Thursday, May 7, 2015 JW Marriott, Grand Rapids

Thursday, May 7, 2015
JW Marriott, Grand Rapids
Sponsored by:
The Criteria and Award Selection Process
The 101 Best and Brightest Companies To Work For® awards competition provides the business community
with the opportunity to gain recognition, showcase their best practices and demonstrate why each of them
would be an ideal place for employees to work. Our panel of judges, in conjunction with IIT’s Center for
Research and Service and Davenport University, took extreme care in ensuring the integrity of the selection
process. To ensure that the selection of winners is pure and unbiased, our judges have no interaction with
the administration flow of the event.
Each application was examined by the Center for Research and Service and Davenport University. The process
was reviewed by the MBPA Board of Directors and the Event Board of Advisors to ensure all criteria were
adhered to. Modern statistical analysis is used to examine each application. The process is three-fold:
1. Companies are nominated by individuals.
2. The Company’s Human Resources Department is contacted to complete and submit an
extensive survey along with an employee roster.
3. The Company’s employees are randomly selected to complete an extensive survey
on how they feel about their work environment.
Analysis of Surveys:
The Center for Research and Service examined each application statistically for quantitative data and
scoring. That data was submitted to our volunteer panel of judges from Davenport University to examine
each application, collect statistical data and apply qualitative scores. All applications were examined on a
point system; those receiving the highest points were selected as the winners. The highest points assigned
in each category were selected as the Elite Winners and the overall winner will be awarded the “West
Michigan’s Best of the Best” honor.
Defined Roles of the Advisory Board and Selection Committee
The Best & Brightest Advisory Board gives advice to the Associations on all marketing and production that
occur during the planning of the program. The Advisory Board has a dual role: an internal role to assist in and
advise on the developments of the program, and an external role to liaise their respective organizations and the
community.
Ulli Bowen, Macatawa Bank
Jennifer Kluge, MBPA
Cindy Brown, Hello West Michigan
David Pezzato, Baudville
Tom Brown, Fifth Third Bank
David Smith, The Employers’ Association
Henry Capogna, WOOD Radio & 106.9 FM
Carole Valade, Grand Rapids Business Journal
John Greko, Trivalent Group, Inc.
Dave Veneklase, Davenport University
Best & Brightest Selection Committee: The selection committee is responsible for the review, analysis and
scoring of the collected data used to determine the 101 winners as well as the elite winners.
Davenport University
IIT’s Center for Research and Service
2 • WEST MICHIGAN’S 1 0 1 B E ST & B R I G H T E ST CO M PA N I E S TO WO R K FO R ®
Awards Luncheon Announcer
Suzanne Geha
Suzanne Geha is the first woman to anchor the evening news in
West Michigan.
Suzanne’s broadcasting career began as a student at Western
Michigan University in Kalamazoo. While earning her Bachelor of
Arts degree in Communications, she was a volunteer reporter at
the campus radio station, WIDR-AM, where she was the first
female student to deliver the news.
During her career, Suzanne has received several honors for her
work. Most notably, the Silver Circle Award for more than 25 years
of service in broadcasting given by the Michigan Chapter of the
National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, an “Emmy”
from the Detroit Chapter of the National Academy of Television
Arts and Sciences for a five-part series she produced and reported.
Suzanne serves on many boards that fulfill her professional and
personal initiatives, and offers her support to local arts organizations and public institutions. She is a co-founder of AWRT,
American Women in Radio and Television. Suzanne has been
honored over the years for her volunteer service.
Awards Luncheon Announcer
Steve Kelly, WOOD Newsradio
Steve Kelly is the morning show co-host and sports director of West
Michigan’s Morning News on News Radio WOOD 1300. He’s been in
West Michigan since 1996, also doing morning shows on Star 105.7
and 104.5 WSNX. Steve has been married to Sandy for 20 years and
has two beautiful daughters, Caitlin 16 and Madison 13, all of which
have him wrapped around their fingers! He is a 1987 graduate of
Michigan State University with a degree in Telecommunications and
minors in English and Psychology. Steve’s interests include long
distance running, golf and the great outdoors.
