Employers of Choice 2010

Top 20 businesses in the Cedar Valley Advanced Systems Allen Health System Bergan Paulsen CBE Group Cedar Falls Utilities Cedar Valley Community Support Services Cedar Valley Hospice DISTek Integration Inc. Exceptional Persons Inc. Hellman Livingston Aviation ME&V Mike Fereday Heating & Air Conditioning Next Generation Wireless Phantom EFX T8 Webware The VGM Group United Equipment Accessories Inc. Waverly Health Center Western Home Communities

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EMPLOYERS OF CHOICE

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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2010

EOC winners evidence of a vibrant workplace Jim Offner is the Courier business editor.

Contact him at jim.offner@ wcfcourier.com.

They’re ranked 1 through 20, but in the opinion of workers who submitted hundreds of nominations for The Courier’s annual Employers of Choice honors, rankings don’t appear to matter.

This is the third year The Courier has employed a format that actively engages the work force. Their nominations gave plenty of accolades to their employers.

A panel of representatives from a cross-section of the Cedar Valley business community — Kim Burger, with the Cedar Falls Tourism & Visitors Bureau; Chris Harshbarger, with Think ’n’ Think Inc.; Lori McConville,

with Barmuda Cos.; and Linda Laylin, with the Greater Cedar Valley Alliance — generously donated their time to sift through and thoroughly discuss hundreds of nominations in a process that determined the region’s top 20 places to work.

As is rapidly becoming tradition, the winners did not fit any particular category, size or business model. Whether they offered products or services didn’t seem to matter to those who nominated the winners.

See WINNERS, page 18

Employers of Choice

2 0 1 0 1. Allen Health System 2. Waverly Health Center 3. CBE Group 4. The VGM Group 5. Bergan Paulsen 6. Cedar Valley Hospice 7. T8 Webware 8. Advanced Systems 9. DISTek Integration Inc. 10. Western Home Communities

11. Cedar Falls Utilities 12. Mike Fereday Heating & Air Conditioning 13. Hellman 14. Exceptional Persons Inc. 15. Next Generation Wireless 16. CV Community Support Services 17. ME&V 18. Livingston Aviation 19. Phantom EFX 20. United Equipment Accessories Inc.

Support of patients, employees earns Allen top spot again

By JIM OFFNER

1

jim.offner@wcfcourier.com

WATERLOO — Even during a transition in leadership, patient care, employee relations and community outreach continue to be part of a mosaic that creates a healthy institution, according to employees at Allen Health System, which once again was chosen for the No. 1 slot in The Courier’s annual Employers of Choice awards.

The leadership change occurred this year, as Sara Poling began serving as interim Allen’s CEO June 1. She will serve in this capacity during the search for a permanent replacement for Richard A. Seidler, president and CEO since 1998.

“We work hard at the managerial level to assure patient, associate and physician satisfaction,” Poling said. “We are working diligently at additional recognition, as well. We can’t say thank you often enough to those who seek the level of care we’re seeking to provide.”

Poling said Allen is diligent about monitoring the pulse of every aspect of its operations, including employee satisfaction.

“We do a lot of surveys,” she said. “We have a consistent set of questions, but we also use the comments that tell the real story

Allen Health System

■ EMPLOYEES: 2,080.

■ WHAT THE COMPANY DOES: Health care and health care education.

■ HOW IT STANDS OUT IN ITS FIELD: Employees say Allen Hospital has an excellent work atmosphere, demonstrates flexibility and commitment to workers, as well as patients.

■ COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Junior Achievement, American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, People’s Clinic and major sponsor for Kaleidoscope Series at the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center.

DAWN J. SAGERT / Courier Staff Photographer

Registered nurse Erika Leonard monitors the blood pressure of Mary Peters as she goes through a treadmill exercise during a rehabilitation session in the Cardiac Rehabilitation Unit at Allen Hospital in Waterloo. about what the concerns are and what we can do differently.”

Poling said the surveys sometimes get response rates of 65 to 70 percent.

“Our intent is to identify problems that need to be resolved.”

Staff at all levels are actively involved in the process, Poling said.

“Absolutely, they’d tell you they feel empowered and listened to and that they’re part of the solution,” Poling said.

Changes in leadership don’t matter to the culture of caring in place at Allen, said Dianne Schultz, clinical services director, who has been with Allen for 28 years.

“I think that underlying culture has always stayed very strong,” Schultz said. “New employers come in and feel very embraced, like it’s their second family.”

Schultz pointed to Allen’s program that enables associates to donate accumulated paid time off to colleagues in need.

“You know how people value

1825 Logan Ave. Waterloo, IA 50703 (319) 235-3941 www.allenhospital.org

their vacation time, but this is an absolute common interaction here, because everybody wants to take care of everybody else here.”

Schultz said Allen has programs that enable its employees to advance.

“I feel like I’m individually cared about, just as we individually care about the patients here,” Schultz said.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2010

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EMPLOYERS OF CHOICE

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Interaction, innovation seen as keys at Waverly Health Center

By CLARA HUDSON newsroom@wcfcourier.com

WAVERLY — “Waverly Health Center is a small hospital that thinks big,” wrote employee Cathy-Wilson Sands on her Employers of Choice nomination form.

She went on to say innovation is one of their organizational values, and the hospital has lived up to it in the many opportunities and the positive feedback provided to its employees.

“Employees are given opportunities to participate in shareddecision making informally as well as formally. Professional development is encouraged and supported through programs for tuition assistance as well as support for continuing education and membership in professional organizations,” Saws said.

“Chief Executive Officer Mike Trachta came to Waverly Health

Center after 8 1/2 years of administration at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Asked why he chose Waverly Health Center, he said, “Waverly had a great community atmosphere and wonderful resources. The hospital and medical staff worked well together. It was exciting.”

He said the 420 employees at the health center have a high level of participation on councils and committees.

“These groups develop projects that affect the way we provide patient care, develop new services and ensure our quality of care is excellent,” employee Heidi Solheim said.

Waverly Health Center is an active member of the community, participating in a Volunteer Partners with Wartburg College in Waverly, supporting the Women’s Shelter and interacting with the Waverly School System. The health center also has a Senior

2

Waverly Health Center

TIFFANY RUSHING / Courier Staff Photographer

Emergency room physician Dr. Todd Shover reviews a patient’s charts as x-rays are pulled up on computer screens at Waverly Health Center. tional opportunities.

Information Program.

Linda Hansen attested to that.

According to Trachta, the Cen“Administration has gone to ter has ranked high in patient satgreat lengths and made it a priisfaction scores.

“Among Iowa’s higher scores, ority to provide special programs Waverly ranks well,” Trachta said. and education to the employees Employees have access to a … and a warm, pleasing environSpeaker Series and other educa- ment to work in,” she said.

