June. 2021, US $4.95
2021 Small Company Winner
2021 Medium Company Winner
PEEL & HOLLAND, INC.
KENTUCKY LOTTERY CORPORATION
2021 Large Company Winner
BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON, INC.
Presented By:
csiweb.com
Our 9th Consecutive Year!
For nine years in a row, CSI has been named one of the Best Places to Work in Kentucky. We’re so proud of our employees—they make CSI the great workplace it is.
We’ve also made American Banker’s list of the Best Places to Work in FinTech every year since its 2018 inception.
And we’re pleased to announce our inclusion this year on Forbes’ list of Best Employers for Diversity.
To explore your future with our dynamic fintech team, visit csiweb.com.
Table of Contents
What Does It Take to Become a Best Place to Work in Kentucky?------------------------- 2 Messages from KYSHRM and Kentucky Chamber----------------------------------------------- 3 What Our 2021 Best Places to Work in Kentucky Winners Look Like --------------------- 4 Winners Hall of Fame--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6 The Importance of Fair Chance Employment to Kentucky’s Recovery ------------------- 24 The Differentiator--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 28 HR in a Pandemic and Beyond-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 40
KEY: FAIR CHANCE
= Fair Chance Employer
WE’RE
HIRING
= Company is hiring
2021Best Small Places to Work in Kentucky -------------------------------------- 11 All Star Purchasing ------------------------------------------------------------- 15 Alpha Business Acquisitions, Inc. ----------------------------------------- 17 Associations International---------------------------------------------------- 23 Bim Group ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14 Bitwerx ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 14 BUDGET For The People ---------------------------------------------------- 17 Clay Ingels Co. LLC ------------------------------------------------------------ 21 Connected Nation -------------------------------------------------------------- 13 Copperhead Environmental Consulting, INC. ------------------------ 17 CORNETT -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 20 DBL Law ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 20 Delta Dental of Kentucky, Inc. ---------------------------------------------- 12 Fahe --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 19 FNB Bank -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15 Forcht Broadcasting ----------------------------------------------------------- 19 Hardin County Water District No. 1 --------------------------------------- 23 Kerr-Greulich Engineers ------------------------------------------------------ 23 KLH Engineers ------------------------------------------------------------------- 17 Marine Solutions, Inc. ---------------------------------------------------------- 17 Massage Envy Lexington ----------------------------------------------------- 18
MCF ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14 Metro United Way, Inc. -------------------------------------------------------- 20 MiddleGround Capital --------------------------------------------------------- 12 Middleton Reutlinger ---------------------------------------------------------- 20 Mirazon------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 20 NetGain Technologies, LLC ------------------------------------------------- 15 Peel & Holland, Inc. ------------------------------------------------------------ 12 People Plus, Inc ------------------------------------------------------------------ 19 PriceWeber ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 13 Rajant Corporation ------------------------------------------------------------- 21 Strategic Marketing ------------------------------------------------------------ 22 Strothman and Company ---------------------------------------------------- 18 Town & Country Bank and Trust Company ---------------------------- 18 Tri-Arrows Aluminum Inc. ----------------------------------------------------- 18 United States Hunter Jumper Association ----------------------------- 22 Venminder, Inc. ------------------------------------------------------------------ 13 Victory Mortgage --------------------------------------------------------------- 22 Volta --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13 Ward, Hocker & Thornton, PLLC ------------------------------------------- 13 Wehr Constructors, Inc. ------------------------------------------------------- 15
AE Electrical Solutions -------------------------------------------------------- 37 ARGI --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 32 Associates in Pediatric Therapy LLC ------------------------------------- 33 Blue & Co., LLC ------------------------------------------------------------------ 32 Car-Part.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 32 Columbia Gas of Kentucky -------------------------------------------------- 35 Commonwealth Credit Union ---------------------------------------------- 35 Community Financial Services Bank ------------------------------------- 32 Dean Dorton ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 34 Forcht Bank ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 36 Independence Bank ----------------------------------------------------------- 30 Interapt ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 33 KECH, Inc.-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 38 KEEN Footwear ------------------------------------------------------------------ 36 Kentucky Bank ------------------------------------------------------------------- 33
Kentucky Lottery Corporation ---------------------------------------------- 30 L&N Federal Credit Union --------------------------------------------------- 35 Limestone Bank ----------------------------------------------------------------- 36 LockNet LLC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 35 Louisville Tile Distributors---------------------------------------------------- 37 MCM CPAs & Advisors LLP--------------------------------------------------- 33 Park Community Credit Union --------------------------------------------- 37 PharmaCord----------------------------------------------------------------------- 39 Revecore---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 36 Shepherd Insurance ----------------------------------------------------------- 37 Southcentral Kentucky Community & Technical College --------- 38 Stites & Harbison, PLLC ------------------------------------------------------ 30 UofL Health - Shelbyville Hospital ---------------------------------------- 37 Winterwood Inc. ----------------------------------------------------------------- 39 Xometry ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 34
Amgen ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 51 Appriss, Inc ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 48 AssuredPartners ----------------------------------------------------------------- 52 Bastian Solutions ---------------------------------------------------------------- 47 Bluegrass Care Navigators -------------------------------------------------- 46 Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc. ---------------------------------------------------- 44 Central Bank & Trust Co. ----------------------------------------------------- 48 CHI Saint Joseph Health, Saint Joseph London --------------------- 54 Corning ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 51 CSI ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 49 Edward Jones -------------------------------------------------------------------- 44 Envoy Mortgage, Ltd. ---------------------------------------------------------- 45 Farm Credit Mid-America ---------------------------------------------------- 44 Fischer Homes ------------------------------------------------------------------- 53 Galen College of Nursing ---------------------------------------------------- 50
Genentech ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 47 ISCO Industries ------------------------------------------------------------------ 46 Jack Henry & Associates ----------------------------------------------------- 45 Kentucky American Water --------------------------------------------------- 52 Kentucky Power Company -------------------------------------------------- 46 KORT -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 53 Long John Silver’s, LLC ------------------------------------------------------- 47 Neustar Inc. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 44 Republic Bank -------------------------------------------------------------------- 49 Rockcastle Regional Hospital and Respiratory Care Center 54 Senture, LLC ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 52 Signature HealthCARE Consulting Services -------------------------- 51 Steptoe & Johnson PLLC ----------------------------------------------------- 45 Total Quality Logistics --------------------------------------------------------- 51 V-Soft Consulting --------------------------------------------------------------- 53
2021Best Medium Places to Work in Kentucky -------------------------------- 29
2021Best Large Places to Work in Kentucky --------------------------------------- 43
BPWK2021
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Determine eligibility
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• Be a publicly- or privately-held business • Be a for-profit or not-for-profit business or a government entity • Have a facility in the state of Kentucky • Have a minimum of 15 full-time or part-time employees working in Kentucky
Register for the survey process Registration for the survey process is open in the fall.
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Company assessment
3
• In late fall, surveys are sent out to Kentucky employees. This confidential feedback accounts for 75% of a company’s score. • While employees are providing feedback, the company is completing an employer questionnaire, which accounts for 25% of a company’s score.
Compiling the results Experts conduct an in-depth analysis of the assessment results to determine if a company has what it takes to be the best.
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4
Making the list Each January, participating companies are notified whether or not they made the list of 100 companies.
Feedback
6
Participating companies receive access to the online Insights Report package with detailed data from the survey process. You will be able to view your percentage of positive and negative responses to each of the survey questions asked of employees, as well employee comments and employee and employer benchmarking data. The online platform contains multiple levels of reporting with drill downs, heat maps, charts and graphs.
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Adjust and grow Regardless of whether or not they made the list, participating companies use their survey results to drive change within their organization.
Celebrate Each year our winning companies gather for a celebration where the rankings are announced.
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For more information or to be added to our communication list for the 2022 program, visit us online at www.bestplacestoworkky.com
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#BESTPLACESKY
The Kentucky Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) is proud to be a Best Places to Work in Kentucky founding partner. The Best Places to Work in Kentucky program recognizes those employers who set an exemplary standard of excellence for both employee engagement and business success. Human resource professionals lead the business of people in Kentucky. We know what’s next and what employers can do to be prepared for changing economic and business conditions. Today’s HR professionals guide their organizations with innovative strategies to increase employee engagement and performance. HR professionals are the CEO’s strategic partner in creating an adaptive advantage for Kentucky’s employers. Kentucky SHRM, along with our 13 local SHRM chapters, provides ongoing educational and leadership opportunities for over 2,700 human resource professionals throughout the Commonwealth. We lead our organizations and contribute to the effective strategies that impact the bottom line. Kentucky SHRM is thrilled to recognize the best of the best in Kentucky. Enjoy learning more about our top employers in the pages to come, and feel free to call on them to find out more about their successful strategies and what they are doing to be ready for what’s next.
Patrick J. Smith, SHRM-CP, PHR Chair, 2020-2021 Kentucky SHRM State Council www.ky.shrm.org
Kentucky SHRM. Moving HR Forward. Congratulations to all of the 2021 Best Places to Work in Kentucky winning companies!
We are pleased to celebrate the extraordinary efforts of the 100 companies who have created exemplary work environments, making the Commonwealth a better place to do business. As president of the Kentucky Chamber, I am excited to see so many employers committed to their workforce, particularly in the challenging and unprecedented atmosphere we have all experienced over the last year. I am especially glad to see that 58 of the 100 companies named in the “Best Places to Work” competition
Ashli Watts President & CEO Kentucky Chamber www.kychamber.com
this year are members of the Kentucky Chamber. From banks to colleges, health care facilities and manufacturers, this year’s winners represent a diverse cross-section of industries from all corners of the state. In order to help Kentucky’s economy recover and thrive we must be able to not only educate and employ Kentuckians in the Commonwealth, but also attract those from outside our state to work here. The Best Places program provides your company with a tool to measure workplace satisfaction each year. The Kentucky Chamber is proud to offer the Best Places to Work in Kentucky program – it provides a perfect venue to celebrate the companies who are doing their part to make the Commonwealth a great place to live and work. We strive to do our part for Kentucky businesses year-round in the halls of our Capitol representing all Kentucky job-creators. The Chamber works each day to unite business and advance Kentucky. We thank you for your participation in the Best Places initiative and congratulate you on your efforts!
BPWK2021
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WHAT OUR 2021 BPWK
WINNERS LOOK LIKE: WINNING COMPANIES BY THE NUMBERS: • Provide special services and/or accommodations for active-duty military families: 29% • Provide adoption assistance: 39% • Employ formal programs and/or practices to actively recruit and/or retain veterans and retired military: 53% • Offer formal diversity training: 64% • Provide formalized programs and/or practices for succession planning: 74%
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BPWK2020 #BESTPLACESKY
• Offer employees the option to work flexible hours or a compressed work week: 75% • Provide tuition reimbursement and/or assistance for advanced or post-graduate degree, certifications, workshops/conferences: 87%
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AVERAGE NUMBER OF
AVERAGE NUMBER OF
AVERAGE NUMBER OF
PAID HOLIDAYS
YEARS THE
PTO DAYS AVAILABLE
OFFERED EACH YEAR
HIGHEST-RANKING
AFTER ONE YEAR OF
COMPANY EMPLOYEES
EMPLOYMENT
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HAVE BEEN IN THEIR CURRENT POSITIONS #BESTPLACESKY BPWK2021
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BPWK WINNERS HALL F FAME 17 YEAR WINNERS
We are proud of the following companies that have made the list yearly since the program began in 2005!
5 YEAR WINNERS
Join us in welcoming the latest inductees into our Best Places to Work in Kentucky Hall of Fame. Envoy Mortgage, Ltd. • Fahe • Long John Silver’s, LLC • Massage Envy Lexington • Mirazon • Rockcastle Regional Hospital and Respiratory Care Center • Senture, LLC • Signature HealthCARE Consulting Services To view a complete list of the 51 companies that have made the list 5 or more years, visit us online at bestplacestoworkky.com.
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OUR 10 YEAR WINNERS FOR 2021 ANSWER THE QUESTION: “Why do you think your company has made the list for 10 years?”
