process encourages loyalty and longevity, as 85 percent of workers have been there between one and 10 years, and 13 percent have been at HopeSparks for a decade or longer.

appreciation Rusty George Creative

Sponsored by

size 9 full-time employees, 2 part-time location Tacoma industry Marketing, branding

The Top Places honor for Appreciation is based on how a company treats its employees: whether they’re consulted on relevant decisions, supported in professional development and respected in their personal lives.

At Rusty George Creative, the workers clearly believe they are appreciated.

“The work environment is one of the most rewarding and supportive I have ever been in,” said one staff member.

“The employees all work together and play together. Personal and professional achievements are celebrated, and there is a genuine focus on helping everyone succeed.”

“By far, the team I work with make this the best job I have ever had and make coming to work every day enjoyable,” echoed another employee. “Rusty and Kitura have worked hard to put an effective and cohesive team unit together.

By having such a good team, we tend to provide even better work because of how well we work together and bounce ideas off each other.”

As a marketing, advertising and branding agency, it’s evident that the staff at Rusty George feeds and thrives off of an open, enjoyable, collaborative atmosphere, and according to their testimony, it’s a setting that the company strives — and succeeds — at delivering.

“It is really great working in a creative

environment with people who are fun, friendly and hardworking,” one employee said. “We have a lot of goals as a company and are working together to achieve them.”

“We have the perfect balance of work hard and play hard,” said another. “We make an effort to eat lunch together just about every day, have an office dog, play laser tag and go high-speed go-karting together, which only improves our ability to collaborate effectively and bust out quality work for our clients.”

“This is a culture where it’s not uncommon to have an 80s dance party break out before noon and a marathon concepting meeting in the p.m.,” chimed a third.

“Every company is only as good as the people that work there, and the people who work here are amazing.”

The staff also noted that management makes sure to take care of its own.

“We are focused more on the staff than the company’s reputation,” said a team member. “We enjoy profit sharing, team building activities and company-wide participation in doing the best work in the South Sound for our industry.

Perhaps one worker summed up the culture at Rusty George best with a simple truth: “Work should be enjoyable,” the employee said. “We spend too much time here for it not to be.”

FROM OUR TEAM TO YOURS,

CONGRATULATIONS! WE’D LIKE TO APPLAUD YOUR HARD WORK AND DEDICATION TO ONE ANOTHER, YOUR INDUSTRY AND OUR COMMUNITY.

RICHARD G. PHILLIPS, JR. PARTNER

HEATHER L. BURGESS PARTNER

MATTHEW R. KERNUTT ASSOCIATE

ANGELIA D. WESCH PARTNER

KELLY T. WOOD ASSOCIATE

Phillips Wesch Burgess practices exclusively in business, real estate, land use and environmental, construction, and related insurance coverage law. Because we have a localized focus, our clients benefit from a quality of leadership and depth of knowledge that can provide sure footing when it matters most.

Our attorneys are a multidisciplinary team providing legal guidance for a wide range of private and public sector real estate clients that need to navigate the complex web of laws and regulations governing the use and development of real estate in Washington. They have advised on and led high-value real estate transactions, consequential retail, commercial, and residential development projects, and complex environmental, zoning, land use, insurance litigation and appeals in jurisdictions across our state.

Pictured: Rusty George – Owner, Carlos Lozano, Hana Kato, Liz Lambferro, Chris Cowan

LEGAL ADVICE YOU CAN BUILD ON. 724 Columbia St. NW, Ste. 140 • Olympia • www.pwblawgroup.com • 360.742.3500

Top Places to Work | 7

2013

Tota

l Em

plo y

finalists Company:

City:

Web Site:

Year Est:

Industry:

CEO

Emplo

Associated Petroleum Products Inc

Tacoma

AssociatedPetroleum.com

1972

Petroleum Transporter & Marketer

Luke Xitco (President/CEO)

186

Business Interiors Northwest

Tacoma

Binw.com

1982

Furniture

Rich Lacher (CEO)