■ EMPLOYEES: 420.

■ WHAT THE COMPANY DOES: Health care.

■ HOW IT STANDS OUT IN ITS FIELD: Waverly Health Center encourages professional development for all of its employees. Directors say the hospital ranks among Iowa’s top hospitals in patient satisfaction.

■ COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Waverly Health Center participates as volunteer partners with Wartburg College in Waverly, supports the Women’s Shelter and interacts with the Waverly School System.

The health center also has a Senior Information Program.

312 9th St. SW Waverly, IA 50677 (319) 352-4020 www.waverlyhealthcenter.org

Our family of employees at Cedar Valley Hospice share compassion in caring for you and your family.

We are proud to be your community hospice and Employer of Choice!

800.617.1972 | cvhospice.org Waterloo | Grundy Center | Independence Waverly | Hospice Home

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EMPLOYERS OF CHOICE

www.wcfcourier.com

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2010

Collection agency CBE tries to redefine its industry

By JOHN MOLSEED

3

john.molseed@wcfcourier.com

WATERLOO — Management at the CBE Group knows the reputation the collection industry has.

Tom Penaluna, CBE president and CEO, said it’s not enough to avoid employing unethical methods but said he wants to change how things are done in the industry.

“We act as people that are there to help,” he said.

Penaluna said CBE employees nominated the company as one of The Courier’s Employers of Choice partly because the company avoids the “weaknesses of the industry.”

Employee training also keeps the job challenging and gives employees opportunities to move up.

Raymond Barbee started at CBE because of the pay but said he wasn’t really looking for a career.

More than 4 1/2 years later, he’s still there.

“As soon as you enter the environment, you can tell this is a place that really cares about people,” Barbee said.

“People come here looking for a job; they find more than that,” said Brandon Medlin, a CBE supervisor.

“We invest a lot on more individual training.”

“There’s constantly teaching,” said Diana Crook, CBE employee.

“Things keep changing here for the better,” Brittany Buss said.

Major changes are just around the corner as the company gets ready to move to a new headquarters building in Cedar Falls at 1309 Technology Parkway in the Cedar Falls Industrial Park.

The move, which will be complete sometime in October, will put company employees under one roof.

CBE staff now work in two buildings at the Tower Park complex in Waterloo. The new building will give employees

CBE Group

■ EMPLOYEES: 500.

■ WHAT THE COMPANY DOES: Specializes in third-party debt collections. Their clients include Student Loan Counseling Services.

■ HOW IT STANDS OUT IN ITS FIELD: Avoids the weaknesses of the debt collection industry; employees are there to help people settle debt.

■ COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: CBE participates in the United Way campaign every year; employee jeans days have raised more than $100,000 for charity.

131 Tower Park Drive, Suite 100 Waterloo, IA 50701 (319) 234-6686 www.cbegroup.com

Nate Jones conducts training of new employees at the CBE Group offices on Tower Park Drive in Waterloo.

RICK CHASE / Courier Staff Photographer

63,000 square feet of space and plenty of room for professional advancement.

“Our plan is to double in size in the next five years,” Penaluna said.

“We’ll be able to provide some things we don’t have the space to do here.”

Along with the location, the company scouted opportunities and amenities for employees, including child care.

“In every direction we do in, we put employees first,” Misty Erdahl said.

Company goals are shared with employees and input is appreciated, Medlin said.

“They want to hear everyone’s ideas and opinions,” she said.

Employees also give back to the community by holding jeans days to raise more than $100,000 for charity.

“Big employers have a responsibility to the community,” Penaluna said.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2010

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EMPLOYERS OF CHOICE

Growth, sharing ongoing at VGM Group

4

The VGM Group

By CLARA HUDSON newsroom@wcfcourier.com

WATERLOO — There’s been some growth going on with the Waterloo-based VGM Group.

And the company seems to want to share its success with its employees.

“Recently, Mr. Miller recognized the employees with the ultimate acknowledgment by making the company employeeowned, thus making us business owners with a financial interest in the growth and performance of our company,” said Warren Freeman, an employee of the VGM Group.

The company was founded in 1986 by the present CEO Van G. Miller.

Originally, the business was a national buying group for independent home medical equipment. Member organizations independently own homes, and they also have access to their membership benefits, including online education for their employees.

“We try to leverage these relationships to bring more services to members,” Chief Operating Officer Jim Phillips said.

VGM has about 85 members on the home health side. In addition to health care, VGM has a side that operates in golf. VGM club members have 3,500 private clubs. A daily fee belongs to VGM Club with contracts for the clubhouse.

In fact, VGM has expanded to include many other endeavors, among them are Insurance, Financial Services, Technologies and Strategic Media.

“And we’re not done growing,” Phillips said.

As co-owners of the VGM Group, employers and employees seem to have a mutual admiration society going. Employees appreciate so many aspects of their company, they are too numerous to list.

However, the flexible schedules, on-site education, crosstraining in different departments and employee ownership

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■ EMPLOYEES: 480.

■ WHAT THE COMPANY DOES: The VGM Group is a national buying group for home medical equipment. The group of sister companies also provides services in Insurance, golf, financial services, technologies and strategic media.

■ HOW IT STANDS OUT IN ITS FIELD: It is the largest group of its kind in home medical history.

■ COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: The group supports the Northeast Iowa Food Bank with food and cash donations, has raised more than $500,000 for North Star and supports other community activities and programs.

1111 W. San Marnan Drive Waterloo, IA 50701 (319) 236-6656 www.vgm.com

Jennifer Schmidt, executive assistant, and Jim Phillips, CEO at the VGM Group Inc. RICK CHASE / Courier Staff Photographer

are popular.

VGM supports the Northeast Iowa Food Bank with food and cash donations; Van Miller organizes and finances an annual golf tournament, with proceeds going to North Star. (Since 1997, VGM has raised more than $500,000 for North Star.

According to employer nominator, Carolyn Cole, “Van also supports ASPIRE (a therapeutic horse riding program) along with his quiet support of other community endeavors.”

The VGM Group website states that Miller received the equivalent of a life-time achievement award when he was recognized by “Home Care Magazine” as one of the “Top 10 Influential People in the Industry.” The company he founded in 1986 has mushroomed into the largest group of its kind in home medical equipment history.

The VGM Group has 480 employees, including some 35 who are mostly sales representatives in the field. Ninety-five percent work in the home office.

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EMPLOYERS OF CHOICE

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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2010

Actions speak louder than words at Bergan Paulsen

By MATTHEW WILDE matt.wilde@wcfcourier.com

WATERLOO — Giving back to the Cedar Valley just adds up.

For Bergan Paulsen, taking care of the community is more than just lip service. Most of the accounting firm’s 75 employees volunteer in some way in the metro area, whether it’s helping at a town celebration or providing leadership for nonprofit organizations.