ARGI ®
Appriss is and has been a great place to work because; We have GREAT people. Our teams are creative, innovative and strive to do their best work every day. We have created a culture of trust at Appriss that continues to get better year after year.
Connected Nation is tackling the difficult work of closing the Digital Divide in America. Our mission as a national nonprofit is rooted in the belief of digital equity and inclusion for all people. Although it can be
ARGI’s mission has always been focused on improving the lives of others, and for our employees that means providing ways that they can be successful in their career and in their personal lives. We make every effort to help ARGI employees feel they are appreciated and valued for their contributions. For us it’s important that our employees know their colleagues and what makes them tick. If you understand what someone’s life is about then you’re more likely to work harder for - and with those people. As an ESOP company, we’re all owners of our firm. That means that the work I put in is not only benefiting me, but it’s benefiting everyone around me.
Blue & Co.'s core values of being responsive, caring and advocates describe both how we treat our clients and our employees. Being named one of the Best Places to Work in Kentucky for the last 10 years is confirmation that our organization is living and demonstrating those core values every day. This honor is one our firm promotes proudly, as not only does it speak to the culture that we have created over the last 50 years, but it also speaks to the excellence of our employees. We couldn't be prouder to receive this honor and hope to continue this legacy of success next year.
challenging, it is also rewarding to be part of the progress being made and to stand next to those who were previously left out as they are finally included. As we celebrate 20 years of service in 2021, the mission and shared values on which we built Connected Nation two decades ago continue to provide a compass that drives our organization’s culture still today. Everyone belongs in a Connected Nation.
Kentucky Bank is honored to be named to the Best Places to Work in Kentucky for 10 consecutive years. We attribute receiving this award due to the dedication, ingenuity, and commitment of our employees. We have successfully operated our organization for many, many years by treating our employees as members of the “Kentucky Bank family” and valuing each employee’s skills and talents.
ISCO is a company like no other. The year 2022 will mark 60 years in business, which is no easy feat. A family-owned, second generation business, ISCO focuses on helping our customers find solutions to their piping needs – no matter how simple or complex. From the inside, it’s easy to see how we’ve made the list 10 times. Our leadership team is guided by our mission statement and a set of core values, ensuring we create long-term opportunities for all team members. Having fun, respecting others, and fostering a family atmosphere are guiding principles we practice daily. We spend a large chunk of our life at work so it’s important to work with purpose. At ISCO, we’re making a difference in the world.
Town & Country Bank and Trust Company has been in operation since 1907. We are a community bank with four banking centers in Nelson County, one banking center in Anderson County and wealth management offices in Nelson and Jefferson County (DBA First Bankers Trust Company). TCBT has been around to support our employees and the community during the good times and the tough times, even during the Great Depression and the 2020 Covid-19 Pandemic. We have been awarded “Best of” in various categories by our employees and customers every year. Town & Country Bank & Trust Co. is a team of leaders within the bank and throughout our communities.
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BEING A GREAT PLACE TO WORK NEVER GETS OLD.
Principles for Responsible Investment Signatory
For the 14th year, Central Bank has been named one of the Best Places to Work in Kentucky. Once again, we’re honored.
ILPA Diversity in Action Signatory Lexington, KY
|
New York, NY
www.middlegroundcapital.com
Corning is one of the world’s leading innovators in materials science. For more than 170 years, we have applied our unparalleled expertise in glass science, ceramics science, and optical physics to develop products that transform industries and enhance people’s lives.
Member FDIC
Will you develop an algorithm that delivers coffee on demand?
We’re proud of our long track record, and we believe the best innovations are still ahead. © 2021 Corning Incorporated. All Rights Reserved.
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www.corning.com
gene.com/Askbiggerquestions
Leadership Kentucky, offering four unique programs across the Commonwealth, creates a network of engaged leaders who develop alliances and influence positive change in their communities and throughout the state.
LEADERSHIP KENTUCKY
joins together a selected group of established leaders to gain insight into complex issues facing the state. In a series of seven monthly, three-day sessions held throughout the state, participants meet with Kentucky leaders and explore the state’s resources and opportunities.
ELEVATE KENTUCKY
offers young professionals (average age 25-35) indepth personal and professional development while fostering a better understanding of challenges facing our Commonwealth in a series of three monthly, twoday sessions across the state.
BRIGHT KENTUCKY
builds the capacity of next-generation leaders (average age 20-40) in the Appalachian region of Kentucky to innovate, collaborate, and advance community and economic development in a series of five monthly, three-day sessions.
NEW EXECUTIVES TO KENTUCKY
highlights signature Kentucky experiences and thought-provoking discussions about exciting opportunities in our Commonwealth. The one-day complimentary program is designed for senior level executives who have transferred into the state during the last two years.
To learn more about these programs, contact Leadership Kentucky at (502) 695-1102 or email lky@leadershipky.org.
www.leadershipky.org
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Proud to be Kentucky's #1 Builder AND Honored to be named 2021 Best Places to Work!
Exceptional Benefits and World-Class Training | Hiring For Sales, Construction, and Corporate
Learn more at fischerhomes.com
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#BESTPLACESKY
BPWK SMALL COMPANIES between (15-149) U.S. employees
#1 Peel & Holland, Inc. 2 MiddleGround Capital 3 Delta Dental of Kentucky, Inc. 4 Ward, Hocker & Thornton, PLLC 5 PriceWeber 6 Connected Nation 7 Venminder, Inc. 8 Volta 9 Bim Group 10 MCF 11 Bitwerx 12 FNB Bank 13 Wehr Constructors, Inc. 14 All Star Purchasing 15 NetGain Technologies, LLC 16 KLH Engineers 17 Marine Solutions, Inc. 18 BUDGET For The People 19 Copperhead Environmental Consulting, INC. 20 Alpha Business Acquisitions, Inc. 21 Town & Country Bank and Trust Company
22 Tri-Arrows Aluminum Inc. 23 Massage Envy Lexington 24 Strothman and Company 25 People Plus, Inc. 26 Forcht Broadcasting 27 Fahe 28 Mirazon 29 Middleton Reutlinger 30 Metro United Way, Inc. 31 DBL Law 32 CORNETT 33 Clay Ingels Co. LLC 34 Rajant Corporation 35 United States Hunter Jumper Association 36 Strategic Marketing 37 Victory Mortgage 38 Hardin County Water District No. 1 39 Associations International 40 Kerr-Greulich Engineers Information Current as of March 15, 2021
2 BPWK2021 BPWK2021
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BPWK 21 #1 PRIMARY 3C
Company Name: Peel & Holland, Inc. Previous Rank: 8 # of Years Ranked: 4 Primary Location(s): Multiple Cities Industry: Insurance - Non-Healthcare & Healthcare Web Address: www.peelholland.com Survey Administrator: Janice Winder, Team Member Champion/ Human Resource Generalist # of U.S. Employees: 56 # of KY Employees: 55 Company Executive: Roy Riley, President
#2
Company Name: MiddleGround Capital Previous Rank: 1 # of Years Ranked: 2 Primary Location(s): Lexington Industry: Financial Services Web Address: www.middlegroundcapital.com Survey Administrator: Joe Fields-Elswick, Office Manager # of U.S. Employees: 32 # of KY Employees: 32 Company Executive: John Stewart, Partner
#3
FAIR CHANCE
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S M AL L COMPANY
#BESTPLACESKY
Company Name: Delta Dental of Kentucky, Inc. Previous Rank: 10 # of Years Ranked: 6 Primary Location(s): Louisville Industry: Healthcare - Insurance/Services Web Address: www.deltadentalky.com
Spotlight Profile: MiddleGround Capital is a private equity firm established in 2018 and founded by John Stewart, Scot Duncan and Lauren Mulholland. It focuses on investing in Industrial B2B and Specialty Distribution companies headquartered in North America. With over $1.4 billion under management, MiddleGround has quickly established themselves in an industry that is dominated by firms in larger city markets. They pay for 100% employee healthcare costs, unlimited vacation, 4-month paternity leave, annual profit sharing, personal chef, massages, golf simulator, and car detailing on top of market leading compensation. MiddleGround Capital truly stands out for providing a culture that strives for work / life balance and where leadership genuinely cares about its people, and their success.
Survey Administrator: Paige Greenwell, HR Generalist # of U.S. Employees: 78 # of KY Employees: 78 Company Executive: J. Jude Thompson, President & CEO
#4
Company Name: Ward, Hocker & Thornton, PLLC Previous Rank: 2 # of Years Ranked: 8 Primary Location(s): Lexington/Louisville Industry: Legal Web Address: www.whtlaw.com
#5
Company Name: PriceWeber Previous Rank: 12 # of Years Ranked: 2 Primary Location(s): Louisville Industry: Advertising/PR/Marketing Web Address: www.priceweber.com
#6
Company Name: Connected Nation Previous Rank: 5 # of Years Ranked: 10 Primary Location(s): Bowling Green Industry: Nonprofit Web Address: https://connectednation.org/
#7
Company Name: Venminder, Inc. Previous Rank: 14 # of Years Ranked: 4 Primary Location(s): Elizabethtown Industry: Financial Services Web Address: www.venminder.com
#8
Company Name: Volta Previous Rank: 15 # of Years Ranked: 3 Primary Location(s): Frankfort/Louisville Industry: Technology Web Address: www.voltainc.com
Survey Administrator: Allie Saxton, Firm Administrator # of U.S. Employees: 52 # of KY Employees: 52 Company Executive: Gregg Thornton, Member
Survey Administrator: Susan Hovekamp, Senior Vice President/Director of Human Resources # of U.S. Employees: 32 # of KY Employees: 32 Company Executive: Fred Davis, CEO
Survey Administrator: Stephanie Rivera, HR Manager # of U.S. Employees: 33 # of KY Employees: 33 Company Executive: Tom Ferree, Chairman and CEO
Survey Administrator: Bethany Gatlin, Human Resource Generalist # of U.S. Employees: 135 # of KY Employees: 115 Company Executive: James Hyde, CEO
Survey Administrator: Shana Watson, Director of HR & Administration # of U.S. Employees: 35 # of KY Employees: 35 Company Executive: Marshall Butler, President
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#9
What are you #WorkingFor? The things we work for are what define us. At ADP we’re designing a better way to work, so you can achieve what you’re working for. Discover HR, Talent, Time Management, Benefits & Payroll, informed by data and designed for people. Learn more at design.adp.com
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#BESTPLACESKY
ADP, the ADP logo, and Always Designing for People are trademarks of ADP, LLC.
Company Name: Bim Group Previous Rank: 9 # of Years Ranked: 16 Primary Location(s): Lexington Industry: Insurance - Healthcare Web Address: www.bimgroup.us Survey Administrator: Heather Taylor, Sr. Director of Operations # of U.S. Employees: 31 # of KY Employees: 31 Company Executive: L. Briggs Cochran, President & CEO
#10 a fiduciary partner Company Name: MCF Previous Rank: 7 # of Years Ranked: 3 Primary Location(s): Covington/Lexington Industry: Financial Services Web Address: mcfadvisors.com Survey Administrator: Lacy Gardner, Marketing Specialist # of U.S. Employees: 23 # of KY Employees: 23 Company Executive: Dave Harris, CEO
#11 Company Name: Bitwerx Previous Rank: Not previously ranked # of Years Ranked: 1 Primary Location(s): Lexington Industry: Technology Web Address: www.bitwerx.com Survey Administrator: Jason Jaggers, President # of U.S. Employees: 26 # of KY Employees: 26 Company Executive: Jason Jaggers, President
#12
Company Name: FNB Bank Previous Rank: Not previously ranked # of Years Ranked: 1 Primary Location(s): Multiple Cities Industry: Financial Services Web Address: www.growwithfnb.com
#13
Company Name: Wehr Constructors, Inc. Previous Rank: 6 # of Years Ranked: 3 Primary Location(s): Multiple Cities Industry: Construction Web Address: www.wehrconstructors.com Survey Administrator: Kathleen Ash, HR Coordinator # of U.S. Employees: 123 # of KY Employees: 95 Company Executive: Dale Berry, CEO
#14
Company Name: All Star Purchasing Previous Rank: 11 # of Years Ranked: 3 Primary Location(s): Lexington Industry: Group Purchasing Organization (GPO) Web Address: https://allstarpurchasing.com/
#15
Company Name: NetGain Technologies, LLC Previous Rank: 22 # of Years Ranked: 7 Primary Location(s): Lexington/Louisville Industry: Technology Web Address: www.NetGainIT.com
Survey Administrator: Crystal Balentine, SVP/HR Officer # of U.S. Employees: 123 # of KY Employees: 123 Company Executive: Sally Hopkins, President/CEO
Spotlight Profile:
Wehr has been a family-run business for more than 75 years and its success would not be possible without the incredible men and women that work at Wehr. It’s like the motto says, “Building buildings...and relationships since 1945.” Yes, Wehr builds buildings, but at its core they have built life-long relationships with clients, employees and their families over the years. Each employee at Wehr is the foundation that holds the business together and this company wouldn’t be where it was today if it wasn’t for them. Wehr is honored to be considered a Best Place to Work and they know they couldn’t have done it without their dedicated and wonderful employees.
