Local companies appear in state’s ‘Best Places to Work’ list
By DEREK R. SMITH dsmith@greenfieldreporter.com | March 3, 2009
HANCOCK COUNTY – Software company eTapestry and Hancock Regional Hospital are among 70 companies designated as a “Best Place to Work in Indiana” by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce. Two other honorees – Edward Jones and Trilogy Health Services – also have a local presence.
This marks the third consecutive year that eTapestry has been on the list, while Hancock Regional made it for the first time.
“We are grateful to once again be selected for Indiana’s Best Places to Work list,” eTapestry’s chief operating officer, Steve Rusche, said in an e-mail. “It’s really a testament to all the employees of eTapestry who work hard to not only care and support our customers, but care and support each other. During challenging times, a strong team is more important than ever, and we are blessed with a strong team. Being a great place to work is less about perks, and more about the people.”
eTapestry, whose headquarters is in Mt. Comfort, develops software systems for nonprofits. It is known for having a different environment than a traditional company. It plays host regular events where employees can compete in things like ping-pong or basketball. Last fall, eTapestry opened eTapestry Cafe to provide breakfast and lunch to employees.
Hancock Regional Hospital has worked to create a positive workplace climate as well. Three years ago, the hospital board set a goal that the hospital should be an employer of choice, said Bobby Keen, the hospital’s president/ CEO. The Indiana Chamber distinction is an indication of the hard work and dedication of the hospital’s professional and medical staff – and of how well they work together, he said.
“We’re very proud to be on that list,” Keen said. “It’s not easy to get there because you have to create the right kind of positive culture.”
Edward Jones has multiple locations in Hancock County and was also on the Indiana Chamber’s list. The financial services firm has also regularly ranked high on Fortune magazine’s “100 Best Companies” list.
Trilogy Health Services of Louisville, Ky., also made the list. Trilogy operates health care campuses in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky. Among its Indiana facilities is Springhurst Health Campus in Greenfield.
The 2009 Best Places to Work in Indiana is modeled on Fortune magazine’s “100 Best Companies to Work for in America.” Best Places to Work involves both employer reports and employee surveys. Out-of-state parent companies were eligible if at least 25 full-time employees are in Indiana.
Best Companies Group a Pennsylvania-based firm dedicated to establishing “Best Places to Work” programs, handles the selection process. BCG oversees similar programs in 19 other states, according to a news release.
This marks the fourth year for Best Places to Work in Indiana and 70 companies is a record number of honorees. Forty-three of the 70 companies received the same distinction last year. An additional 23 companies that made the list took part in the evaluation for the first time, including Hancock Regional.
All companies that participated in the Best Places to Work program receive an in-depth evaluation that identifies the companies’ strengths and weaknesses through the eyes of their employees. This evaluation is a valuable tool for the businesses, Keen said.
Winners are selected in two categories: large companies (250 or more employees) or small- and medium-sized companies (25-249 employees).
“These companies represent some of our most outstanding Hoosier employers,” Indiana Chamber President Kevin Brinegar said in the news release. “They embrace the idea that a positive work culture that includes respect, communication, opportunity and being part of a team not only makes it a place in which employees want to work but also fuels the success of the company.”
Actual rankings for the top Indiana companies will be announced at a May 5 awards dinner at the Indiana Roof Ballroom in downtown Indianapolis.