Managing Partner Dave Happel said community involvement is good business. Not only is Bergan Paulsen helping the region thrive, which is where most of its clients are located, but employees feel like they’re working for more than just a paycheck.

“The Cedar Valley is our home,” Happel said. “We think we need to be an important part

of it. There’s some business connection, but that’s not the main purpose.”

Happel said employees appreciate that the company encourages volunteerism, even during work hours. He said helping others makes people feel good, and that translates into a pleasant workplace.

“I think (employees) see the importance of being involved in the community,” Happel continued. “Maybe it’s not the major reason why we’re a good place to work, but it’s a reason.”

In July, Bergan Paulsen employees worked one morning at the Northeast Iowa Food Bank instead of taking care of client’s financial needs. Several helped out during the My Waterloo Days celebration.

Happel said United Way employee participation is 90 percent. Eighty percent donated

school supplies for kids this year and the company adopted residents at Country View to shower with Christmas gifts. And the list goes on, Happel said.

Brian Aronson, a staff accountant for two years, said co-workers feel more like family. Spending time together, often while helping others, is the reason why, he said.

Only a few years removed from college, Aronson said he hopes Bergan Paulsen is his last career stop.

“I enjoy the camaraderie,” Aronson said. “There’s a lot of different activities to get involved in.”

Happel said Bergan Paulsen offers excellent pay and benefits, flexible work schedules and career planning.

“Years ago, we realized our best asset goes home every night,” he said.

5 Bergan Paulsen ■ EMPLOYEES: 75.

■ WHAT THE COMPANY DOES: Certified public accounting and consulting.

■ HOW IT STANDS OUT IN ITS

FIELD: Family-like atmosphere and close relationships with clients foster good business relationships.

■ COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: We encourage employees to be involved in the community by serving on nonprofit boards, helping neighbors and volunteering for events.

100 E. Park Ave. Waterloo, IA 50703 (319) 234-6885 www.berganpaulsen.com

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RICK CHASE / Courier Staff Photographer

Tax supervisor Joe Benter, left, and senior tax accountant Chris Kimball look over paperwork at Bergan Paulsen, an accounting firm in downtown Waterloo.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2010

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EMPLOYERS OF CHOICE

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PAGE 7

Cedar Valley Hospice encourages employees to pursue knowledge

By CLARA HUDSON newsroom@wcfcourier.com

WATERLOO — Marvin Fagerlind, chief executive officer of Cedar Valley Hospice, says he believes management should “make sure staff has resources to do their job well, with the main resource being knowledge.”

In keeping with that belief, Cedar Valley Hospice encourages its staff members to complete certifications and stay current with trends in health care.

Staff is also encouraged to take hours of continuing education and participation in in-services in order to give the terminally ill and their families the best of care. In addition, any staff member can attend an annual fall conference one or both days.

CVH Human Resources Director Katie Upland said the staff “feels called to do the work they do.”

matter for terminally patients and those who grieve which speaks directly to quality of life for many,” said Chris Olds, Cedar Valley Hospice development director.

“Our team-centered approach ■ EMPLOYEES: 450. with a management leader■ HOW IT STANDS OUT IN ITS ship team at the helm works FIELD: CVH has a 31-year history well and provides for work and as a hospice and was recently progress,” said employee Susan notified that it has been named Morgensen.

“Best of the Best” in home health care. It is the only hospice in Black “CVH makes every attempt County and surrounding counties. to give their employees ample It provides extensive grief support opportunity to spend time with services. their families and tend to their ■ COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: personal issues.”

CVH supports the United Way and CVH has works to help also a variety of other organizapatients and families deal with tion fund raisers, such as the life-ending illness in their Alzheimer’s Society Memory Walk, homes and after the patient is Go Red, and Relay for Life. admitted to the community of 2101 Kimball Ave. Hospice House.

Waterloo, IA 50704 CVH serves its community (319) 272-2002 by “making sure each patient www.cvhospice.org and family served by us receives the best palliative and end-ofMATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor life care to make each moment Gary Johnson, a spiritual counselor at Cedar Valley Hospice, files patient Others echo that attitude.

“CVH exists to fulfill the mis- matter,” employee Krista Mul- charts at the Waterloo facility. sion of making each moment der said.

6

T8 workers rate company high

By HOLLY HUDSON holly.hudson@wcfcourier.com

CEDAR FALLS — Challenging, rewarding, creative, family-friendly are the terms that come up again and again from the employees at T8 Webware when nominating the company for the Top 20 Employers of Choice.

CEO Wade Arnold has managed to create an encouraging, focused, productive, yet relaxed and flexible work environment for his employees.

“The team at T8 respects that, as important as our work is, nothing is more important than family, said account manager/ sales representative Christina Peverill.

“We work hard, but we have

fun, too. Our offices in the new Phantom Park are beautiful, modern and comfortable.”

While some perks include gourmet coffee, ergonomic chairs and 24-inch monitors, T8 also boasts an environment of nurturing and encouragement in a cutting-edge technology field.

“T8 Webware is the epitome of a creative, ever-learning, ultra-hardworking, dedicated culture,” said Eric Batterson.

T8 has a fun and engaging environment where collaboration and discussion are looked upon as ways to discover what has yet to be seen. Employees are encouraged to learn and ask questions.”

See T8 WEBWARE, page 8

7 T8 Webware ■ EMPLOYEES: 36.

■ WHAT THE COMPANY DOES: Provides an entire Web presence for community banks and credit unions nationwide.

■ HOW IT STANDS OUT IN ITS FIELD: On the cutting edge from a technology and service standpoint.

■ COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Involved with Vision 20/20 in finding ways to continue to grow technology jobs and retain people in the Cedar Valley; sponsors TechBrew and Tech Talk, gatherings of people in the field to share information and promote the industry.

900 Technology Parkway Cedar Falls, IA 50613 (877) 884-3327 www.t8webware.com

New to our list of services

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EMPLOYERS OF CHOICE

www.wcfcourier.com

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2010

Advanced Systems workers laud company for ‘giving back’

By CLARA HUDSON newsroom@wcfcourier.com

WATERLOO — Advanced Systems is a commercial distributor of Canon and Lexmark copiers and office equipment.

Although it does some sales and service in the residential area, it is not a retail store. The business was started in 1957 in Waterloo.

Now, it has branch offices in Dubuque, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Mason City, Fort Dodge, Spencer and Waterloo, with sales and service in all locations.

Chief Executive Officer Jim Newcomb said he was surprised to hear of the nomination for Employers of Choice.

“I didn’t know it was happening,” he said.

8 Advanced Systems ■ EMPLOYEES: 55.

■ WHAT THE COMPANY DOES: Advanced Systems Inc. distributes Canon and Lexmark copiers and business machines commercially.