Survey Administrator: Autumn Morris, HR Consultant # of U.S. Employees: 15 # of KY Employees: 15 Company Executive: Bruce Daily, Chief Executive Officer
Survey Administrator: Elizabeth Royse, VP of Human Resources # of U.S. Employees: 143 # of KY Employees: 87 Company Executive: Tim Burke, CEO
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Our Employees have spoken and voted
WINNER! Best Places to work
2021 We fuel imagination and fund education for all Kentuckians. This is done through lottery proceeds funding college scholarship and grant programs with over $3.8 billion in funding since 1999, including every dime ever awarded in the popular KEES Scholarship program.
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#16
Company Name: KLH Engineers Previous Rank: 21 # of Years Ranked: 3 Primary Location(s): Multiple Cities Industry: Engineering Web Address: www.klhengrs.com
#17
Company Name: Marine Solutions, Inc. Previous Rank: 16 # of Years Ranked: 4 Primary Location(s): Nicholasville/Paducah Industry: Engineering and Commercial Diving Web Address: www.MSImarinesolutions.com
#18
Company Name: BUDGET For The People Previous Rank: 19 # of Years Ranked: 4 Primary Location(s): Muldraugh/Radcliff Industry: Automotive Sales Web Address: www.tonysaysyes.com
#19
Company Name: Copperhead Environmental Consulting, INC. Previous Rank: Not previously ranked # of Years Ranked: 1 Primary Location(s): Paint Lick Industry: Consulting Web Address: www.copperheadconsulting.com
#20
Company Name: Alpha Business Acquisitions, Inc. Previous Rank: 18 Last ranked in 2018 # of Years Ranked: 2 Primary Location(s): Louisville Industry: Consulting Web Address: www.alphabainc.com
Survey Administrator: Amanda Tavernelli, Talent Acquisition Manager # of U.S. Employees: 87 # of KY Employees: 83 Company Executive: Robert Heil, CEO
Survey Administrator: Blair Kearns, Director of Marketing # of U.S. Employees: 96 # of KY Employees: 61 Company Executive: Amy Wilkins, President
Survey Administrator: Lou Ramirez, Sales and Marketing Director # of U.S. Employees: 38 # of KY Employees: 38 Company Executive: Tony Malito, Owner
Survey Administrator: Heather Ballinger, Human Resources Director # of U.S. Employees: 31 # of KY Employees: 31 Company Executive: Mark Gumbert, Founder/CEO
Survey Administrator: Samantha Champagne, Human Resource Director # of U.S. Employees: 16 # of KY Employees: 16 Company Executive: Stephen Oberbillig, CEO
BPWK2021
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#21
Company Name: Town & Country Bank and Trust, Company Previous Rank: 26 # of Years Ranked: 10 Primary Location(s): Multiple Cities Industry: Banking Web Address: www.mytcbt.bank
Survey Administrator: Linda Gordon, Assistant Vice President and Human Resources Manager # of U.S. Employees: 86 # of KY Employees: 86 Company Executive: William Wimsett, President and CEO
#22
Company Name: Tri-Arrows Aluminum Inc. Previous Rank: 27 # of Years Ranked: 4 Primary Location(s): Bowling Green/Louisville Industry: Manufacturing Web Address: https://triaa.com/ Survey Administrator: Susan Bradley, Senior Human Resources Generalist # of U.S. Employees: 56 # of KY Employees: 56 Company Executive: Henry Gordinier, President and CEO
#23
Company Name: Massage Envy Lexington Previous Rank: 25 # of Years Ranked: 5 Primary Location(s): Lexington Industry: Spa Web Address: www.massageenvy.com Survey Administrator: Carrie Huff, Administrative Manager # of U.S. Employees: 71 # of KY Employees: 71 Company Executive: Piers Harvey, Owner/Franchisee
#24
Company Name: Strothman and Company Previous Rank: 34 # of Years Ranked: 3 Primary Location(s): Louisville Industry: Accounting Web Address: https://www.strothman.com/
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#BESTPLACESKY
USHJA Committed to Honesty, Ownership, Respect, Stewardship, Empowerment and the Love of the Horse
Survey Administrator: Briana Whittle, HR Generalist # of U.S. Employees: 69 # of KY Employees: 69 Company Executive: Raymond Strothman, President and Chairman
#25 FAIR CHANCE
Company Name: People Plus, Inc. Previous Rank: 17 # of Years Ranked: 9 Primary Location(s): Multiple Cities Industry: Staffing Web Address: www.peopleplusinc.com
Survey Administrator: Amanda Huddleston, Executive VP # of U.S. Employees: 21 # of KY Employees: 21 Company Executive: Amy Sanderson, President
HOW THE PANDEMIC IMPACTED OUR ORGANIZATION “When your business is putting people to work and you suddenly lose 75% of that business overnight, it becomes a scary and dark place. We have seen several changes over the past 30+ years, but the pandemic is quite different. Our biggest takeaway was that you can never really be prepared for events like this until they happened. It is in the happening where you learn the most. And I feel like I can speak for all businesses in saying…we learned a heck of a lot!”
Amanda Huddleston, CSP Executive VP People Plus, Inc
#26
Company Name: Forcht Broadcasting Previous Rank: Not Previously Ranked # of Years Ranked: 1 Primary Location(s): Multiple Cities Industry: Radio/Broadcasting Web Address: www.forchtbroadcasting.com
#27
Company Name: Fahe Previous Rank: 29 # of Years Ranked: 5 Primary Location(s): Multiple Cities Industry: Nonprofit Web Address: www.fahe.org
Survey Administrator: Leslie Jarvis, Corporate Human Resources Director # of U.S. Employees: 89 # of KY Employees: 71 Company Executive: Mike Tarter, President
Survey Administrator: Norma Edwards, Vice President of Human Resources # of U.S. Employees: 59 # of KY Employees: 59 Company Executive: James King, President & CEO
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#28
Company Name: Mirazon
® Previous Rank: 37
# of Years Ranked: 5 Primary Location(s): Louisville Industry: Technology Web Address: www.mirazon.com
#29
Company Name: Middleton Reutlinger Previous Rank: 20 # of Years Ranked: 6 Primary Location(s): Louisville Industry: Legal Web Address: www.Middletonlaw.com
#30
FAIR CHANCE
Company Name: Metro United Way, Inc. Previous Rank: 14 Last Ranked in 2019 # of Years Ranked: 3 Primary Location(s): Louisville Industry: Nonprofit Web Address: www.metrounitedway.org
#31
Company Name: DBL Law Previous Rank: 23 # of Years Ranked: 2 Primary Location(s): Crestview Hills/ Louisville Industry: Legal Web Address: www.dbllaw.com
#32 FAIR CHANCE
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#BESTPLACESKY
Company Name: CORNETT Previous Rank: Not Previously Ranked # of Years Ranked: 1 Primary Location(s): Lexington Industry: Advertising/PR/Marketing Web Address: www.teamcornett.com
Survey Administrator: Leah Weisman, Marketing Manager # of U.S. Employees: 51 # of KY Employees: 51 Company Executive: Karen Albers, Partner and Co-Founder
Survey Administrator: Stephen Bringard, Director of Finance and Operations # of U.S. Employees: 88 # of KY Employees: 86 Company Executive: Henry Alford, Managing Member
Survey Administrator: Joanna Erny, Senior Director, Executive Office # of U.S. Employees: 66 # of KY Employees: 66 Company Executive: Theresa RenoWeber, President & CEO
Survey Administrator: Joanne Flanagan, Internal Communications Coordinator # of U.S. Employees: 99 # of KY Employees: 88 Company Executive: Bob Hoffer, Managing Partner
Survey Administrator: Emmy Hartley, Chief Operating Officer # of U.S. Employees: 48 # of KY Employees: 48 Company Executive: Christy Hiler, President
#33 FAIR CHANCE
Company Name: Clay Ingles Co. LLC Previous Rank: 36 # of Years Ranked: 2 Primary Location(s): Cadiz/Lexington Industry: Construction Web Address: www.clayingels.com
Survey Administrator: Jacqueline Ballard, HR Manager # of U.S. Employees: 147 # of KY Employees: 147 Company Executive: Bill Chapman, President
HOW THE PANDEMIC IMPACTED OUR ORGANIZATION As an essential business we did not face the business closures that many other companies faced, but we did have to focus more strongly on the health and well-being of all of our employees. There are only a limited number of jobs in our company that can be done remotely, so finding ways to keep those that were unable to work remotely healthy and happy, turned in to our number one priority. We pride ourselves on the safety of our employees and the pandemic has added another category in which to focus our sights.
Jacqueline Ballard, SHRM-CP HR Manager Clay Ingels Co. LLC
#34 WE’RE
HIRING
Company Name: Rajant Corporation Previous Rank: Not Previously Ranked # of Years Ranked: 1 Primary Location(s): Morehead Industry: Manufacturing Web Address: https://rajant.com Survey Administrator: Alice DiSanto, AVP of Marketing # of U.S. Employees: 143 # of KY Employees: 30 Company Executive: Robert Schena, Chairman, CEO and Co-Founder Paul Hellhake, President, CTO, and Co-Founder
Spotlight Profile: Rajant celebrates its 20th anniversary this year as the broadband communications technology company that invented Kinetic Mesh® networking, BreadCrumb® wireless nodes, and InstaMesh® networking software. Amid the pandemic that brought about financial ruin, job loss, and trickledown anxiousness, Rajant grew. Partnerships multiplying, customers increasing, facilities expanding, capabilities augmenting, and employees thriving are byproducts of true leadership. Every staffer is known by name. Great care is put into all customer, vendor, and partner relationships. People are valued, making individuals as resilient as the products Rajant manufactures.
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#35 WE’RE
HIRING
Company Name: United States Hunter Jumper Association Previous Rank: 24 # of Years Ranked: 2 Primary Location(s): Lexington Industry: Nonprofit Web Address: https://www.ushja.org/ Survey Administrator: Lisa Moss, Chief Financial Officer # of U.S. Employees: 34 # of KY Employees: 32 Company Executive: Kevin Price, Executive Director
#36
Company Name: Strategic Marketing Previous Rank: 33 # of Years Ranked: 6 Primary Location(s): Louisville Industry: Advertising/PR/Marketing Web Address: www.strategicmarketing.com
#37
Company Name: Victory Mortgage L.L.C. Previous Rank: Not Previously Ranked # of Years Ranked: 1 Primary Location(s): Erlanger/Louisville Industry: Mortgage Lending WE’RE Web Address: victorymortgage.com Administrator: Steve Whaley, HIRING Survey Director of Marketing # of U.S. Employees: 57 # of KY Employees: 44 Company Executive: Greg Fischer, Chairman
Mortgage
22
#BESTPLACESKY
Spotlight Profile: USHJA is made up of knowledgeable, hardworking, passionate individuals who love the Hunter/Jumper sport. We foster a people-centered environment that commits to honesty, ownership, respect, stewardship and empowerment. Our staff is supported through shared values while operating with a service mentality and encouraging a growth mindset. We provide our staff members the resources, opportunity, and support that contribute to their professional development and overall job satisfaction.
