For the 10th consecutive year, Hope College has been named one of “West Michigan’s Best and Brightest Companies to Work For.”
The competition is a program of the Michigan Business and Professional Association (MBPA). The winners were chosen for having the most innovative and thoughtful approaches to human resources, and represent industries as diverse as the automotive, construction, financial, manufacturing and non-profit sectors.
Hope and the region’s other 2015 winners will be recognized during the “West Michigan’s 101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For” annual workforce symposium and awards program on Thursday, May 7, at the JW Marriott in Grand Rapids.
“We are honored to recognize the efforts of this year’s ‘Best and Brightest’ companies,” said Jennifer Kluge, president and CEO of MBPA. “These companies have created impressive organizational value and business results through their policies and best practices in human resource management. This award has become a designation sought after by hundreds of West Michigan area companies and is a powerful recruitment tool in the drive to attract and retain exceptional employees.”
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. This year’s competition included a category not only for all companies but for those with 50 or fewer employees.
The winning companies also vie for 12 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 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For” include Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Newsradio WOOD 1300 and 106.9 FM, Grand Rapids Business Journal, Davenport University, DTE Energy, Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC, Baudville, Staples, BASIC, SpartanNash and The Employers’ Association.
“The Best and Brightest Companies to Work For” is a program of the MBPA that provides members of the business community with the opportunity to gain recognition, showcase their best practices and demonstrate why they are an ideal place for employees to work. The recognition is presented annually in several markets in addition to West Michigan, including Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Houston, Milwaukee, the San Francisco Bay Area and nationally. Nominations are now being accepted for 2016, and applications are available at 101bestandbrightest.com.
The mission of the Michigan Business and Professional Association 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 michbusiness.org.