It is not a retail store although they do serve residential customers on a limited basis.

■ HOW IT STANDS OUT IN ITS FIELD: The company provides sales and service to businesses in seven offices across Iowa.

■ COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Advanced Systems participates in the Chamber of Commerce Club.

2945 Airport Blvd.

Waterloo, IA 50703 (319) 232-6624 www.asiowa.com

MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor

Shane Peterson, a customer service associate with Advanced Systems, installs parts on a refurbished copier.

See SYSTEMS, page 9

k Y n a o u h T

for voting us one of the Top 20 Employer’s of Choice!

MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor

Eric Batterson, senior designer with T8 Webware, works on a project at the company’s office in Cedar Falls.

T8 WEBWARE From page 7 “Wade Arnold is a great boss to have to bring enthusiasm into the work place with high spirits and excitement every day, which rubs off on all the other employees,” Ryan DeBoer said.

Arnold is humbled by the recognition, as well as the com-

ments from his employees.

“Anybody who owns and runs a business, first wants to meet the needs of his customers, but we also focus on meeting the needs of our employees. I mean, I spend more time with my employees than I do with my family.

“I have always felt if we take care of the other stuff, our employees can focus on their work — on the customers.”

WHEN EXPERIENCE COUNTS SALES, SERVICE & REPAIRS ALL MAKES AND MODELS

319-277-1091 319-232-0900 319-352-4099 CEDAR FALLS WATERLOO WAVERLY 827 W. 5TH ST., WATERLOO • MIKEFEREDAYHEATING.COM

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2010

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EMPLOYERS OF CHOICE

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DISTek Integration commits to employees’ success DISTek emphasizes an investment in training to better serve customers, sending employees to trade shows, seminars and conferences or offering learning opportunities on site.

The company, established in 1992, had about 40 employees when Elliott started five years ago.

That number has nearly doubled, but the company’s attrition rate traditionally remains “very low,” he said.

Owner Matt Dickinson encourages vacation time, and last-minute requests typically aren’t a problem.

“As long as it’s not end-ofproject crunch time,” Hallett said. “He wants his employees to be happy and healthy and well-rested.”

Hunter savors flexible work schedules, which are especially valuable for those with young families.

“Or even someone like me whose kids are grown,” he said.

“If you’ve got personal issues in your life, a new baby, whatever, things come up, DISTek works with you,” Elliott said.

By TINA HINZ tina.hinz@wcfcourier.com

CEDAR FALLS — Nick Elliott is proud to work at DISTek Integration Inc. So much so that he frequently wears DISTek shirts and has DISTEK on his vehicle’s license plate.

Other employees’ plates read DISTEK1, DISTEK2 or 4DISTEK. “Our president said he would pay the (personalization) fee, so a few of us took him up on that offer,” said Elliott, in business development.

Employees sit among their bosses, said software engineer Beth Hallett, in her third year with the company. She likes that about the small, tightknit company, where co-workers pop by each other’s desks to talk about their weekends.

A golf outing is planned for September.

“It’s like a big family,” she said.

“Everyone’s working together, and we’re all a part of making this company successful and thriving. You feel like decisions about the company always are in the best interest of the employees.”

“And they’re willing to consider other people’s thoughts,” added senior controller Lary Hunter, a two-year employee.

Quarterly meetings keep the DISTek team informed about upcoming projects, changes

SYSTEMS From page 8 When asked about his mission and philosophy for Advanced Systems, he said he tries to “give back” and encourage employees.

“Our people are very important, and our priority is customer satisfaction,” he said.

The business participates in the community through the Greater Cedar Valley Chamber

RICK CHASE / Courier Staff Photographer

Test technician Justin Derifield, left, and test specialist Kevin Vogel perform integration testing of a simulator box at DISTek Integration Inc. in the Cedar Falls Industrial Park. and how the company’s doing. a kudos section. Congratulatory Anyone who can’t attend calls phone calls and e-mails from the owner and senior staff also in.

A monthly newsletter includes recognize accomplishments. of Commerce.

Newcomb maintains an opendoor policy with his staff.

“They can come in and talk to me,” he said.

“We also have a Friend Committee, which organizes picnics, bowling and other ways to encourage employee/management cohesiveness outside the office. Management and employees are proud that the average tenure of the company is 13.5 years.”

Employee Tammy Bedard

attributes the length of tenure to the effort Newcomb makes to provide positive feedback, opportunities to discuss issues or concerns with management and performance-based rewards.

“Each quarter, the CEO has a ‘Chat and Chew’ at all seven locations,” she said. “Breakfast or lunch are served and employees can sit down and share their ideas and concerns.

Advanced Systems is a great place to work.”

9 DISTek Integration Inc. ■ NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 75.

■ WHAT THE COMPANY DOES: DISTek is a provider of electronic systems, software development and product test systems. The company partners with clients to design smarter, safer and more sophisticated machines and products that incorporate embedded electronic systems.

■ HOW IT STANDS OUT IN ITS FIELD: DISTek is committed to values of integrity, people, customer commitment and community.

■ COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: DISTek and its employees volunteer time, donate materials and provide financial support to a variety of charitable organizations, including Red Cross, Big Brothers/ Big Sisters, Jaycees, Boys & Girls Club, FIRST Robotics and Warm Wishes.

6612 Chancellor Drive, Suite 600 Cedar Falls, IA 50613 (319) 266-7333 www.distek.com

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EMPLOYERS OF CHOICE

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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2010

Western Home fosters welcoming atmosphere

By MARY STEGMEIR

10

mary.stegmeir@wcfcourier.com

CEDAR FALLS — Patti Reyhons likens her time at the office to a day with family and friends.

As a recreational therapist at Western Home’s Thalman Square memory care unit, the Waterloo woman accompanies residents to outdoor concerts and local restaurants and tags along on regular fishing excursions to a nearby pond.

“Attitudes are contagious, and when you’re surrounded by people who are positive and uplifting, if just kind of rubs off,” said Reyhons, who is based at the organization’s Windhaven Assisted Living Center. “It’s a wonderful way to work every day and a wonderful way to live your life.”

Western Home Communities has been a part of the Cedar Valley for nearly 100 years and now employs 470 people across its three Cedar Falls campuses.

The organization, recognized as a leader in its field, provides housing and medical assistance for roughly 800 area senior citizens.

The key to quality care lies in the commitment — and contentment — of the organization’s staff members, said chief operating officer Jerry Harris.

“We want a family-oriented atmosphere because we’re asking people to spend half of their waking hours here,” he said.

“We’ve always said, if our staff isn’t satisfied with their work and with what they’re doing, there is no way that we’re going to have happy residents and happy families.”

Employees at all levels, from maintenance workers to nurses, seek to create a homey feeling throughout the Western Home facilities.

The friendly environment helps residents feel at home and has the added bonus of creating a welcoming workplace for staff members.