Survey Administrator: Jay Parker, Creative Director # of U.S. Employees: 61 # of KY Employees: 61 Company Executive: Todd Strause, President/CEO
Spotlight Profile: Victory Mortgage has been in business for over 30 years. We are founded and headquartered in Northern Kentucky and proud of our focus on this market. We have become a market leader for new home construction loans by providing exceptional service and competitive rates. One of the signs that Victory Mortgage is a great place to work is the average length of service of our employees. We also have been innovative and responsive to change – adding a recreation room, proactively telecommuting prior to COVID, and changing and modernizing our workspace with ergonomic desks to make for a comfortable work environment. We also initiated curbside closings and Zoom closings, which stay after COVID as a convenience to customers and to our Associates.
#38
FAIR CHANCE
Survey Administrator: Nora Gocking, Execcutive Assistant # of U.S. Employees: 68 # of KY Employees: 68 Company Executive: Stephen Hogan, General Manager
Company Name: Hardin County Water District No. 1 Previous Rank: 35 # of Years Ranked: 3 Primary Location(s): Fort Knox/ Radcliff Industry: Government Web Address: hcwd.com
HOW THE PANDEMIC IMPACTED OUR ORGANIZATION In a global pandemic, water and sewer services become even more essential. We had an obligation to continue to provide water and outstanding service to our customers, even if they did not have the ability to pay their bills. Not one of our customers went without water due to non-payment from March 16 to November 9, 2020. For those customers who acquired a balance at the time of cut offs, we offered interest-free payment plans that met their needs so they could avoid a shut off. We did not charge any late fees to customers from March 16 through the end of 2020. All of this resulted in significant losses in revenue for us in 2020. Even still, we were able to conduct business as usual, completing several major projects including two new 1.5-million-gallon tanks on Fort Knox.
Nora Gocking, Executive Assistant Hardin County Water District No. 1
#39
Company Name: Associations International Previous Rank: 31 # of Years Ranked: 9 Primary Location(s): Lexington Industry: Nonprofit Web Address: associationsinternational.com
#40
Company Name: Kerr-Greulich Engineers Previous Rank: 22 Last ranked in 2016 # of Years Ranked: 2 Primary Location(s): Louisville Industry: Engineering Web Address: www.kerr-greulich.com
Survey Administrator: Sarah Pitt, VP HR # of U.S. Employees: 129 # of KY Employees: 129
Survey Administrator: Kim Ratcliffe, HR Consultant # of U.S. Employees: 31 # of KY Employees: 31 Company Executive: Ben Gries, President
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The Importance of Fair Chance Employment to Kentucky’s Recovery BY BETH DAVISSON Vice President of Workforce Development | Kentucky Chamber Workforce Center | Kentucky Chamber of Commerce
If you’ve been fortunate enough to get a second chance at something in life, you know how transformative it can be. For Kentuckians trying to get back on track after incarceration or while in recovery from a substance use disorder, second chances can make all the difference. And second chances aren’t just opening doors and breaking down barriers for individual Kentuckians, they’re helping our state thrive and flourish.
The Kentucky Chamber Foundation also launched the Kentucky Comeback initiative in 2020 to transform our state’s approach to criminal justice and addressing substance use disorder. Over the past year, the initiative has advocated for new laws to reduce barriers for justice-involved Kentuckians and those in recovery, while working with employers to become more recovery friendly and promoting second-chance employment.
Kentucky has historically struggled with low workforce participation, and second or fair chance hiring and employment is critical to developing the workforce we need to stay competitive. That’s why in March 2020 the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Foundation launched the "Who's Hiring" report—a resource showcasing available jobs in a wide range of sectors and industries across the state, including opportunities at fair chance companies that are open to interviewing and hiring formerly incarcerated individuals or those in recovery.
Kentucky Comeback continues to lead statewide efforts encouraging businesses to become second chance employers by sharing stories of real Kentuckians who have used second chances to turn their lives around. We’ve also actively promoted businesses that have found success in hiring second chance employees to meet their workforce needs.
MORE THAN 100,000 JOBS HAVE BEEN POSTED ON THE KENTUCKY CHAMBER'S WEBSITE OVER THE LAST YEAR, AND WE EXPECT THAT NUMBER TO CONTINUE TO GROW.
24
#BESTPLACESKY
"We know that employment, access to education, housing, and other factors play a key role in ensuring Kentuckians are able to reach their full potential and be successful members of their communities," said Kentucky Chamber President and CEO Ashli Watts. "The business community is working every day to ensure more individuals are given the second chance they deserve, and we are excited to highlight successes and continue working toward this crucial goal." Low workforce participation doesn’t only impact our
businesses and economy, it’s also linked to low-level crimes such as drug-related offenses, high levels of recidivism, and even overdose deaths. Research shows that when the nation's unemployment rate increases by just one percentage point, the opioid death rate rises by 3.6 percent. Employment is also a critical component of long-term recovery, as a steady job can provide individuals in recovery with the purpose and motivation they need to continue down the right path. By taking action to make our workforce more inclusive of those who are justice-involved and in recovery from substance use disorder, we can better support these individuals in their journeys to lead healthier lives while protecting public safety and strengthening our state’s economy.
THANKFULLY, KENTUCKIANS RECOGNIZE THE CRITICAL NEED FOR CHANGE, AS WELL. Earlier this year, a Kentucky Chamber survey found that 91 percent of Kentuckians agree that people coming out of prison should face fewer barriers so they can secure jobs, support their families, and reduce their reliance on government services. Criminal justice reform and expanding fair chance hiring also offer significant financial benefit to the state. As we continue to deal with the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, we must find ways to save money and spend tax dollars more
efficiently and effectively. Reducing our incarcerated population with measures such as bail and sentencing reform would save much-needed public funds for critical services like education and health care. The state would save $12 million just by reducing our prison population by 1,000 inmates, according to Governor Andy Beshear. After more than a year of navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, the vaccines are here, restrictions are being lifted, and we can see the light the end of the tunnel. Now, our attention must shift to rebuilding our economy and workforce as quickly and fairly as possible. With so many people incarcerated for low-level and nonviolent offenses or locked out of jobs because of past transgressions, criminal justice reform and fair chance hiring are critical to getting our community members—and all of Kentucky—back on their feet. We encourage the entire business community to do its part in developing the robust workforce our state needs to thrive and compete on the national stage. Businesses can submit their open positions to the "Who’s Hiring” report and should evaluate their practices for hiring fair chance employees. At the same time, the Kentucky Chamber Foundation will continue its efforts to help more Kentuckians find stable, meaningful employment—and we hope you will join us!
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2021 KYSHRM State Council
26
KYSHRM Chair Elect
Mid-West SHRM Chapter President
KYSHRM Treasurer
Amanda Huddleston Executive VP People Plus, Inc Bluegrass
Amy Keith Executive VP/ HR Manager First United Bank & Trust Company Mid-West Kentucky
Amy Kirk Senior Director of Payroll Churchill Downs Inc Louisville
Membership Director
State Conference Director
Diversity and Inclusion Director
Jennifer Wheatley President HR Affiliates Louisville
Jon Hall Senior Consultant Human Resources Consulting Mid-South
At-Large State Council Advisor
Western Area District Director
Lynn Ingmire President / Owner Essential HR Partners Louisville
Martha Argotte HR Director United Southern Bank Western KY
Legislative Affairs Director
Foundation and Philanthropic Director
Veteran/ Military Initiatives Director
Owensboro SHRM President 2021
Summer Lindsey Director of Human Resources Pennyroyal Center Western KY
Tiffany Cardwell HR Advisory Principal MCM HR Solutions Louisville
Walter Herd Army Transition Division Director U.S. Army Human Resources Command Fort Knox
Zac Parsons HR Analyst Sr. Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline Owensboro
#BESTPLACESKY
Elizabethtown SHRM Chapter President 2021
April Nicholson HR Benefits Specialist The Cecilian Bank Elizabethtown
Bluegrass SHRM President 2021
Best Places to Work in Kentucky Director
Ashley Case Assistant Director of Human Resources at Forcht Group of Kentucky Professional Services Bluegrass
Beth Davisson Vice President, Workforce Development Kentucky Chamber Louisville
Council Management Northern KY SHRM Professional Chapter President 2021
Katie Adams Julie Stockman Joshua Mosby Executive Director, KYSHRM; Director of Corporate HR Business Partner HR Director, Kentucky Chamber Engagement Christian County Kentucky SHRM Northern Kentucky University Health Department Louisville Northern Kentucky Western KY Four Rivers SHRM Certification Director KYSHRM Chair 2021 Chapter President 2021
Patricia Williams Mindy Smith Human Resources Generalist Director of Family Services Louisville Central Four Rivers Nuclear Partnership Community Centers, Inc Paducah Louisville
Patrick Smith Human Resources Manager Stoll Keenon Ogden PLLC Louisville
Legal Advisor
Bill Brammell Partner Dressman Benzinger LaVelle Louisville
KYSHRM Secretary
Eastern District Director
Leigh Allen Human Resource Management Strayer University Lexington
Leslie Moody Business Development Manager Precision Staffing, Inc. Bluegrass
Immediate Past Chair KYSHRM
Scott McGarvey President/ Owner ARCpoint Labs Northern KY
College Relations Director
Central KY SHRM Southern KY SHRM Chapter President 2021 President 2021
Western KY President 2021
Brad Logan Senior Administrator Human Resources Hitachi Automotive Products Danville/Harrodsburg
Christine Jenkins HR Representative Westrock Southern KY
Devin Brumfield Administrative Services Coordinator Christian County Health Department Southern KY
Louisville SHRM President 2021
Southeastern SHRM President
Strategic Advisor /Chair Emeritus
Lorrie West Lisa Johnson HR Complex Manager Director HR Cobb-Vantress Inc/ Whip Mix Corporation Tyson Foods Bardstown Monticello Central District Director Mid-South Chapter & Heart of Kentucky President 2021 Chapter President
Sherry Whitman-Powers Shelly Trent Vice President, HR & HR & Training Coordinator Customer Service Next Step Network Bluegrass Cellular Louisville Elizabethtown
Sondra Caldwell Sr. Human Resource Business Partner Hermetic Motor Mid-South
Lyle Hanna President and CEO Hanna Resource Group Bluegrass Workforce Readiness Director
