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Sunday, August 31, 2014
Whatever changes, CBE still puts employees first JIM OFFNER jim.offner@wcfcourier.com
CEDAR FALLS — Times have changed at CBE Cos. in terms of its business model as well as its corporate structure. The company in the last year has made good on its promise to grow its brand. Over the summer CBE opened its third Cedar Valley location, in the Tower Park business center in Waterloo. Late in the spring, CBE launched LocateSmarter, a cloud-service company. Growth is what CBE is all about, according to some of the firm’s 882 local employees who submitted nominations for The Courier’s annual Employers of Choice awards. “CBE is committed to enhancing quality of life by providing strong benefits, including time off and fair compensation, while having many opportunities for future career growth,” said employee Mike Clausen, who noted all employees are trained in Stephen Covey’s “7 Habits of Highly Effective People.” Clausen credited CEO Tom Penaluna and Chief Operating Officer Chad Benson with putting employee well-being at the
MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor
John Brustkern, left, goes through the food line as Harley Wilson hands out hot dogs at a CBE employee dinner in Cedar Falls. top of the company’s priority list. “Tom and Chad both are committed to life outside of work and believe in supporting strong families through programs that teach life skills and relationship skills like the 7 Habits for all associates,” Clausen said. CBE also formed an organizational development department, and the company invests 2-3 percent of its annual revenues in management development programs designed to help employees grow in their jobs, Clausen
said. “It is a bit humbling to again be included in the Employer of Choice Award, but, then again, the passion and dedication of our staff is what makes it all happen,” Penaluna said. “This award is all about them.” CBE employee Monica Bauler said she had lost a job she had worked for nearly two decades in a corporate restructuring. She said she was certain she’d never find a “good job” again. Then, she arrived at CBE. “CBE has not only welcomed
me with open arms, but they are here to help every individual succeed and grow with the company,” Bauler said. “I am happier than I have ever been. When you enjoy what you do, it is not work. I help people every day and feel good about what I do.” Martin Dodge has been with CBE for 10 years. “Ever since I started I have felt like I am a part of a family,” he said. “As I have moved up in management, I have seen how important to us people are. We listen and do what is right.” Second-year employee Elizabeth Fuller agreed. “It is obvious that they care about people — not only their employees but the people who they help on a regular basis,” she said. Kristen Rowles joined the company in 2006 and has moved up. “They have invested so much into me and love to promote from within,” she said. “They have always been willing to work with my schedule and go above and beyond with making sure that I am making myself a better person with classes on different topics within work.”
CBE Cos. Address: 1309 Technology Parkway, Cedar Falls Phone: (319) 833-1374. Website: www.cbecompanies. com Number of employees: About 1,200 (882 in the Cedar Valley) What the company does: CEO Tom Penaluna describes CBE Cos. as a “business process outsourcer, or BPO that helps clients with “back-office” challenges. How it stands out in its field: “CBE offers services that are unique in how they are designed to focus on the customer, leverage technology and innovation, and benefit from a unique culture and investment in employee engagement,” spokeswoman Jessi Block said. How it’s involved in the community: “Our CBE and its staff extends our culture of caring into the communities in which we live and work,” Block said. “Our CBE Cares programs are coordinated by employees as their way to give back. Programs include United Way campaign, Pay-it-Forward month, Leader In Me investments, Partners in Education and Junior Achievement participation and our Jeans for Charity program.”
Cedar Falls Utilities exceeds employee expectations ALISA HRUSTIC newsroom@wcfcourier.com
CEDAR FALLS — Employees say Cedar Falls Utilities is a top-notch employer because the company not only strives to exceed customer expectations, but the expectations of its workforce as well. That’s something employee Paul Krukow mentioned about the “CFU family” in his nomination of CFU as an Employer of Choice. “When we’re having a customer-affecting issue, upper management will personally stop by our offices to understand
the issue and to offer encouragement and appreciation for our efforts,” Krukow said. “CFU has cultivated a culture that goes beyond just a job and paycheck. The culture here is about serving our community and the families that live in it.” Krukow said he appreciates CFU’s recognition of family importance by making sure employees are granted job flexibility for things like paternity leave and family sick days. “I have never seen a time when CFU was reserved to support any employee when dealing with a
BRANDON POLLOCK / Courier Staff Photographer
Lori Hoffman talks to workers at the start of an employee training seminar at Cedar Falls Utilities in Cedar See CFU, page 7 Falls.