“For the employees, the residents become part of their

Western Home Communities

■ EMPLOYEES: 470.

■ WHAT THE COMPANY DOES: Provides housing and in-home care and companion services for 800 area senior citizens.

■ HOW IT STANDS OUT IN ITS FIELD: Western Home Communities offers a continuum of care, allowing clients to gracefully transition through their senior years.

■ COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Western Home Communities belongs to a number of state and national boards and supports local events such as the Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk.

420 E. 11th St. Cedar Falls, IA 50613 (319) 277-2141 www.westernhomecommunities.org

Left to right, Patti Reyhons, recreational therapist, helps residents Henrietta Schrage and Frances Shaw water plants Tuesday in a commons area of Thalman Square at the Western Home’s Windhaven Assisted Living Center in Cedar Falls.

RICK CHASE / Courier Staff Photographer

families,” said Lindsay Varney, a human resources assistant.

“People come to work with the goal of making the residents’ lives better.”

The organization also offers opportunities for growth, she added.

Some Western Home employees started working at the company twenty years ago through high school job training programs. Today they are department managers.

Caring for the elderly is a rewarding job within the Western Home Communities, therapist Reyhons said.

“This is the kind of place where everybody — staff and residents — is there for everybody else,” she said. “There’s emotional support. People are there for each other.”

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2010

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EMPLOYERS OF CHOICE

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Customer service cascades from culture at CFU

By NANCY JUSTIS newsroom@wcfcourier.com

CEDAR FALLS — Cedar Falls Utilities, the largest four-service municipal utility in the state, prides itself on service, innovation and dedicated, competent employees, according to employees who nominated the company as an Employer of Choice.

The employees take pride in their customer service and enjoy working for a company where its customers, employees and community are the top priority.

General Manager Jim Krieg explains the work force culture of CFU begins with a set of core values that is learned by every employee.

“The customer focus core value has resulted in a culture of service,” he said.

Finding employees who fit this

MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor

Julie Boeke, left, teaches a wellness program class to Cedar Falls Utilities employees in Cedar Falls. workplace culture is not easy.

Krieg says people are hired based on his three C’s — character; chemistry, from the standpoint of a person being able to work in a team setting; and confidence,

the ability and knowledge in order to do the job.

Linda Mills, human resources manager and a 37-year CFU employee, says the company is careful about the people it hires.

“This is a place where people want to work,” she said.

Two-year finance assistant Ashly Zinnel agreed.

“It’s a wonderful feeling knowing you work for such a good company,” she said.

Zinnel says CFU is like a big family.

“We put together care packages for workers in need,” she said.

Virtually every employee boasts about the company’s Wellness Program. CFU provides an on-site fitness center and exercise classes. There are incentives up to $500 for employees reaching healthy milestones.

Health screenings are scheduled annually and physicals are paid in total, while wellness lunch programs, stretching, chair massages and smoking cessation programs also are offered.

11 Cedar Falls Utilities ■ EMPLOYEES: 210.

■ WHAT THE COMPANY DOES: Provides Cedar Falls residents’ water, electricity, natural gas, highspeed Internet and cable television.

■ HOW IT STANDS OUT IN ITS FIELD: CFU provides customers with innovative, high-quality services that bring the best value to the community.

■ COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Employees provide Thanksgiving baskets to the needy, participate in Toys for Tots and have developed an “Add-A-Dollar” fund to help families with utility bills.

1 Utility Parkway Cedar Falls, IA 50613 (319) 266-1761 www.cfu.net

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EMPLOYERS OF CHOICE

www.wcfcourier.com

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2010

Fereday Heating & Air Conditioning grows with trust, respect

By CLARA HUDSON newsroom@wcfcourier.com

WATERLOO — Expansion is on Mike Fereday’s mind these days, and he says a sense of trust between ownership and workers is a key to the company’s growth.

Fereday has been in the heating and air conditioning business for a long time — his grandfather started a family business in Waterloo in 1909.

Mike Fereday grew up in Waterloo and opened his own business there five years ago. He plans to open a shop in Waverly in the near future. The business provides service, replacement and repairs for commercial and residential customers.

Fereday’s philosophy toward his employees is to “treat them all the same — the way I want to

be treated,” he said.

He said he espouses the team concept which, he says “makes the difference between respect and resent.” Mike strives to maintain the feeling that the business is family and will do “whatever it takes,” including respecting his employees’ opinions and working right alongside them.

Developing a relationship of trust, honesty and professionalism is important for the owner, the staff and the customer.

The business works with the Hawkeye Community College intern program and often hires students who are learning on the job.

He recently hired a student who interned for two months — when he finished, he was hired full time.

Employees apparently feel

RICK CHASE / Courier Staff Photographer

Mike Fereday stands in his warehouse in Waterloo.

Mike Fereday Heating & Air Conditioning

FIELD: Mike Fereday insists on quality service and trust with his customers.

■ COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Mike Fereday Heating and Air Conditioning works with Hawkeye Community College to train students in an intern program.

■ EMPLOYEES: 15.

■ WHAT THE COMPANY DOES: Operates a sales and service business — commercial and residential.

■ HOW IT STANDS OUT IN ITS

827 W. Fifth St. Waterloo, IA 50702 (319) 232-0900 www.mikeferedayheating.com

12

that Mike’s supervisory style is consistent with his philosophy — demonstrating genuine care for his employees’ well-being.

“Mike provides us with feed-

back in weekly meetings, telling us we did a good job on certain jobs and listens to us if we have any input to make things better,” employee Tim Fereday said.

“Mike is the best boss and makes our work environment fun, exciting, upbeat and positive even when things are not going the best day to day.”

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2010

www.wcfcourier.com

EMPLOYERS OF CHOICE

PAGE 13

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MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor

Tony Luetkehans, chief operations officer at Hellman, works on a calendar for a client.

Spirit of giving evident at Hellman, workers say

By CLARA HUDSON newsroom@wcfcourier.com

WATERLOO — A spirit of giving thrives at Hellman, employees of the Waterloo-based advertising agency say.

It’s one of the reasons Hellman has grown in its 44 years of business, said Bob Hellman, founder and chairman of the board.

Hellman said his company started as a design studio.

“The original intent was to provide design services to corporations. It changed because of demand to provide more services with a greater international reach encompassing more and different talent, more sophisticated projects,” he said.

The founder also noted that his company is well-known for the way it handles product launches, public relations, businessto-business marketing projects, brand development and media.

“Hellman is great about recognition and encouragement,” employee Kim Rogers said.

“When new positions become available, current employees are encouraged to apply and are often promoted from within.”

Rogers said whenever the company wins an award, the employees involved receive congratulatory e-mails, and ads are placed in local papers and

13

Hellman ■ EMPLOYEES: 38.