94

Columbia Bank

Tacoma

ColumbiaBank.com

1993

Bank

Melanie Dressel (Pres/CEO)

1233

Heritage Bank

Olympia

HeritageBankwa.com

1927

Financial Services

Brian Vance (CEO)

330

HopeSparks Family Services

Tacoma

Hopesparks.org

1895

Non-Profit Agency

David Duea (Pres/CEO)

67

ITsource

Federal Way

ITsource.com

1996

Information Technology

Chris Carlisle (President)

8

Keller Williams Realty

University Place

Kw.com

2001

Real Estate

Todd Pressley (Team Leader)

4

Lucky Eagle Casino

Rochester

LuckyEagle.com

1995

Entertainment /Gambling

John Setterstrom (CEO)

595

Medical Imaging Northwest

Tacoma

myDINW.com

1940

Healthcare

Keith Arnzen (CEO)

120

Premier Media Group

Tacoma

SouthSoundMag.com

2001

Publishing

Josh Dunn (Owner, Publisher)

15

Rusty George Creative

Tacoma

RustyGeorge.com

1997

Marketing/Advertising

Rusty George (Principal)

11

Torklift Central

Kent

Torkliftcentral.com

1976

Sales/Service/Parts /Manufacturing

Matt Lynch (General Manager)

19

United Way of Pierce County

Tacoma

UWPC.org

1921

Non-Profit

Rick Allen (President)

29

8 | Top Places to Work

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Top Places to Work | 9

gratification

size 13 full-time employees, 2 part-time location Tacoma industry Print and digital publishing

Sponsored by

Premier Media Group

Premier Media Group is committed to creating and providing the “highest level of quality magazines, designs, and service.”

The employee-friendly strategies of PMG’s owner, Josh Dunn, seem to be working, since 90 percent of the company’s full-time employees have been there for seven or more years. And when they filled out our survey, they couldn’t help but give PMG nearly perfect scores across the board.

“Premier Media Group is an awesome place to work. I feel very blessed to be here and somewhat sad for those who cannot,” wrote one employee. “We have a great community within our organization. (Dunn), our owner and publisher, goes out of his way to make everyone feel welcome and has created a great environment of encouragement.”

Another wrote, “Premier Media Group is so trusting and believes in everyone’s strength and skills. We depend on each other to grow as a group. The environment is fun and encouraging.”

The company offers its employees more traditional benefits like life insurance and maternity/paternity leave. But PMG also offers some more unique benefits, like flexible work schedules, telecommuting, a Costco membership, in-house massages and random bonuses for jobs well done.

“Premier Media Group is fun, inviting

and delightful,” wrote an employee. “I’ve never worked at a place like this and I tell my friends and family about how wonderful this work is and how lucky I am to find something like this in my line of field.”

One employee said that, from the top down, there is an attitude that people can continuously be improving themselves and their work. “(Dunn) gives us time to go to classes/ meetings that help us further our knowledge and creativity,” the employee wrote. “Also, he gives his production team a day off each quarter to be creative outside of the workplace!”

Other employees appreciated the teamlike atmosphere at PMG or as one employee put it, “everyone has a voice, including interns.”

And PMG is not afraid to give is employees opportunities to help them grow as professionals.

“I started here as an intern trying to see if I liked the publishing industry enough to explore a career in it,” wrote one employee.

“I fell in love with the magazine business because of the unique culture here at PMG. People are fun, creative, focused and all dedicated to producing a high quality magazine of national caliber each month.”

Pictured: Josh Dunn - President, Lander Martinson, Kirsten Erwin, Lisa Patterson, Kristy Ford

10 | Top Places to Work

integrity

Sponsored by

Columbia Bank There’s no denying that the banking industry has gone through some choppy waters the last few years, but the employees at Columbia Bank felt confident their boat was being steered in the right direction. “(It’s an) excellent-run organization by experienced management who provide positive role models to the entire staff,” wrote one team member, who also specifically described how bank president Melanie Dressel personally attends a staff meeting at every branch annually. “This is such a powerful message to the employees that upper management truly cares about them.”