Sonia Osman Senior Business Consultant Hanna Resource Group LLC Lexington
TO THE
2021 WINNERS O F B E S T P L AC E S T O W O R K I N K E N T U C KY !
2021 Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Leadership Board Chair
Chair-Elect
Immediate Past Chair
Vice Chair, Administration
Vice Chair, Business Services
Vice Chair, Membership & Development
Winston Griffin Chairman of the Board/CEO Laurel Grocery Company London
Diane Medley Executive Chairman MCM CPAs & Advisors Louisville
Nick Rowe Sr. VP Southeast Division/ President Kentucky American Water Lexington
Mike Castle EVP & COO and CEO, Feed Division Alltech, Inc. Nicholasville
Scott Davis Chairman and CEO Field & Main Bank Henderson
Garren Colvin CEO St. Elizabeth Healthcare Edgewood
Executive Committee Officers and Regional Representatives
Vice Chair, Public Affairs
Treasurer
Small Business Representative
Janet Jakubowicz Condrad Daniels Partner and Partnership President Board Member HJI Supply Chain Solutions Dentons Bingham Greenebaum LLP Louisville Louisville
Nick D’Andrea VP, Public Affairs UPS Louisville
Board of Directors
Chair, Kentucky Chamber Foundation
Kevin Smith VP, Kentucky Bourbon Affairs Beam Suntory Clermont
At-Large Member
At-Large Member
At-Large Member
At-Large Member
President & CEO
Spencer Coates President Houchens Industries, Inc. Bowling Green
Susan Elkington President Toyota Motor Manufacturing Ky. Georgetown
Candace McGraw CEO Cincinnati/Northern KY International Airport Erlanger
Mark Newman Executive Vice President for Health Affairs UK HealthCare Lexington
Ashli Watts President/CEO Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Frankfort
Business leaders from every region in the state who govern the Kentucky Chamber
Calvin Barker Regional President Truist Louisville
P. Douglas Barr Managing Director Stoll Keenon Ogden PLLC Lexington
Stephen Branscum President and CEO Branscum Construction Company Russell Springs
Gabby Bruno Regional Governmental Affairs Director Ford Motor Company Louisville
Kimra Cole President & Chief Operating Officer Columbia Gas of Kentucky Lexington
Gerard Colman CEO Baptist Health Louisville
Jonathan Copley President Aetna Better Health of Kentucky Louisville
Paul Costel Region Manager of Kentucky Chase Louisville
Dr. Paul Czarapata President Kentucky Community & Technical College System Versailles
Ray Daniels Owner Equity Solutions Group Lexington
Les Fugate VP and Director, State and Local Public Affairs Brown-Forman Louisville
Mark Gooch President/CEO Community Trust Bank, Inc. Pikeville
Joe Grossman President/CEO Appalachian Regional Healthcare Lexington
Mark Guilfoyle Partner Dressman, Benzinger & LaVelle, PSC Crestview Hills
Adam Hancock President Riney Hancock CPAs PSC Owensboro
Chad Harpole Director of Government and Community Affairs Century Aluminum of Kentucky
Larry Hayes* Interim Secretary Cabinet for Economic Development Frankfort
Andrew Henderson CEO Lexington Clinic Lexington
Amy Luttrell President/CEO Goodwill Industries of Kentucky, Inc. Louisville
Rich Maddux Principal The Rabbit’s Basket, LLC. Hopkinsville
Mark Martin Vice President, Rates & Regulatory Affairs Atmos Energy Owensboro
Brett Mattison President/COO AEP - Kentucky Power Ashland
John Megibben Vice President Messer Construction Louisville
Steve Merrick President and Owner Somerset Hardwood Flooring, Inc. Somerset
Bill Mudd President and Chief Operating Officer Churchill Downs Inc. Louisville
Chris Perry President/CEO Kentucky Association of Electric Cooperatives Louisville
Scott Powell Market President and Senior Commercial Team Leader U.S. Bank Paducah
Edward Quinn President/CEO R. J. Corman Railroad Group LLC Nicholasville
Lennie Rhoades CEO Big Ass Fans Lexington
Jay Richert Refining General Manager Marathon Petroleum Corporation Catlettsburg
James Rickard Market Chairman, Louisville WesBanco Louisville
Chuck Session Vice President, Ohio/ Kentucky Government Affairs Duke Energy-Kentucky Cincinnati
Rodney Shockley General Counsel Forcht Group of Kentucky Corbin/Lexington
Mark Sommer Member Frost Brown Todd LLC Louisville
Matthew Tackett* President/CEO Kentucky Association for Economic Development Frankfort
Aaron Thompson* President Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education Frankfort
Paul Thompson Chairman, CEO and President LG&E and KU Energy LLC Louisville
Kennan Wethington President, Kentucky Commercial Business Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kentucky Louisville
Elmer K. Whitaker CEO Whitaker Bank, Inc. Lexington
* Ex-Officio LaJuana S. Wilcher Partner English Lucas Priest & Owsley, LLP Bowling Green
Matt Adams General Manager/General Affairs & Human Resources Sumitomo Electric Wiring Systems Bowling Green
Cathy Waddell CFO Nucor Ghent
Art Walker, III President Walker Construction Mount Sterling
Russell Cox President/CEO Norton Healthcare Louisville
Brian A. Cromer Member Stites & Harbison, PLLC Louisville
Cindy Johnson President Mountain Top Media Pikeville
Ben Cundiff Chairman Jackson Financial Corporation Mayfield
Jason Keller Vice President, Government Affairs & Regulatory Strategy Charter Communications Louisville
Kelley Workman President Planters Bank, Inc. Hopkinsville
Local Chamber Advisory Board
Candance Brake* President/CEO Greater Owensboro Chamber Owensboro
Ron Bunch* President/CEO Bowling Green Area Chamber Bowling Green
Bruce Carpenter* Bobby Clue* Executive Director Executive Director Southern Kentucky Somerset Pulaski County Chamber Chamber Corbin Somerset
Brent Cooper* President/CEO Northern Kentucky Chamber Ft. Mitchell
Tim Gibbs* President/CEO Ashland Alliance Ashland
Jordan Gibson* President/CEO Southeast Kentucky Chamber Pikeville
Sarah DavasherWisdom* President/CEO Greater Louisville Inc. Louisville
Bob Quick, CCE* President/CEO Commerce Lexington Inc. Lexington
Sandra Wilson* President Paducah Area Chamber Paducah KCCE President
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THE DIFFERENTIATOR IF THERE WERE A PERFECT FORMULA TO CREATING A BEST PLACE TO WORK, THEN WE WOULD ALL BE FOLLOWING IT.
However, there isn’t, so instead, we continue to measure, survey, and discover what makes a company the best place to work. As part of that process, we can uncover significant findings that can help companies differentiate themselves by establishing practices/policies that resonate with employees. Below we have highlighted 10 specific survey questions that had the largest percentage gap of positive responses from winning companies vs. non-winning companies. % of winning companies respondents who agreed
% of non-winning companies respondents who agreed
Differentiator
Does your company provide any special services and/or accommodations for active-duty military families?
29%
7% 22 Percentage Points
Does your organization employ any formal programs and/or practices to actively recruit and/or retain employees who may require accommodations for their mental or physical limitations?
53%
27%
26 Percentage Points
As a standard practice, does your organization offer telecommuting options to your employees?
84%
27 Percentage Points
57%
Does your organization have a Diversity and Inclusion Task Force/Committee to enable a culture of diversity?
55%
27%
28 Percentage Points
Does your organization offer productivity or time management workshops, seminars or classes?
59%
29 Percentage Points
30%
Does your organization celebrate cultural holidays?
46%
17%
29 Percentage Points
Does your organization employ any formal programs and/or practices to actively recruit and/or retain an aging workforce?
53%
23%
30 Percentage Points
Does your organization provide fully or partially paid parental leave for the birth or adoption of a child?
76%
43%
33 Percentage Points
Does your organization employ any formal programs and/or practices to actively recruit and/or retain employees of varying ethnic and cultural backgrounds?
70%
37%
45 Percentage Points
Does your organization allow employees additional paid time off for community service activities/volunteer work?
75%
30%
45 Percentage Points
If you’re an employer, ask yourself if these are areas you can improve in. If you are an employee, ask yourself if these things are true about your workplace and what you can do to be able to answer these questions positively at your workplace. If you are a job seeker, ask questions in interviews that allow you to determine if the company has strengths in these areas. If you think your company has what it takes to become a Best Place to Work in Kentucky, us online at www.bestplacestoworkky.com. BPWK2020 28 visit
BPWK MEDIUM COMPANIES between (150-449) U.S. employees
#1 Kentucky Lottery Corporation Independence Bank Stites & Harbison, PLLC Car-Part.com Blue & Co., LLC Community Financial Services Bank ARGI Interapt Kentucky Bank 10 MCM CPAs & Advisors LLP 11 Associates in Pediatric Therapy LLC 12 Xometry 13 Dean Dorton 14 Columbia Gas of Kentucky 15 L&N Federal Credit Union 16 Commonwealth Credit Union 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Information Current as of March 15, 2021
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BPWK 21 #1
ME DIUM COMPANY
Company Name: Kentucky Lottery Corporation Previous Rank: 18 Last ranked in 2005 # of Years Ranked: 2 Primary Location(s): Louisville Industry: Gaming - Lottery Web Address: kylottery.com Survey Administrator: Michele Sullivan, VP, Human Resources # of U.S. Employees: 153 # of KY Employees: 153 Company Executive: Mary Harville, President & CEO
Spotlight Profile: WE’RE
HIRING
The Kentucky Lottery has been fueling imagination and funding education in the Commonwealth for 32 years. Since 1999, when Lottery proceeds were directed to pay for college scholarship and grant programs, more than $3.8 Billion has been provided to help Kentucky students work towards a degree. Every dime of the popular KEES scholarship ever awarded came straight from the sale of Kentucky Lottery tickets, and 1 in 5 Kentuckians have now received a college scholarship or grant paid for by Lottery proceeds.
#2
Company Name: Independence Bank Previous Rank: 8 # of Years Ranked: 13 Primary Location(s): Multiple Cities Industry: Banking Web Address: www.1776bank.com
#3
Company Name: Stites & Harbison, PLLC Previous Rank: 27 # of Years Ranked: 15 Primary Location(s): Multiple Cities Industry: Legal Web Address: https://www.stites.com
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#BESTPLACESKY
Survey Administrator: Dana Kabalen, AVP Human Resources Manager # of U.S. Employees: 412 # of KY Employees: 412 Company Executive: Chris Reid, CEO/ Chairman of the Board
Survey Administrator: Pam Keeney, Business Development Coordinator # of U.S. Employees: 273 # of KY Employees: 197 Company Executive: Marjorie Farris, Chair
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#4
WE’RE
HIRING
Company Name: Car-Part.com Previous Rank: Not previously ranked # of Years Ranked: 1 Primary Location(s): Ft. Wright Industry: Technology Web Address: www.car-part.com Survey Administrator: Sue Cropenbaker, HR Manager # of U.S. Employees: 214 # of KY Employees: 189 Company Executive: Jeff Schroder, President & CEO
Spotlight Profile: Car-Part has a strong culture of servant leadership, high ethical standards, excellence, trust, teamwork and recognition for extraordinary effort and service. There truly is a strong sense of “family” that exists among our employees. At Car-Part, we “Work Hard, Play Hard, and Live Well” and encourage a good work/life balance. The combination of this culture and the flexibility we provide has empowered our employees to come together to support each other, our customers, industry, and community during these unprecedented times. Most of our customers are essential workers, & our employees’ commitment to serving them is a source of strength and pride within the company. We are cohesive in our effort to help create a more sustainable planet.
#5
Company Name: Blue & C0., LLC Previous Rank: 23 # of Years Ranked: 10 Primary Location(s): Lexington/Louisville Industry: Accounting Web Address: www.blueandco.com
#6
Company Name: Community Financial Services Bank, Previous Rank: 4 # of Years Ranked: 2 Primary Location(s): Multiple Cities Industry: Banking
#7
ARGI ®
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#BESTPLACESKY
Company Name: ARGI Previous Rank: 5 # of Years Ranked: 10 Primary Location(s): Multiple Cities Industry: Financial Services Web Address: www.argi.net
Survey Administrator: Nancy Rife, HR Officer # of U.S. Employees: 393 # of KY Employees: 97 Company Executive: Dale Skaggs, Director in Charge
Web Address: www.yourlifeyourbank.com Survey Administrator: Allen Waddell, VP/Assistant HR Director # of U.S. Employees: 286 # of KY Employees: 286 Company Executive: J. Michael Radcliffe, CEO and Jason Jones President
Survey Administrator: RC Bascur, Employee Experience Manager # of U.S. Employees: 210 # of KY Employees: 188 Company Executive: Joe Reeves, CEO
#8
Company Name: Interapt Previous Rank: Not Previously Ranked # of Years Ranked: 1 Primary Location(s): Louisville Industry: Technology Web Address: www.interapt.com
#9
Company Name: Kentucky Bank Previous Rank: 9 # of Years Ranked: 10 Primary Location(s): Multiple Cities Industry: Financial Services Web Address: www.kybank.com
#10
WE’RE FAIR CHANCE
HIRING
Company Name: MCM CPAs & Advisors LLP Previous Rank: 18 # of Years Ranked: 15 Primary Location(s): Lexington/Louisville Industry: Accounting Web Address: www.mcmcpa.com Survey Administrator: Laura Davis, Location Resource Manager # of U.S. Employees: 299 # of KY Employees: 157 Company Executive: Brad Smith, Managing Partner
#11
Company Name: Associates in Pediatric Therapy LLC Previous Rank: 11 # of Years Ranked: 4 Primary Location(s): Multiple Cities Industry: Healthcare - Provider
Survey Administrator: Merabeth Martin, VP, Human Resources # of U.S. Employees: 244 # of KY Employees: 141 Company Executive: Ankur Gopal, CEO
Survey Administrator: Carol Caskey, Sr. VP of HR # of U.S. Employees: 247 # of KY Employees: 247 Company Executive: Louis Prichard, President and CEO
Spotlight Profile: MCM CPAs & Advisors provides assurance, accounting, tax and consulting services to public and private companies, small businesses, not-for-profits and individuals. While accounting is our profession, we also practice our core values on a daily basis – People Matter. Excellence Rules. Leaders Inspire. We embody these through a people-focused culture that prioritizes flexibility, professional development and thought leadership in all that we do. MCM team members are partners to our clients in a myriad of ways that bring beyond the bottom line solutions to their lives and businesses. We do the same in the communities we serve—we sit on boards, chair committees and lead volunteer efforts that make a difference.