■ WHAT THE COMPANY DOES: A full-service advertising agency.

■ HOW IT STANDS OUT IN ITS FIELD: Hellman is well-known for the way it handles product launches, public relations, B2B marketing projects, brand development and media.

■ COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Hellman is a Partner in Education with Cunningham School for Excellence; participates in Junior Achievement, on whose board of directors the company has a member; and donates time and talent to the little league “Build Our Ball Park” project.

helping you for k n a h t we hoice rs of C rts that e a y e h lo p le h humb p 20 Em It is wit f the to o e n o ome d us bec lley. ivity an edar Va e creat C s t o h e w in the dilig n es, whose mploye , e s t d n e e o lu t li d lc our va aily; an ur loya you to es us d ed; to o ir h p d c Thank s t a in d n m n nds xte e n are u have e heir bra t o r h ars. w fo passio e , n y s mber oncer er 44 e c v o m d r n y a it fo e care ommun us thriv erous c helped d n a our gen dship in frien ly, hands Sincere

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1225 W. Fourth St. Waterloo, Iowa 50702 (319) 234-7055 www.hellman.com

tickets to award ceremonies are provided.

“Hellman also takes care of its employees by providing discounted gym memberships and yearly flu shots,” Rogers said.

The company is employeeowned and has 28 stockholders.

Bob Hellman said his staff is “the most friendly, helpful group of people I have the pleasure of knowing.”

an,

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nds o ear Frie

www.hellman.com

PAGE 14

EMPLOYERS OF CHOICE

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www.wcfcourier.com

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2010

Serving community half the joy for EPI leadership, staff

By CLARA HUDSON

14

newsroom@wcfcourier.com

WATERLOO — According to its employees, Exceptional Persons Inc. works not only for the betterment of the community but also for them.

“It is rewarding, but not easy, work,” said Chris Sparks, EPI’s executive director.

Sparks is only the third executive director in EPI’s 53-year history. He came to the organization as assistant director in 1991, having started his career working directly with clients.

The nonprofit organization serves more than 5,500 children, adults and families in Northeast Iowa each year and employs more than 400 individuals. EPI also works to expand child care options and to improve the quality of child care available to families in Northeast Iowa.

“At the interview, I was captured by the organization — its mission, its history, its staff,” Community and Development Director Katie Slade said.

Exceptional Persons Inc. ■ EMPLOYEES: 402.

■ WHAT THE COMPANY DOES: Fosters active community participation of people with disabilities through residential and transportation services, day activity centers and supported community services.

■ HOW IT STANDS OUT IN ITS

By AMIE STEFFEN

WATERLOO — Mark Kuboushek got used to customer complaints at his former employer, a phone provider.

“Customers were always coming in telling us things didn’t work,” he said.

Kuboushek got fed up, and two years ago he got a job as a retail wireless consultant at Next Generation Wireless, a U.S. Cellular agent in Waterloo and Cedar Falls.

He quickly realized the differences between his new gig and his old one. Now, he knows his customers more personally, and he doesn’t get as many complaints. He also said it’s the first

760 Ansborough Ave. Waterloo, IA 50704 (319) 232-6671 www.episervices.org

had by employees and clients,” itive salaries and benefits, professional development and fulfilling she said.

Other employees cited compet- work, among many others.

TIFFANY RUSHING / Courier Staff Photographer

Joyce Buehner, right, works with Stacey Winter, as they put together care packages during the day program at the Deery Center of Exceptional Persons Inc. in Waterloo.

For employee Leona M. Bigler, EPI finds responsible child care resources and child care Monday one of the best aspects of working at EPI is pride in the carthrough Thursday, she said.

“We recruit new child care pro- ing and quality support clients viders and support existing ones, receive from EPI and the rapport so parents can work and partici- the employees have with their pate in the community,” Slade clients.

“Laughter and good times are said.

Community connection is key for Next Generation Wireless amie.steffen@wcfcourier.com

FIELD: Serves more than 5,500 children, adults and families in Northeast Iowa and provides child care resources for clients and their families.

■ COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: EPI supports United Way; the staff organizes a Christmas Giving Tree for families in need and contributes to the Exceptional Persons Foundation, as well as other causes.

job he’s had where he gets along with everybody at the Waterloo store.

“One of the things is we’re locally owned. To me, it seems we’re more involved in the community rather than being a big corporate chain,” Kuboushek said.

It’s one of the reasons Next Generation stands out among its phone provider peers, and the reason it’s one of the Employers of Choice.

“We coach our associates to open the door for customers, to go above and beyond,” said Joe Alig, sales manager for both the Waterloo and Cedar Falls stores.

See WIRELESS, page 15

Thank You to all of our GREAT EMPLOYEES!!!

15

Next Generation Wireless

■ EMPLOYEES: 12.

■ WHAT THE COMPANY DOES: Locally owned, authorized agent of U.S. Cellular that sells phones and accessories, is capable of analyzing bills and recommending a plan.

■ HOW IT STANDS OUT IN ITS FIELD: Customer service.

■ COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Once-monthly community service by store employees that choose to participate, at places including Junior Achievement, Habitat for Humanity, Hartman Reserve Nature Center and the Northeast Iowa Food Bank.

1513 Flammang Drive, Waterloo (319) 226-3500 215 Franklin St., Cedar Falls (319) 266-5070 www.ngwtoday.net

United Equipment Accessories is proud to be named Employer of Choice!

UNITED EQUIPMENT ACCESSORIES • Waverly, IA 50677

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2010

www.wcfcourier.com

EMPLOYERS OF CHOICE

PAGE 15

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TIFFANY RUSHING / Courier Staff Photographer

Next Generation Wireless store manager Joe Alig, right, shows Austin Miller a variety of phones at the Waterloo location.

RICK CHASE / Courier Staff Photographer

WIRELESS

The staff of Cedar Valley Community Support Services go through a training session in Waterloo.

From page 14

CVCSS mission works internally

“That’s what we strive to take care of. Our customers are our number one priority.”

They’re still almost a secret in the Waterloo location near Pita Pit and Starbucks, but they’ve seen traffic pick up since opening the store three years ago, Alig said.

Employees get the usual paid time off if they’re full time, and they’re also encouraged to do community service projects as a store once per month with organizations like the Northeast Iowa Food Bank and Junior Achievement.

But there’s also a perk spe-

By CLARA HUDSON newsroom@wcfcourier.com

WATERLOO — Cedar Valley Community Support Services was started by Anize Mamodaly and Bill Cook.

“We were working in the field and loved what we did, providing help for adults with disabilities,” Mamodaly, the chief executive officer, said. “We decided to open a business together.”

The organization provides supported community living for adults with disabilities.

Clients are provided with assistance in medicine management, referral, money management, cooking skills, anything that will assist clients to remain in the community, the leaders say.

