For the sixth consecutive year, Hope College has been named one of the "101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For" in West Michigan.
The competition is a program of the Michigan Business and Professional Association (MBPA). Hope and the region's other 2011 winners will be recognized during the "West Michigan's 101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For" annual human resources symposium and awards luncheon on Thursday, May 5, at the Pinnacle Center in Hudsonville.
Each company's entry was evaluated by an independent research firm. The nominated companies were assessed in categories including communication, community initiatives, compensation and benefits, diversity and multiculturalism, employee education and development, employee engagement and commitment, recognition and retention, recruitment and selection, small business and work-life balance.
The winners represent industries as diverse as the automotive, insurance, hospitality, communications and non-profit sectors. They were chosen for their exceptional human resources practices, according to Jennifer Kluge, who is the MBPA chief operating officer and executive vice president, and a veteran human resources manager.
"This year's 101 award recipients stand out from most businesses in that they have exceeded traditional human resource practices to recruit, develop, motivate and retain their employees. They acknowledge the value their employees have on affecting the success of their company," said Jennifer Kluge, MBPA chief operating officer and executive vice president. "We are very impressed by the commitment that they have demonstrated to their employees."
Based in Warren, the MBPA is the largest business organization of small- to medium-sized businesses in Michigan, representing more than 20,000 members who employ more than 200,000 people. Members include attorneys, physicians, architects, accountants, construction companies, banks, retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers and the like. Member businesses receive numerous benefits, including free legal and financial consultations; discounted technology, automotive and office products; employee training and recruitment assistance; and competitive insurance rates. The MBPA is a sister association to the Michigan Food & Beverage Association (MFBA).
The "101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For" recognition is also presented annually in Metro Detroit, Chicago, Ill., and Atlanta, Ga., in addition to in West Michigan.
Sponsors of the "West Michigan's 101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For" include Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Davenport University, Grand Rapids Business Journal, WOOD TV8, WOOD Talk Radio, The Employers' Association, AT & T Michigan, DTE Energy, Spectrum Health, Staples, Rehmann and Progressive AE.