Sunday, August 31, 2014
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Cedar Valley Hospice creates family-focused atmosphere ALISA HRUSTIC
Cedar Valley Hospice
newsroom@wcfcourier.com
WATERLOO — As one of the oldest hospices in Iowa and the original in the Cedar Valley, Cedar Valley Hospice has been home to hundreds of employees during its 35 years. There are many reasons workers there consider CVH a second home. “Cedar Valley Hospice not only is the best in caring for their patients and families, they take care of their employees,” staff member Laurie McCallum said in her nomination of CVH as an Employer of Choice. Fe l l ow e m p l oye e Te r r i Vopelak found peace of mind when she realized she would not have to choose between work and family. When Vopelak’s parents had health issues, she was encouraged by CVH leaders to take time off and make family a priority. After her parents died, she had another family there to support her through the difficult time. “When they both passed away in December 2012, my Cedar Valley Hospice family (was) there beside me through it all,” Vopelak said in her nomination. “I was able to take the time to deal with my grief as well as all of the business issues that had to be dealt with. … I also knew I could come to the manager if I needed something, even just a shoulder to cry on. That meant so much.” Executive Director Marvin Fagerlind said flexibility when staff needs time away is one thing CVH does in effort to be a good employer. “There are times in peoples’ lives and in their families that cannot be ‘scheduled’ when most convenient to one’s work, and we try to provide time for those moments that matter or are needed for family,” he said. Fagerlind said earning a spot as a 2014 Employer of Choice highlights the positive workplace created by all CVH employees. Stephanie Abel-Hohenzy, who joined CVH only two
Address: 2101 Kimball Ave., Waterloo Phone: 272-2002 Website: www.cvhospice.org Number of employees: 125 What the company does: Multiservice agency that provides palliative and hospice care to people and their families along with grief support services and medical case management for people with HIV-AIDS How it stands out in its field: “Our Hospice Home is the only hospice inpatient facility within 50 miles. The Eucalyptus Tree program addresses
the grief needs of children and youth and it is uncommon to find such a service among hospices. Our grief support services for adults are available and used by persons whose loved one may or may not have been a hospice patient,” executive director Marvin Fagerlind said. How it’s involved in the community: partnerships with all hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living facilities within their service area, provide education and support for parishioners of faith communities, free grief and illness support services
provide patients with the high- friendly so that no one wants to leave,” Dr. Michael Deters est quality care possible. And employees don’t often get said in nominating CVH as an discouraged, even if they have to Employer of Choice. “We all enjoy our work even on long work an extra hour or two. “They make the work envi- days because we know we are months ago, already feels like a opportunities to update their knowledge so they continue to ronment very comfortable and appreciated.” part of the team. “From the moment I set foot inside their doors for a job interview, I knew this was a place I wanted to work,” she said. “Charming as ever, the secretary, Berdell, gave me a smile and a wink, instantly calming my nerves. … By the end, we shared laughs, and I thanked them for making me feel so comfortable.” She experienced the same friendliness her first day on the To all Crown Associates: job. I want to personally thank you for all your “I was greeted with smiles and firm handshakes, like I had been efforts and dedication to our company. Your employed there for years,” Abelsincere service deserves all our encouragement Hohenzy said. “I instantly felt like one of them. After orientaand appreciation. Thank you for being so tion, I knew everyone enjoyed committed, for bringing your positive attitude their job not only because of the to work every day. The world of business people but because of our amazing mission to help others.” survives on the commitment and dedication CVH provides palliative and of passionate employees like you. I genuinely hospice care to people and respect you for your hard work and being an their families, along with grief support services and medical asset to our company. I depend on your support case management for people and I honor you for your convictions. with HIV-AIDS. The organiBest regards, zation’s Caring Connections I look forward to 2014 and beyond working program offers businesses and Peter J. Shepherd with all of you expecting continued success as their employees support and General Manager education on grief- and illnessThe Crown Group sustains its achievement of related matters at no cost. The Crown Group - Waterloo Plant being a world class paint service provider. Leaders at CVH provide their workers with feedback and MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor
Allison Stone, left, RN, and Jamie Nienkark, CNA, work with a customer as she makes out a receipt for a donation at the Cedar Valley Hospice Home in Waterloo.
Sunday, August 31, 2014
www.wcfcourier.com Page 17 Employers of Choice
Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare focuses on giving back JIM OFFNER
Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare
jim.offner@wcfcourier.com
WATERLOO — Having marked 35 years as an employee at Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare in July 2014, Mary Jo Kavalier nominated the Catholic-based health system as an Employer of Choice. “The values of the organization and the people who put care and compassion into their relationships are why I have stayed this long,” Kavalier said. “An organization that truly takes into account family and other social situations that impact people’s lives is a key factor in this organization.” Kavalier, a nurse in the education department, said employees have ample opportunities to learn. “All associates receive formal feedback twice a year and also throughout the year,” she said. Wheaton Franciscan’s I Salute Awards are designed to recognize
BRANDON POLLOCK / Courier Staff Photographer
Brenda Kriz, left, and Christie Glaspie position Lula Davis for a MRI at Covenant Medical Center in Waterloo. employee achievement. But employees are honored in other ways, too, said Andrea Barker, director of marketing communications. “WFH offers tuition and cer-
tification reimbursement for associates wanting to advance careers,” Barker said. “Associate forums with the CEO and breakfast with senior leaders are opportunities for associates to provide
Address: 3421 W. Ninth St. Waterloo Phone: (319) 272-5155 Website: wheatoniowa.org Number of employees: About 3,000 in the Cedar Valley What the company does: Health care provider. How it’s involved in the community: Charity Care, public programs, community health services, financial contributions and subsidized education and community building activities
feedback.” A confidential survey conducted every 18 months provides employee feedback to adjust processes and programs, Barker noted. “WFH shows appreciation for associates by making them part
of the decision processes,” Barker said. The I Salute program is one example, but there are others, Barker said, listing Iowa Wheaton Outstanding Nurses Awards, Total Rewards, Annual Service Award Dinner and regular recognition stories in the company newsletter. Then, she said, there are programs and funding for employee assistance, emergencies and health care premium subsidies. “WFH believes work-life balance is important to associate satisfaction and encourages flexible scheduling,” Barker said. Outreach is continuous, as well. Wheaton Franciscan provides free health screenings and education throughout the community for chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease, Barker said. “This past year, we provided
See Wheaton, page 18
Page 20 Employers of Choice
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Sunday, August 31, 2014