Mamodaly stressed that clients and staff are treated with respect and dignity.

“Informally, we say ‘leave ego at the door,’” Mamodaly said.

“We have a team of highly moti-

vated and dedicated personnel who share the common goal of enhancing the lives of the people we serve. We also provide services to consumers who choose to live in surrounding communities.”

Employees offered positive comments concerning CVCSS and Mamodaly.

Many said they appreciate the feeling of family that pervades the workplace and extends into their personal lives.

“We have a very flexible schedule,” employee Shirley Hinde said. “We can always talk to Anize if we have questions or concerns.”

Employees also say they have an appreciation committee, which plans activities and incentives. In addition, CVCSS offers ongoing training to all employees.

CVCSS employees volunteer at the Northeast Iowa Food Bank and support the Salvation Army, the Catholic Work Society and the American Cancer Society.

16

CV Community Support Services ■ EMPLOYEES: 90.

■ WHAT THE COMPANY DOES: Offers supported community living for adults with disabilities.

■ HOW IT STANDS OUT IN ITS FIELD: It provides its clients with help in managing their medicines and offers referral services, money-management and cooking skills and other forms of client assistance.

■ COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: CVCSS family volunteers at the Northeast Iowa Food Bank and supports the Salvation Army, the Catholic Work Society and the American Cancer Society.

3121 Brockway Road Waterloo, IA 50702 (319) 233-1288 www.cvcss.com

cific to their workplace: getting to take home the latest phones.

“Right now most everybody’s got BlackBerries, but everybody is excited right now about the Android phone that has come out, so that’s the buzz right now,” Alig said.

Kuboushek and others work on commission, and those who sell the most can receive pizza parties, a free phone or cash as incentives.

But it’s the free things offered to customers — contacts backup, battery swaps — that make it easier for Kuboushek to like his job.

“The things we offer for free, they may not mean much, but it’s pretty important when you lose your phone,” he said.

to all our faithful employees for making this year successful.

We appreciate your great work!

WATERLOO MILLS COMPANY Manufacturing and Distributing Quality Ag and Pet Products Since 1924

2050 E. Mitchell Ave. PO Box 1227 Waterloo, IA 50704 Phone: 319-234-7756 Toll Free: 800-772-2045 Fax: 319-234-5007

PAGE 16

EMPLOYERS OF CHOICE

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www.wcfcourier.com

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2010

Flood may be history, but ME&V still pitches in

By CLARA HUDSON

17

newsroom@wcfcourier.com

CEDAR FALLS — For bosses at ME&V, maintaining smooth relations with workers is a top priority, according to employees at the Cedar Falls-based public relations and marketing firm.

Employee Colleen Hayes submitted an Employers of Choice nomination that provided an example of the positive and supportive way employees are treated.

“ME&V is very employeefocused,” Hayes said. “Several of our employees were impacted by the spring floods of 2008. ME&V provided its employees both the emotional support and the time needed to rebuild and repair.”

Two years later, the support continues, Hayes said.

“My husband and I are in the final stages of taking our home out of harm’s way,” she said.

“Without this flexibility, I would not have been able to take on such a daunting task.”

ME&V was launched in 1996 by three of the four current partners — Dee Vandeventer, Mark Mathis, Jim Infelt and Bryan Earnest, who also is chief executive officer.

The company provides services in four areas: advertising and consulting, fundraising guidance, health care marketing and

ME&V ■ EMPLOYEES: 45.

■ WHAT THE COMPANY DOES: Advertising and consulting, fundraiser guidance, health care marketing and nonprofit marketing.

■ HOW IT STANDS OUT IN ITS FIELD: ME&V raises funds for nonprofit organizations and conducts other successful fundraising campaigns. It helps organizations market their products and provides advice, as well.

■ COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Company staffers do volunteer work to support the Cedar Valley United Way. All employees contribute to the United Way. 6711 Chancellor Drive Cedar Falls, IA 50613 (319) 268-9151 www.meandv.com

nonprofit marketing.

In addition to volunteer work and donations to charitable organizations, ME&V personnel participate in the planning of the Cedar Valley Chase, a fundraising event for the Cedar Valley United Way that sets teams of two sprinting around the metro area to complete a wide variety of challenges.

More fun activities, such as

BRANDON POLLOCK / Courier Staff Photographer

Sarah Pauls, left, and Terra Gissel look over logos in a branding project at ME&V in Cedar Falls. pie-in-the-face contests, other fundraisers for the United Way and barbecues and bowling to raise money for local education are a part of ME&V’s way of helping the community, according to employees.

Livingston Aviation a high-flying employer

By NANCY JUSTIS newsroom@wcfcourier.com

WATERLOO — “It’s the right people, doing the right thing, at the right place.”

That’s how Rick Young, chairman of the board for Livingston Aviation, explains why this Waterloo company is so special.

Livingston Aviation has been a mainstay at the Waterloo Regional Airport for decades.

See LIVINGSTON, page 17

18 Livingston Aviation ■ EMPLOYEES: 23.

■ WHAT THE COMPANY DOES: Full-service fixed-based operator providing flight ground service needs, extensive flight training, full service maintenance and aircraft charters.

■ HOW IT STANDS OUT IN ITS FIELD: Owners and employees share

in the pursuit of high standards and realize the company is a window to the Cedar Valley for private and business travel.

■ COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Livingston donates its facilities to charitable groups and holds annual fly-in/drive-in breakfasts allowing the community to view aircraft.

2814 Betsworth Drive Waterloo, IA 50703 (319) 234-1783 www.livingstonaviation.com

www.wcfcourier.com

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2010

EMPLOYERS OF CHOICE

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BRANDON POLLOCK / Courier Staff Photographer

Flight instructor Chris Preston, right, works with Jared Egli, who is learning to be a ight instructor, at Livingston Aviation in Waterloo.

LIVINGSTON From page 16 When Young and ďŹ ve other Cedar Valley businessmen bought the company 11 years ago, they renamed the facility after local y boy legend John Livingston, who was born in Cedar Falls in 1897.

He and his brother took over Chapman Field, Waterloo’s airport, in 1928.

He is best known for his racing prowess, winning 79 air events out of 139 he competed in. The book “Jonathan Livingston Seagull� by Richard Bach is based on his life.

Livingston offers a wide variety of general aviation services.

It handles private airplanes, fuels all air traffic coming in and out of the Waterloo Airport, provides transient hangar space and performs full-service ground support, including maintenance.

Most of its business, however, involves pilot training in both ďŹ xed wing and its newest offering, instruction in helicopter ying.

It also charters aircraft. “We do a lot of accelerated ight training,â€? Young said. “We get people coming from Europe to get their license. One overseas

student was going to be a missionary in Africa so he wanted his license.�

General Manager Tim Newton says about 20 people receive their licenses annually from Livingston.