Web Address: www.kidtherapy.org Survey Administrator: Mary Anne Parrish, Director of Human Resources # of U.S. Employees: 175 # of KY Employees: 158 Company Executive: Angela Renea Sageser, CEO
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#12
Company Name: Xometry Previous Rank: Not Previously Ranked # of Years Ranked: 1 Primary Location(s): Lexington Industry: Manufacturing Web Address: https://www.xometry.com/
#13
Company Name: Dean Dorton Previous Rank: 17 # of Years Ranked: 17 Primary Location(s): Lexington/Louisville Industry: Accounting Web Address: www.deandorton.com
Survey Administrator: Katie Ross, HR Business Partner # of U.S. Employees: 344 # of KY Employees: 125 Company Executive: Don Paul Corbin, Vice President of Finance
Survey Administrator: Kerri Schwaner, HR Director # of U.S. Employees: 246 # of KY Employees: 246 Company Executive: David Bundy, President & CEO
Benefit from the openness and honesty of a firm that understands what’s important.
PeoPle matter. PeoPle Matter.
leaders InsPIre.
502.749.1900 | www.mcmcpa.com |
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#BESTPLACESKY
excellence rules.
#14 A NiSource Company
Company Name: Columbia Gas of Kentucky Previous Rank: 19 # of Years Ranked: 3 Primary Location(s): Multiple Cities Industry: Utility Web Address: columbiagasky.com
#15
WE’RE FAIR CHANCE
HIRING
Company Name: L&N Federal Credit Union Previous Rank: 3 # of Years Ranked: 6 Primary Location(s): Multiple Cities Industry: Banking Web Address: www.LNFCU.com Survey Administrator: Peggy O’Bryan, Chief People Officer # of U.S. Employees: 289 # of KY Employees: 276 Company Executive: Chris Brown, President/CEO
#16
WE’RE
HIRING
Company Name: Commonwealth Credit Union Previous Rank: 12 # of Years Ranked: 3 Primary Location(s): Multiple Cities Industry: Banking Web Address: www.ccuky.org Survey Administrator: Travis Flora, Culture and Values Officer # of U.S. Employees: 321 # of KY Employees: 321 Company Executive: Karen Harbin, President and Chief Executive Officer
#17
Company Name: LockNet LLC Previous Rank: Not Previously Ranked # of Years Ranked: 1 Primary Location(s): Nicholasville Industry: Facilities Services Web Address: www.locknet.com
Survey Administrator: Jodi Falknor, Manager, Human Resources # of U.S. Employees: 225 # of KY Employees: 225 Company Executive: Kimra Cole, President & COO
Spotlight Profile: L&N Federal Credit Union has been in business since 1954. With assets over 1.3 billion dollars and an array of products and services, L&N can offer everything necessary for someone’s personal or business finances. Over 92,000 people have taken advantage of flexible mortgage and consumer loans, free online and mobile banking, free checking, business accounts and more.
Spotlight Profile: Commonwealth Credit Union’s Team 1 Culture is the foundation of our phenomenal reputation and success. Our diverse employees dedicate their many skills and talents to the team’s goal of Bettering Lives. This includes bettering the lives of each team member, member, and the communities we serve. Because of our strong leadership and Team 1 Culture, CCU is at the forefront of the credit union industry. While Commonwealth Credit Union boasts a full line of financial products and services, it is the Extraordinary Experiences our team members strive to provide our members and each other that truly make us a Best Place to Work, not just in Kentucky, but anywhere.
Survey Administrator: Katie Willie, HR Director # of U.S. Employees: 155 # of KY Employees: 155 Company Executive: Chad Miller, CEO
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#18 FAIR CHANCE
Company Name: KEEN Footwear Previous Rank: Not Previously Ranked # of Years Ranked: 1 Primary Location(s): Shepherdsville Industry: Footwear Web Address: www.keenfootwear.com
Survey Administrator: Kim Horn, Manager, People & Culture Business Partner # of U.S. Employees: 342 # of KY Employees: 106 Company Executive: Rory Fuerst, Owner
#19
Company Name: Limestone Bank Previous Rank: 24 # of Years Ranked: 7 Primary Location(s): Multiple Cities Industry: Banking Web Address: LimestoneBank.com
#20
Company Name: Forcht Bank Previous Rank: 13 # of Years Ranked: 7 Primary Location(s): Multiple Cities Industry: Banking Web Address: www.forchtbank.com
#21
WE’RE
HIRING
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#BESTPLACESKY
Company Name: Revecore Previous Rank: 20 Last Ranked in 2019 # of Years Ranked: 8 Primary Location(s): Crescent Springs Industry: Healthcare - Insurance/Services Web Address: www.revecore.com Survey Administrator: Lynette Koenig, Chief People Officer # of U.S. Employees: 470 # of KY Employees: 323 Company Executive: Mark Talley, President/CEO
Survey Administrator: Kelly Wright, VP, Human Resources Manager # of U.S. Employees: 228 # of KY Employees: 228 Company Executive: John Taylor, President & CEO
Survey Administrator: Leslie Jarvis, Corporate Human Resources Director # of U.S. Employees: 280 # of KY Employees: 269 Company Executive: Tucker Ballinger, President & CEO
Spotlight Profile: Revecore is a best in class revenue cycle niche provider focusing on the most complex areas of a hospital’s revenue cycle. For more than 20 years, Revecore has specialized in boosting revenue for our clients by successfully collecting third-party payor underpayments and reimbursements for denials and complex motor vehicle accident, workers’ compensation and Veterans Affairs claims. We truly value the efforts of our greatest asset, our employees, who take great pride in the work they do for our clients and the communities they support. Our employees strive each day to resolve business problems and identify solutions to further improve the outcomes for our clients, who can then focus on their core business - enhancing and saving the lives of their patients.
#22
Company Name: Park Community Credit Union Previous Rank: 22 # of Years Ranked: 9 Primary Location(s): Multiple Cities Industry: Banking Web Address: www.parkcommunity.com
#23
Company Name: Shepherd Insurance Previous Rank: Not Previously Ranked # of Years Ranked: 1 Primary Location(s): Lexington/Louisville Industry: Insurance - Non-Healthcare Web Address: www.shepherdins.com
#24
Company Name: Louisville Tile Distributors Previous Rank: 16 # of Years Ranked: 6 Primary Location(s): Lexington/Louisville Industry: Distribution Web Address: www.louisville-tile.com
#25
Company Name: UofL Health - Shelbyville Hospital Previous Rank: 34 Last ranked in 2019 on the small list # of Years Ranked: 2 Primary Location(s): Shelbyville Industry: Healthcare - Provider
#26
Company Name: AE Electrical Solutions Previous Rank: Not Previously Ranked # of Years Ranked: 1 Primary Location(s): Frankfort Industry: Construction Web Address: www.aees.com
Survey Administrator: Lisa Brangers, AVP of Human Resources and Organizational Development # of U.S. Employees: 284 # of KY Employees: 275 Company Executive: Jim Spradlin, President & CEO
Survey Administrator: Amanda Pont, Digital Marketing Coordinator # of U.S. Employees: 380 # of KY Employees: 70 Company Executive: Trent Hunt, COO of LLH | Executive Partner
Survey Administrator: Crosby Hall, Director of HR # of U.S. Employees: 198 # of KY Employees: 83 Company Executive: Robert DeAngelis, President
Web Address: uoflhealth.org Survey Administrator: Lorie Kleier, Executive Assistant # of U.S. Employees: 155 # of KY Employees: 155 Company Executive: Aaron Garofola, CEO
Survey Administrator: Amy Parker, CFO # of U.S. Employees: 172 # of KY Employees: 172 Company Executive: John Phillips, President/CEO
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#27
Company Name: KECH, Inc. Previous Rank: 18 Previously ranked in 2020 on the small list # of Years Ranked: 3 Primary Location(s): Williamsburg Industry: Telecommunications
#28
Web Address: www.kechco.com Survey Administrator: Rodney Ramsey, HR Manager # of U.S. Employees: 153 # of KY Employees: 78 Company Executive: Christine Carpenter, CEO
Spotlight Profile:
Company Name: Southcentral Kentucky Community & Technical College Previous Rank: 29 # of Years Ranked: 7 Primary Location(s): Multiple Cities Industry: Education Web Address: southcentral.kctcs.edu Survey Administrator: Sherri Forester, Vice President of Administrative Services # of U.S. Employees: 224 # of KY Employees: 224 Company Executive: Phil Neal, President & CEO
Southcentral Kentucky Community & Technical College (SKYCTC) operates six campuses and serves ten counties in southcentral Kentucky. SKYCTC values a work environment and organizational culture that reflects the society and community in which we are located and provides a climate for the success of every employee by appreciating the uniqueness that each one brings to the workplace. SKYCTC’s mission is to improve the quality of life of our students through education focused on career development, community partnerships, and economic growth. Student by student, employees have a sense of giving back and making a difference in the lives of our students.
HOW THE PANDEMIC IMPACTED OUR ORGANIZATION Before COVID-19, essentially no Southcentral Kentucky Community & Technical College (SKYCTC) employee worked remotely. While SKYCTC desired to be a flexible employer to attract and retain talent, remote work was something that we had not embraced. However, if COVID-19 has taught us anything, it is we can and we must be more flexible and innovative in the way we deliver instruction and services. As an institution, we are evolving and changing for the future and we believe this places SKYCTC in a position to adapt much more quickly and efficiently for whatever challenges or situations come our way.
Sherri Forester Vice President of Administrative Services Southcentral Kentucky Community & Technical College
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#29
Company Name: Winterwood Inc. Previous Rank: 14 # of Years Ranked: 7 Primary Location(s): Multiple Cities Industry: Property Management Web Address: www.winterwoodonline.com
Survey Administrator: Amanda Fields, HR Manager # of U.S. Employees: 384 # of KY Employees: 362 Company Executive: Carol Worsham, President & Owner
HOW THE PANDEMIC IMPACTED OUR ORGANIZATION The health and safety of our employees and our customers is always a priority, and the nature of our operations requires direct interaction with the general public on a daily basis. The challenge of balancing safety and service Mike A. Hynes was exacerbated by a myriad President of guidance, recommendations, Winterwood Inc. and mandates that were being issued on a daily basis by Federal, State, and Local officials. This was an enormous challenge without precedent, and one that I knew we would have to meet. I am proud to say that our employees met this challenge head - on while exceeding all of my expectations. As a team, they have operated with the utmost resilience and versatility, adapting in real time to major alterations in our operating procedures. All while dealing with changes in their own personal lives that were driven by the pandemic, with many of our employees being required to balance their personal needs with their job duties.
