For the eighth 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 2013 winners will be recognized during the “West Michigan’s 101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For” annual human resources symposium and awards program on Thursday, May 2, at the Pinnacle Center in Hudsonville.

An independent research firm evaluates each company’s entry based on key measures in various categories.  They include Compensation, Benefits and Employee Solutions; Employee Enrichment, Engagement and Retention; Employee Education and Development; Recruitment, Selection and Orientation; Employee Achievement and Recognition; Communication and Shared Vision; Diversity and Inclusion; Work-Life Balance; Community Initiatives; Strategic Company Performance; and the Best of the Best Small Business.

The winners represent industries as diverse as the automotive, insurance, hospitality, communications and nonprofit sectors.  They were chosen for practicing innovative strategies and representing best practices in human resources.

The winning 101 companies also vie for 11 elite awards, one granted for each category. Also, an overall winner that has excelled in all categories will be honored with a “Best of the Best Overall” award. The award winners will be announced during the luncheon. 

Sponsors of the “West Michigan’s 101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For” include “Grand Rapids Business Journal,” WOOD Radio, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, The Employers’ Association, DTE Energy, Staples, Davenport University, McGraw Wentworth, Spartan Stores and Spectrum Health.

The “101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For” recognition is presented annually in several markets: Metro Detroit, Chicago, Atlanta, Houston, West Michigan and nationally.  Nominations are now being accepted for 2014, and applications are available at www.101bestandbrightest.com.

Based in Warren, the MBPA is a business trade organization that represents more than 20,000 members who employ more than 160,000 people throughout the State of Michigan. The association’s mission is to provide exceptional member service, on-going education, advocacy and business solutions for small and medium sized businesses in Michigan.  Additional information is available online at www.michbusiness.org.