When asked what makes their company great, the 466 full-time, South Sound employees described a top-down management style that uplifts the employees, rather than putting them down.

“Columbia Bank is focused on building relationships, doing the right thing, being part of the community, developing its employees and providing a great work and business environment,” responded one employee.

Another wrote, “The core of our organization is truly our employees. We are genuinely nice; we are professional; we are intelligent; and we always want to do the right thing. You can’t ask for anything more.”

Not every financial institution receives these types of responses from its workers.

“I have worked at other banks in the past, and Columbia Bank is the best company that I have worked for so far,” wrote one employee. “They treat their employees very well and it’s a great environment

size 466 full-time employees in

South Sound location Based in Tacoma; 26 South Sound branches industry Banking and finance for someone to work in. “ The management team said the business offers a number of useful perks, ranging from personal finances assistance to the designated section of the bank’s intranet called the Employee Resource Center. Within the ERC are tools that employees can use to further their own education and career growth.

And when employees do take advantage of these educational opportunities or had other accomplishments, the company actually acknowledges them.

“The celebration of our achievements, both big and small, made me feel successful and appreciated,” wrote an employee.

For many employees, the gratifying part of the job comes from helping others, whether it’s the customers or the community. “”We work hard, but have fun and our customers see that,” wrote one employee.

The company not only focuses on training its employees, but it also has unveiled a healthy living program to try and enrich the personal lives of its employees.

“Columbia Bank is a great organization, because when you join this team you become a family,” wrote an employee.

“You progress together and celebrate together. It’s unlike any other work experience I have ever had. I love it.”

Congratulations to all of the companies that have been voted

Top Places to Work

Custom Software Development Enterprise Architecture Project Management Systems Security Compliance SharePoint Integration Business Software Integration Business Analysis

Careful. We Byte. 360-915-7017 Microsoft Silver Partner

425.255.6992 | info@hardcastleentertainment.com Pictured: Diane Drinkwine, JoAnne Coy, Sandy Snider Calvin Pearson, Jessica Gallwas

www.hardcastleentertainment.com Top Places to Work | 11

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solidarity

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Business Interiors Northwest

size 84 full-time employees, 10 part-time location Tacoma industry Furniture

With 84 full-time and 10 part-time employees, most in the South Sound, the work of Business Interiors Northwest is can easily be recognized in this region.

And, because it’s one of the Top Places to Work, most employees are sticking around. In fact, nearly 70 percent currently in management have come up through the ranks, and 34 percent have been with the company four to 10 years.

Nearly 40 percent have worked there for more than a decade.

“The people who work at BizNW are the type of people I want around me at work and in my personal life,” wrote an employee in the Top Places survey. “Everyone is very welcoming, and the management always has our best interest at heart when making decisions that affect the entire organization.”

Job security and a full range of benefits are only two drops in the bucket of why Business Interiors Northwest employees appreciate where they work, however.

One main draw is the annual theme, which for this year is being “Committed to Excellence: Doing the Common in an Uncommon Way.” That means an emphasis on teamwork, culture and increased sales, which is often accomplished through company-wide goals, contests and events.

“It brings a sense of fun, camaraderie, and teamwork to the workplace,” one employee said. “But all employees will

increase their competence in working as a team.”

Commitment to community is another reason workers at Business Interiors Northwest enjoy being a part of the company. Individually and as a whole, employees donated to or volunteered at more than 80 nonprofit community organizations last year alone.

“Over the past 30 years, this dedication of our employees has allowed us to achieve consistent, healthy growth and delight our customers,” said an employee.

It’s not just what the company or its employees do on the job or in the community that’s the only reason it’s a Top Place to work. There are also the employees themselves.

“This is an amazing group of people to work with, and we all take pride in our work and pleasing our customers,” said another.

The relationship between staff and management was also cited as a positive job perk.

“The owners promote integrity, both professionally and personally,” was one comment.