#30
Company Name: PharmaCord Previous Rank: 19 Last ranked in 2019 on the small list # of Years Ranked: 2 Primary Location(s): Louisville Industry: Life Science/Biotechnology Web Address: www.pharmacord.com
Survey Administrator: Staci McArter Galloway, Associate Director Human resources # of U.S. Employees: 277 # of KY Employees: 159 Company Executive: Nitin Sahney, Founder & CEO
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HR in a Pandemic and Beyond By Katie Adams Executive Director | Kentucky Society for Human Resource Management Human Resource Director | Kentucky Chamber of Commerce
On March 12, 2020 I traveled through the mountains to visit the Southeastern Kentucky SHRM chapter before hurrying home to my sons’ band concert that evening. This was a typical day for me as a working mom of four, balancing the responsibilities of my job and family. COVID-19 was mentioned on the radio that day, but it seemed like a world away. By the next morning, however, everything had changed. The Governor of Kentucky announced our state had 14 cases of COVID, and suddenly the pandemic became an urgent safety concern for my family and my workplace as a human resource leader. In all my years of HR training, “what to do during a pandemic” had never been covered. While we are prepared to handle difficult situations, this was much different. Workplaces were unceremoniously and immediately tossed into crisis mode. Everyone worked quickly to keep employees safe and informed despite ongoing and often confusing changes and guidelines. Many of my peers were tasked with laying off and furloughing employees and in some cases were subject to these changes themselves. Those who remained on the job worked closely with company leaders to keep remaining workers productive, engaged,
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motivated, and connected. This was especially challenging as offices closed and staff scrambled to establish home offices in living rooms, bedrooms, and kitchens. Business and HR leaders had been anticipating the arrival of a more remote and digitized workplace, but this “future of work” was always a safe distance ahead with time to prepare—until suddenly it wasn’t. Working parents like myself quickly adapted to the dual challenge of parenting and educating children while navigating a workplace in crisis. At work, employees came to us for guidance on a host of concerns about this new reality. At home, our children looked to us for the same support. Company leaders who weathered the storm well did so by
prioritizing flexibility and communication with an emphasis on patience and empathy. At the Kentucky Chamber, our leadership team looked at everything through an employee lens, with the health and well-being of employees and their families being the top priorities. From my vantage point, this approach was key not only to retention but also to maintaining operations and productivity while accommodating the changing and unpredictable needs of our own families and those of our employees. Thankfully, most organizations are leaving crisis mode as we emerge from COVID-19 and into a world that’s becoming more normal by the day. Now is the time for business leaders and human resource professionals to examine what went well and what did not, to determine which changes are here to stay, and to navigate the new world of work COVID-19 left in its wake.
REMOTE WORK IS HERE TO STAY, AT LEAST TO SOME EXTENT. The pandemic forced a massive remote work experiment upon employers, and for most, it is here to stay. Job applicants are now not only asking “do you offer remote work” but also whether or not you offer organizational support so they can be successful at it. There
has been a permanent shift in attitudes toward remote work, and it is important for organizations to work together to determine their policies moving forward, understanding that it could be a bumpy road. Many organizations succeeded at remote work in 2020 because everyone was doing it—but now there are choices in a world where many companies will adopt different plans. Companies are deciding who to bring back, who will remain remote, and what other options make the most sense for their operations, such as the hybrid model. HR will play a strong role in strategizing which policies will best serve their organization and in navigating concerns over inequality between remote and in-office workers, as those onsite will likely have more face time with leadership and opportunities to build relationships. Managers will need to be trained on how to incorporate in-person and remote workers into everything from their company culture and decision making, to communications and meetings. It will be challenging and require significant flexibility from everyone involved. Talent acquisition and retention is critical. Recruiting and retention have always been top concerns for human resource professionals, but they look radically different now than in years prior. COVID-19, along with the racial justice movement, have impacted and accelerated change. Diversity in hiring has Continued to page #42
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become an urgent priority, as has ensuring organizations are held accountable for these practices. At the same time, with the adoption of remote work, candidate pools have widened, resulting in many qualified applicants but also more resumes to review. Internal hiring and upskilling programs are taking center stage as organizations seek to retain top talent. Such programs are known to increase engagement, shorten the hiring process, and lower recruitment costs. As companies rebuild from furloughs and layoffs and look to the future, they must recognize that doing things as they’ve always been done is no longer enough.
CULTURE AND EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT MAKE A DIFFERENCE. The Best Places to Work survey shows that the largest variances between winners and nonwinners were in the areas of leadership, corporate communications, and culture. Employee engagement, communication, trust, and commitment to the culture from leadership are key drivers of your organization’s success. The pandemic has taught many organizations that meetings aren’t always necessary, and
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yes, sometimes an email will suffice. The expectation to respond immediately has faded away and been replaced with fluidity in correspondence. Managers have learned that working a standard, 8-hour day may not be the best schedule and sitting at a desk doesn’t necessarily translate to productivity. Employees have proven their ability to balance work and personal needs, and management should continue paying attention to better support this balance. When employees feel their personal needs are valued by management, their emotional connection to the workplace is strengthened and ripples into retention. A strong and well-defined organizational culture is critical to long-term success. So, in this new world of work, where personal lives and the workplace have collided and are now coexisting, what changes will your organization embrace in support of a positive company culture? Some recommended solutions are pet-friendly areas, parental leave, mental health days, working from home, no meeting Fridays, and even childcare facilities. As the world moves forward from the pandemic, HR professionals can distinguish themselves by continuing to support employees’ wellbeing while also exhibiting empathy and agility. This working mom can now add navigating a pandemic to her resume and looks forward to embracing the changing world of work to come.
BPWK LARGE COMPANIES more than 500 U.S. employees
#1 Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc. Neustar Inc. Edward Jones Farm Credit Mid-America Steptoe & Johnson PLLC Envoy Mortgage, Ltd. Jack Henry & Associates ISCO Industries Bluegrass Care Navigators 10 Kentucky Power Company 11 Long John Silver’s, LLC 12 Bastian Solutions 13 Genentech 14 Appriss, Inc 15 Central Bank & Trust Co. 16 Republic Bank 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Information Current as of March 15, 2021
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BPWK 21 #1
L AR G E COMPANY
Company Name: Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc. Previous Rank: 5 # of Years Ranked: 12 Primary Location(s): Radcliff Industry: Consulting Web Address: www.boozallen.com Survey Administrator: Edward Miller, Lead Associate # of U.S. Employees: 27700 # of KY Employees: 75 Company Executive: Horacio Rozanski, President & CEO
#2
Company Name: Neustar Inc. Previous Rank: 9 # of Years Ranked: 8 Primary Location(s): Louisville Industry: Technology Web Address: home.neustar
#3
Company Name: Edward Jones Previous Rank: 1 # of Years Ranked: 16 Primary Location(s): Multiple Cities Industry: Financial Services Web Address: www.edwardjones.com
#4
Company Name: Farm Credit Mid-America Previous Rank: 8 # of Years Ranked: 9 Primary Location(s): Multiple Cities Industry: Financial Services Web Address: www.e-farmcredit.com
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Survey Administrator: Rebecca Eisenberg, HR Operations Analyst # of U.S. Employees: 1296 # of KY Employees: 77 Company Executive: Charlie Gottdiener, President and CEO
Survey Administrator: Bill Shaffer, Financial Advisor # of U.S. Employees: 47238 # of KY Employees: 500 Company Executive: Penny Pennington, Managing Partner
Survey Administrator: Kim Abbott, HR Generalist # of U.S. Employees: 1496 # of KY Employees: 886 Company Executive: Bill Johnson, President and CEO
#5
WE’RE
HIRING
Steptoe & Johnson PLLC is a law firm nationally recognized for its strengths in Company Name: Steptoe & Johnson PLLC energy law with more than a century of Previous Rank: 15 know-how in the areas of business, labor # of Years Ranked: 4 and employment, and litigation. Steptoe & Primary Location(s): Lexington/Louisville Johnson has over 370 lawyers and other Industry: Legal professionals practicing in 15 offices in Web Address: www.steptoe-johnson.com Colorado, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Survey Administrator: Andrew Fulton, Marketing Texas, and West Virginia. Communications Specialist # of U.S. Employees: 558 # of KY Employees: 36 Company Executive: Christopher Slaughter, CEO
#6
Company Name: Envoy Mortgage, Ltd. Previous Rank: 6 # of Years Ranked: 5 Primary Location(s): Louisville Industry: Financial Services Web Address: https://www.envoymortgage.com/
Construction Management | General Contracting
Building Relationships & Buildings Since 1945 HEALTHCARE
EDUCATION
WORSHIP
INDUSTRIAL
SPECIALTY
It’s more than construction... WEHR Building Stronger Communities
Offices: Louisville, Kentucky 2517 Plantside Drive, 40299
#7 Company Name: Jack Henry & Associates Previous Rank: 11 # of Years Ranked: 9 Primary Location(s): Elizabethtown/ Louisville Industry: Financial Services Web Address: www.jackhenry.com Survey Administrator: Amy Hibbard, Sr. Corporate Communications Specialist # of U.S. Employees: 6825 # of KY Employees: 326 Company Executive: Tede Forman, Head of Consumer & Commercial Payments
Lexington, Kentucky 868 Nandino Blvd, 40511
Bowling Green, Kentucky 424 U.S. 31W By-Pass, 42101
Spotlight Profile:
WE’RE
HIRING
Survey Administrator: Jaclyn Cantu, Human Resources Manager # of U.S. Employees: 858 # of KY Employees: 21 Company Executive: Ron Millard, Chief Executive Officer
Spotlight Profile:
Jack Henry & Associates, company philosophy is: “Do the Right Thing, Do Whatever It Takes, and Have Fun” and this permeates throughout everything we do. We believe every associate plays a critical role in our company’s success; they’re the reason we are able to maintain strong partnerships and provide superior service to our financial institution clients while continuing to innovate and bring fresh, modern technology to market. We are committed to facilitating a transparent, collaborative culture where employees feel valued and encouraged to share new ideas. Jack Henry remains dedicated to facilitating an open workplace culture, one that emphasizes transparency and accessibility to management and challenges our associates to grow professionally.
LET’S STAY CONNECTED wehrconstructors.com
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#8
FAIR CHANCE
Company Name: ISCO Industries Previous Rank: 6 Previously ranked in 2020 on the medium list # of Years Ranked: 10 Primary Location(s): Louisville Industry: Distribution Web Address: www.isco-pipe.com
We are pleased to support the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce
Survey Administrator: Amanda Ritter, Special Project Coordinator # of U.S. Employees: 509 # of KY Employees: 164 Company Executive: Jimmy Kirchdorfer, Jr., Chairman & CEO
PROUD TO BE AN EIGHT-TIME WINNER!
and are honored to be recognized as one of the Best Places to Work in Kentucky
steptoe-johnson.com THIS IS AN ADVERTISEMENT
REVECORE AWARDED
BEST PLACES TO WORK
IN KENTUCKY AGAIN
WE’RE IN KENTUCKY
HIRING
#9
Company Name: Bluegrass Care Navigators Previous Rank: 26 # of Years Ranked: 2 Primary Location(s): Multiple Cities Industry: Healthcare - Provider Web Address: www.bgcarenav.org
#10
Company Name: Kentucky Power Company Previous Rank: 14 # of Years Ranked: 2 Primary Location(s): Multiple Cities Industry: Utilities Web Address: www.kentuckypower.com
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revecore.com
Survey Administrator: Danita Ross, Vice President of Human Resources # of U.S. Employees: 578 # of KY Employees: 578 Company Executive: Liz Fowler, President & CEO
Survey Administrator: Amy Elliott, External Affairs Manager # of U.S. Employees: 19000 # of KY Employees: 407 Company Executive: Brett Mattison, President & COO
#11
Company Name: Long John Silver’s, LLC Previous Rank: 21 # of Years Ranked: 5 Primary Location(s): Louisville Industry: Restaurant Web Address: www.ljsilvers.com
Survey Administrator: Allison Goatley, Human Resources Manager # of U.S. Employees: 10000 # of KY Employees: 45 Company Executive: Blain Shortreed, President & COO
FAIR CHANCE
#12
Company Name: Bastian Solutions Previous Rank: Not Previously Ranked # of Years Ranked: 1 Primary Location(s): Georgetown/Louisville Industry: Engineering & Software Web Address: www.bastainsolutions.com
#13
Company Name: Genentech Previous Rank: 12 # of Years Ranked: 11 Primary Location(s): Louisville Industry: Pharmaceutical Web Address: www.gene.com Survey Administrator: Shannon Burch, Project Coordinator # of U.S. Employees: 13704 # of KY Employees: 41 Company Executive: Jeff Uligian, Site Head/ Director
Survey Administrator: Shelby Shay, HR Manager # of U.S. Employees: 903 # of KY Employees: 166 Company Executive: Aaron Jones, President
Spotlight Profile:
The passion that drives us is the belief that the science of life — biology — holds the keys to solving life’s toughest health challenges. Innovative science is the basis of our existence and the foundation for our future. Doing our job positively impacts the lives of millions of people. This is our purpose. Each individual patient inspires our researchers to do groundbreaking science. Our one-of-a-kind culture is built on diversity, dedication, and celebration. We bring together the most talented employees we can find, and then we give them room to be themselves. This type of environment that ensures employees can make their greatest contributions to Genentech and, most importantly, to our patients.