Livingston is a small company by many standards with just eight full-time and 15 part-time employees.

The size enhances a close working relationship.

Craig Olmstead, line service technician, says the Livingston management “cares about quality of life as they are good about taking care of their employees’ needs. They allowed employees the time to take off to take care of their homes and families during the 2008 ood.â€?

Though small in numbers, Livingston makes certain it is part of the community.

All six owners are involved in the Cedar Valley’s economic development in one form or another. “We realize we’re literally the ďŹ rst experience some of our clients have of the community as they y in on business,â€? Young said. “We want these people to be taken care of. We’re just not a proďŹ t center, since we’re locally owned.â€?

For breaking news coverage, photos and video updated all day

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PAGE 18

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EMPLOYERS OF CHOICE

www.wcfcourier.com

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2010

Fun is part of the game for Phantom EFX employees

By NANCY JUSTIS newsroom@wcfcourier.com

CEDAR FALLS — It’s a sure bet that the employees of Phantom EFX don’t consider going to work every day, well, work.

The workplace culture begun by company founders Aaron Schurman and Danny Stokes contributes to a free and easy environment based on creativity, trust and fun now that there are nearly 50 co-workers. After all, Phantom develops computer games.

“Hey, we make video games for a living,” said game designer Bryan Vandaele. “It’s the first job I’ve ever had where Monday morning I’m not depressed getting out of bed.”

Vandaele, in his nomination materials, said Phantom is “distinctly relaxed and absent of bureaucratic nonsense, which allows employees lots of freedom to be the individuals they are. …

(It) trusts its employees to get

WINNERS From page 2 What did seem to matter was that those who did submit nominations voiced a clear passion for what they do and where they do it.

All of the winners shared a strong sense of teamwork and placed a high priority on the welfare of their employees. That those who nominated sensed that commitment was abundantly clear in the essays submitted with nomination forms.

“An appropriate paycheck is always important to get the bills paid; however, quality in a work place and work life reaches far beyond a paycheck,” one nomination form read.

Here’s another: “(Employer) realizes that the attraction and retention of talented staff is essential to its success.”

And, still, one more: “They care about the quality of life, as they are good about taking care of their employees’ needs.

They are flexible and understand-

their jobs done without micromanaging. Work early, work late, work from home — employees are trusted to stay within guidelines, schedules and deadlines.”

CEO Schurman says one of the keys to the success of Phantom is, “It’s very free. The employees can go do sound stuff, we welcome designs from anybody. Sometimes a guy will work an extra hour a day whipping up a design.

If we like it, we’ll put it right into production and let him manage the project.”

Even the workspace layout caters to creativity.

“It’s a very collaborative, open environment,” Schurman said.

“The way we sit people here is by design. If programmers and designers are within earshot of each other, it’s perfect. Walls put up barriers to communication.”

Because of the freedom accorded its employees, Phantom EFX is very family-friendly. “We’re family here,” said graphic designer ing about family issues and events that come up.”

Those are actual quotes from real employees of winning companies.

The name of the employer was intentionally omitted, because the story could have applied to any of the Top 20 — and beyond them, really.

Two years ago, when the Cedar Valley was dealing with the aftermath of historic flooding, employers were trumpeting the compassion and support their employers showed through that difficult period. Times are a little bit quieter this summer on the disaster front, but worries about the economy and rampant unemployment persist.

Perhaps that’s why the 2010 Employers of Choice stands out as testament that not all is bleak, that an air of optimism still reigns and that the foundation of our local economy continues to hum along.

That The Courier received more than 200 nominations for this year’s EOC honor certainly lends credence to that outlook.

19

Phantom EFX

MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor

From left, Bryan Van Daele, Aaron Schurman, Adam Gill and Brendon Gruis share ideas during a meeting at Phantom EFX in Cedar Falls.

Andrew Bouska. “This is the first one could remember an employee job I’ve had where I enjoy hanging leaving of their own accord since out with these same people after the company was founded in 5 p.m. I would take an x-amount 1998. “The craziest thing about of a pay cut to help out and to stay Phantom is we have this much turnover,” Schurman said, showhere. I’d be terrified of leaving.”

And workers don’t leave. No ing a zero with his fingers.

■ EMPLOYEES: 45.

■ WHAT THE COMPANY DOES: Develops and publishes interactive card and casino entertainment titles for PC and Mac. ■ HOW IT STANDS OUT IN ITS FIELD: Phantom EFX has top-notch talent involved in each aspect of the business while producing awardwinning art.

■ COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Phantom EFX gives interns from the University of Northern Iowa a career entry into the world of video games.

It is involved with the Greater Cedar Valley Alliance in figuring out how to educate children better and how video games can help.

900 Technology Pkwy, Suite 300 Cedar Falls, IA 50613 (319) 266-1999 www.phantomefx.com

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EMPLOYERS OF CHOICE

www.wcfcourier.com

Teamwork, training priorities at United Equipment

By CLARA HUDSON

20 United Equipment Accessories Inc.

newsroom@wcfcourier.com

WAVERLY — Teamwork isn’t just a ideal at Waverly-based United Equipment Accessories Inc.; it’s a necessity, according to employees there.

United Equipment Accessories markets itself as a leader in the production of heavy-duty slip rings, industrial cable reels, decril cable, cable chain/cable carriers and durable shift controls.

With president Mark Hanawalt at the helm, the company continues to develop products which will answer the motion application needs of its customers.

Hanawalt explained that the slip ring is an important part of the product mix.

“We work together (management and staff) so each of our products meets our customers’ needs and is of the highest quality in engineering, design and workmanship,” Hanawalt said.

“Mark is a very laid-back, easygoing CEO, but at the same time, he expends energy looking for new industries UEA can benefit with our superior slip ring tech-

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2010

■ EMPLOYEES: 86.

■ WHAT THE COMPANY DOES: Designs, develops and manufactures products related to motion.

■ HOW IT STANDS OUT IN ITS FIELD: UEA is a leader in the production of heavy-duty slip rings.

■ COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: UEA encourages its people to be involved in civic groups, including Cedar Valley Friends of the Family, charities, cancer walks, the Waverly schools and tours to the Bremwood Community.

2103 E. Bremer Ave. Waverly, IA 50677 (319) 352-3946 www.uea-inc.com RICK CHASE / Courier Staff Photographer

A production room at United Equipment Accessories Inc. in Waverly.

hours, Jensen said.

“We’ve been in an extensive cross-trainnology,” said Grant Jensen, an employee at for the products and finding better ways ing mode for the last two years so we can to manufacture them, Hanawalt said. the company.

Employees are encouraged to extend learn new skills, build our company and Development is ongoing at United Equipment Accessories, broadening uses their skills at work and outside of normal improve individual jobs,” Jensen said.