“There’s a family feel across the organization, as well as promotion of professional and personal growth,” said another. “Plus there are strong company values, practices that are passed down from owners to workers.”

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253.926.2440 | www.actvp.com Pictured: Penny Reagin, Mathew Marshall Rachel Storset, Andrea Sandquist 12 | Top Places to Work

equity

Sponsored by

size 243 full-time employees in South Sound

location Based in Olympia;

Heritage Bank

Heritage’s mission, which the bank has held at the forefront of its decisions since its beginnings, is “a commitment to continuously improving customer satisfaction, employee empowerment and shareholder value.”

Employees agree that this mission is being approached and accomplished on a day-to-day basis.

“One of the most important aspects of our mission is the community involved and employee empowerment,” said one worker. “What I do at the bank matters, and the bank encourages its employees to help the community, something that I care a great deal about!”

Another employee said, “We all are aware of our vision and mission here at Heritage Bank, and it shows in our cohesive work.”

Those who work at Heritage agree that its vision is well-communicated within the company.

“We are recognized for our contributions to growing this bank,” one responder noted on the Top Places employee survey.

“Expectations are very clear and reasonable, and the employees are treated as well as our customers.”

“It is clear that all of the members of the Heritage Bank team strive to live out the company’s mission and vision statements every day,” wrote another. “Heritage Bank is a company with high morality and which encourages a strong work ethic in its employees.”

The bank also makes a commitment to loyalty to its employees with a generous benefits package, an Employee Discount Center for price breaks on local services and travel packages, and an extra “float” holiday. Heritage workers also see ample opportunity for professional growth within the company.

“Our company tries to provide good incentives to the employ-

26 South Sound branches industry Banking and finance

ees that work at making it a success,” an employee commented.

“Also, we believe in great customer service and strive to achieve that goal every day to the satisfaction of both customers and staff alike.”

Said another, “Senior management is available to employees.

Communication regularly comes from the top down.”

“Access to senior management is excellent for all levels of employees, and there’s very good communication from senior management, clear objectives for the company, and fair processes,” echoed another. “Opportunities for career growth readily available and encouraged for internal employees.”

Then there are the team-building events, which are highly enjoyed. Most popular is the “Flapjack Roundup,” where CEO and former cowboy Vance joins senior management staff to make breakfast for their employees.

“This is a full breakfast, including eggs, sausage and pancakes made using the CEO’s special sourdough recipe,” a worker explained. “We also hold drawings where employees could win prizes like iPads, Kindles, Xboxes, and other fun items.”

In the end, Heritage employees all seemed to agree that the company’s awareness of and commitment to its mission has definitely made it a Top Place to work.

“It’s a TEAM environment: The Egos Are Missing,” wrote an employee. “People are genuine, authentic, and truly care about our clients and the relationships we have established both internally and externally.”

Pictured: Brian Vance - CEO

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Treat your guests by offering them a complimentary espresso bar.

Black Tie Espresso Catering adds a Northwest touch to your event.

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The Cake Mobile by Celebrity Cake Studio is now available for corporate events and parties.

Please call us at 253.627.4773 or e-mail us at info@celebritycakestudio.com for more details.

You can also visit our new location at 314 E. 26th St. in Tacoma’s Dome District.

www.celebritycakestudio.com Voted” Best Cakes of Western WA” by Evening News Magazine 2009-2011

Top Places to Work | 13

Thank You to all 2013 Finalists who make the South Sound a Top Place to Work!

Associated Petroleum Products Business Interiors Northwest Columbia Bank Heritage Bank HopeSparks IT Source Keller Williams Realty Lucky Eagle Casino Medical Imaging Northwest Premier Media Group Rusty George Creative Torklift Central United Way of Pierce County

14 | Top Places to Work

A P P IS THE TO P PLAC E TO

WORK

!

Associated Petroleum Products, Inc. (APP) 2320 Milwaukee Way, Tacoma, WA 98421 (800) 929-5243 or (253) 627-6179 www.associatedpetroleum.com www.apppropane.com

Top Places to Work | 15

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