Putting the
pieces together Promotions Web & Print graphics Campaign Marketing 859.219.2017 www.apscommunications.com
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#14 FAIR CHANCE
Company Name: Appriss, Inc Previous Rank: 10 # of Years Ranked: 10 Primary Location(s): Louisville Industry: Technology Web Address: www.appriss.com
#15
Survey Administrator: Erin Carter, Talent Acquisition Manager # of U.S. Employees: 879 # of KY Employees: 558 Company Executive: Krishnan Sastry, CEO
Spotlight Profile:
Company Name: Central Bank & Trust Co. Previous Rank: 7 # of Years Ranked: 14 Primary Location(s): Multiple Cities Industry: Financial Services Web Address: www.centralbank.com Survey Administrator: Susan Simmons, EVP/Director of Human Resources # of U.S. Employees: 522 # of KY Employees: 522 Company Executive: Luther Deaton, CEO/ President/Chairman of the Board
Central Bank’s public recognition as a Best Place to Work in Kentucky confirms what employees working there already knew. They love Central Bank for its focus on the employees’; satisfaction, well-being and career growth opportunities. They’re also proud to be a part of Central Bank’s commitment to community involvement and giving back. It’s clear that Central Bank understands that their employees are key to their success.
HOW THE PANDEMIC IMPACTED OUR ORGANIZATION With the introduction of the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), our focus quickly shifted to developing internal processes and procedures to meet the incredible volume of loan applications that began to pour in almost immediately. Our dedicated lending, processing and operations staff rose to the occasion, processing applications for new and existing small business customers when they needed us most.
Laura Schweitzer EVP/Director of Operations Central Bank & Trust Co.
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Aside from PPP, the volume of stimulus checks added another opportunity for our staff and systems to demonstrate their proficiencies. As these checks were issued and the pandemic persisted, we worked to educate our customers about their options for banking services and resources by adding a dedicated landing page on our website that could be updated as conditions changed. As a result, adoption of our digital banking products gained unprecedented momentum as our customers began using alternative banking methods. We also expanded customer capabilities and limits within our platforms to allow more transactions while simultaneously mitigating fraud.
OF OUR MEMBERS, TEAM, & BUSINESS PARTNERS. LEARN MORE AT CCUKY.ORG FOLLOW US ONLINE INSURED BY NCUA
Must meet membership eligibility requirements.
#16
Company Name: Republic Bank Previous Rank: 16 # of Years Ranked: 6 Primary Location(s): Multiple Cities Industry: Banking Web Address: www.republicbank.com
#17
Company Name: CSI Previous Rank: 25 # of Years Ranked: 9 Primary Location(s): Multiple Cities Industry: Financial Services Web Address: www.csiweb.com
Survey Administrator: Robin White, Vice President, Director of Employee Relations # of U.S. Employees: 1101 # of KY Employees: 970 Company Executive: Steve Trager, Chairman & CEO
Survey Administrator: Edie Harvey, HR Business Partner # of U.S. Employees: 1242 # of KY Employees: 369 Company Executive: Steven Powless, Chairman & CEO
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#18
Best Places to Work
Company Name: Galen College of Nursing Previous Rank: 23 # of Years Ranked: 4 Primary Location(s): Hazard/Louisville Industry: Education Web Address: www.galencollege.edu Survey Administrator: Allyson Wolfe, VP of HR and Chief Cultural Officer # of U.S. Employees: 1038 # of KY Employees: 422 Company Executive: Mark Vogt, CEO
Two Years in a Row!
HOW THE PANDEMIC IMPACTED OUR ORGANIZATION When the pandemic worsened in March 2020 and it was apparent the safety of our students and employees would be compromised, Galen College of Nursing changed our education model over a weekend and began teaching our students virtually. All employees also began working remotely to ensure educational continuity for our current and prospective students. Allyson Wolfe, MBA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP Vice President of Human Resources and Chief Cultural Officer Galen College of Nursing
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#19
Company Name: Signature HealthCARE Consulting Services Previous Rank: 10 # of Years Ranked: 5 Primary Location(s): Multiple Cities Industry: Healthcare - Provider Web Address: www.ltcrevolution.com
#20
Company Name: Amgen Previous Rank: Not Previously Ranked # of Years Ranked: 1 Primary Location(s): Louisville Industry: Life Science/Biotechnology Web Address: amgen.com
#21
WE’RE
HIRING
Survey Administrator: Ann Bowdan Wilder, Media, PR and Communications Manager # of U.S. Employees: 694 # of KY Employees: 694 Company Executive: E. Joseph Steier, III, President & CEO
Survey Administrator: Tara Urban, Senior Manager # of U.S. Employees: 20000 # of KY Employees: 35 Company Executive: Adam Bibelhauser, Site Head, Louisville Amgen
Company Name: Total Quality Logistics Previous Rank: 20 # of Years Ranked: 9 Primary Location(s): Multiple Cities Industry: Transportation Web Address: www.tql.com
Survey Administrator: Colleen Berliner, Marketing Specialist # of U.S. Employees: 5000 # of KY Employees: 495 Company Executive: Ken Oaks, CEO
#22
Spotlight Profile:
For 170 years, Corning has provided life changing innovations around the world. At Company Name: Corning Corning, we take pride in our technology Previous Rank: 24 and product leadership within our key # of Years Ranked: 13 markets of operation. We consistently Primary Location(s): Harrodsburg deliver what we promise and tie rewards Industry: Manufacturing directly to our performance. We are a Web Address: www.corning.com company that provides high quality product Survey Administrator: Denise Cornish, Training & and holds integrity in the highest regard, which characterizes our relationship with Education Coordinator others inside and outside the organization. # of U.S. Employees: 14597 We value individuals and understand that # of KY Employees: 352 Company Executive: John Antonelli, Plant Manager the commitment and contribution of all our employees determines our success. Our continuous innovation allows us to remain relevant leaders, now and in the future, in Kentucky.
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#23
Company Name: Kentucky American Water Previous Rank: 29 Previously ranked in 2019 # of Years Ranked: 6 Primary Location(s): Multiple Cities Industry: Utilities Web Address: www.amwater.com/kyaw/
Survey Administrator: Kurt Kogler, HR Director # of U.S. Employees: 6963 # of KY Employees: 154 Company Executive: Nick Rowe, SVP, Southeast Division, President, Kentucky American Water
HOW THE PANDEMIC IMPACTED OUR ORGANIZATION For our employees, safeguards were implemented to protect our ability to maintain service including mandating face coverings, additional sanitation practices and social distancing. We cancelled business travel and in person meetings. Several roles switched to dispatching from home and working from home for those who are able. We added several temporary benefits enhancements and also focused on emotional health and how people were coping. For our community, we made financial contributions to local COVID-19 campaigns and matched employee contributions through our parent company’s American Water Charitable Foundation. We continuously communicated with and received guidance from the Kentucky Public Service Commission, and were heavily involved with Kentucky Chamber initiatives with the Governor’s office regarding the pandemic.
Nick Rowe President, Kentucky American Water Senior Vice President, American Water
#24
Company Name: Senture, LLC Previous Rank: 27 # of Years Ranked: 5 Primary Location(s): Multiple Cities Industry: Services Web Address: www.senture.com
#25
Company Name: AssuredPartners Previous Rank: 31 # of Years Ranked: 12 Primary Location(s): Multiple Cities Industry: Insurance - Non-Healthcare Web Address: www.assuredpartners.com
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Survey Administrator: Jane Krebs, Program Manager # of U.S. Employees: 2867 # of KY Employees: 2056 Company Executive: Christopher Deaton, President & CEO
Survey Administrator: Emily Hammer, HR Generalist # of U.S. Employees: 622 # of KY Employees: 293 Company Executive: Corey Freeman, Regional President, COO
#26
WE’RE
HIRING
Company Name: V-Soft Consulting Previous Rank: 19 # of Years Ranked: 6 Primary Location(s): Louisville Industry: Technology Web Address: https://www.vsoftconsulting.com/
Survey Administrator: Briana Kolder, Corporate Project & Event Coordinator # of U.S. Employees: 569 # of KY Employees: 31 Company Executive: Purna Veer, President
#27
Spotlight Profile:
Company Name: Fischer Homes Previous Rank: 32 Previously ranked in 2015 on the medium list # of Years Ranked: 8 Primary Location(s): Multiple Cities Industry: Construction Web Address: www.fischerhomes.com Survey Administrator: Steve Whaley, Director of Marketing # of U.S. Employees: 538 # of KY Employees: 388 Company Executive: Bob Hawksley, CEO
#28
Company Name: KORT Previous Rank: 22 # of Years Ranked: 17 Primary Location(s): Multiple Cities Industry: Healthcare - provider Web Address: https://www.kort.com/
Fischer Homes just celebrated its 40th year and business and did so with record-breaking sales results with sales up 60%, despite a global pandemic. In a year full of surprises, we have made the best of the situation by adapting our business model to include additional work from home options, virtual tours for customers, and greater use of online resources. The success that came this year was made possible by a culture built upon taking care of our customers and taking care of each other. We have become a “best” place to work by focusing on and hiring incredibly talented Associates, creating a fun and dynamic work environment, building a better community by giving back, and giving everyone the chance to grow and develop in their careers.
Survey Administrator: Megan Wenrich, HR Coordinator - Outpatient Division # of U.S. Employees: 575 # of KY Employees: 521 Company Executive: Jason Chambers, Regional Vice President
FAIR CHANCE
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WE’RE
HIRING
WE’RE
HIRING
#29
Spotlight Profile:
#30
Spotlight Profile:
Company Name: CHI Saint Joseph Health, Saint Joseph London Previous Rank: 29 # of Years Ranked: 2 Primary Location(s): London Industry: Healthcare - Provider Web Address: www.chisaintjosephhealth.org Survey Administrator: Sandra Turqueza, Director, Human Resources # of U.S. Employees: 596 # of KY Employees: 596 Company Executive: John Yanes, President
Company Name: Rockcastle Regional Hospital and Respiratory Care Center Previous Rank: 26 previously ranked in 2019 # of Years Ranked: 5 Primary Location(s): Mount Vernon Industry: Healthcare - Provider Web Address: www.rockcastleregional.org Survey Administrator: Carmen Poynter, Director of human Resources # of U.S. Employees: 715 # of KY Employees: 715 Company Executive: Stephen A. Estes, President/CEO
Promotions Web & Print graphics Campaign Marketing
859.219.2017 www.apscommunications.com
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Saint Joseph London treats patients from southeastern Kentucky, including those from Clay, Laurel, Jackson and Whitley counties. Our mission is to make the healing presence of God known in our world by improving the health of the people we serve, especially those who are vulnerable, while we advance social justice for all. Our employees feel like they are part of a family that is dedicated to their community so they have a deeper sense of job satisfaction and engagement. That’s one of many reasons Saint Joseph London has been recognized as a best place to work two years in a row. Without great employees, we would not be able to care for our community and surrounding counties, so it is important for us to show our employees that they are valued and our greatest asset.
Rockcastle Regional is a 5-time winner of the Best Places to Work in Kentucky. The organization operates a 30-bed acute care hospital, 143-bed units for patients dependent upon mechanical ventilation to breathe, Quick Care clinic, 4 Health Clinics, as well as other outpatient healthcare services. Since 1956, the organization has developed a reputation for providing high-quality, patient-centered care focused on a commitment to safety & clinical outcomes. It has also grown as a destination workplace, providing a robust employee benefits and wellness package to its close to 900 employees. We are family-oriented and we work as a team, dedicated to delivering the highest quality of care to those we serve. Our mission is what brings us together.
A G R EAT PL AC E TO WO R K
YOUR SUCCESS EQUALS OUR SUCCESS
THE 16 COLLEGES OF
THE KENTUCKY COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE SYSTEM
KCTCS.EDU KCTCS is an equal educational and employment opportunity institution.
ARE COMMITTED TO PROVIDING KENTUCKIANS
WITH A BETTER LIFE
KENTUCKY COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE SYSTEM
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