BETTER BUSINESS. RICHER LIVES. STRONGER COMMUNITIES. • 3
The Criteria for Selection of the 101 Best & Brightest
Companies to Work For® in West Michigan are as follows:
Communication and Shared Vision
The effective exchange of information from senior leaders to employees and the extent to which
employees are given a platform to communicate opinions, ideas, issues and concerns.
Community Initiatives
Extent to which the organization is committed to improving the local community while providing
the encouragement and time for employees to participate in a meaningful way.
Compensation, Benefits and Employee Solutions
The competitiveness of compensation and benefits relative to comparable organizations as well as
the ability to provide unique, creative and customized solutions to employees.
Diversity and Inclusion
Extent to which an organization is open and inclusive to people of differing human qualities,
promotes a tolerant work environment, and considers multiculturalism to be a competitive
advantage.
Employee Achievement and Recognition
Extent to which an organization recognizes and rewards individual employee achievements and
outstanding performance by individuals, teams and as an organization.
Employee Education and Development
Extent to which an organization encourages, supports and creates a learning environment with the
focus on career development.
Employee Enrichment, Engagement and Retention
Extent to which employees are meaningfully and personally connected to their work and their
company that drives retention. As well as the extent to which a company understands and adapts
to the individual needs of their employees by looking at the employee as a whole, not just the
work environment.
Recruitment, Selection and Orientation
The extent to which employees are recruited using multiple methods and systematic process to select
the best fit for culture and performance while ensuring a quality on-boarding orientation experience.
Strategic Company Performance
The extent to which the human resources team collaborates to drive company performance with
c-suite executives in a proactive and meaningful way.
Work-Life Balance
Extent to which the organization and its management recognize the need for personal balance as an
employee by implementing programs to accommodate such needs.
The Best of the Best Small Business
The Best of the Best Overall
4 • WEST MICHIGAN’S 1 0 1 B E ST & B R I G H T E ST CO M PA N I E S TO WO R K FO R ®
Thanks To All Our Sponsors
Without their support, this event would not be possible.
National Premier:
Premier:
Gold:
Silver:
Program Supporters:
6 • WEST MICHIGAN’S 1 0 1 B E ST & B R I G H T E ST CO M PA N I E S TO WO R K FO R ®
Conference Agenda
7:00 a.m.
Registration, Networking, Continental Breakfast & Exhibit Gallery
8:00 a.m.
Welcome and Kickoff
Jennifer Kluge, President & CEO, Michigan Business & Professional Association
8:05 a.m.
Bing Goei
Director
State of Michigan Office for New Americans
8:35 a.m.
Robert L. Hughes
President
Advantage Benefits Group
9:05 a.m.
Networking Break, Exhibit Gallery
9:30 a.m.
Keynote Speaker
Meredith Bronk
President & CEO
Open Systems Technologies
10:15 a.m.
Networking Break, Exhibit Gallery
10:35 a.m.
Best and Brightest Companies to Work For Celebration and Reception
• Awards Distribution
• Photo Opportunity
11:35 a.m.
Keynote Speaker
Mark Sellers
Founder & Owner
BarFly Ventures LLC
12:15 p.m.
Luncheon and Elite Awards Presnetation
Featuring: Suzanne Geha & Steve Kelly, WOOD Radio
1:30 p.m.
Adjournment
8 • WEST MICHIGAN’S 1 0 1 B E ST & B R I G H T E ST CO M PA N I E S TO WO R K FO R ®
Thanks To Our Table Sponsors
Aerotek
Andy J. Egan Company
Booking.com
Clark Retirement Community
Comcast
Comfort Research
Crowe Horwath LLP
Experis
Great Lakes Caring
Hastings Mutual Insurance
Company
HNI Risk Services
Lake Michigan Credit Union
Mercy Health - West Michigan
Nulty Insurance
Service Express, Inc.
Guest Speakers
Bing Goei
Director
State of Michigan Office for New Americans
Bing Goei is a proud Asian-American and Michigander who is living
the American dream. Gov. Rick Snyder named Goei to become the
first leader of the Michigan Office for New Americans, saying his
experiences as an immigrant and as a job creator will benefit the
entire state. Goei immigrated to Michigan from Indonesia via the
Netherlands with his family in 1960. In 2001, he purchased Eastern
Floral out of bankruptcy and rebuilt the Eastern Floral Company,
which has now become a Top 50 Teleflora florist with six West
Michigan locations in Holland, Grand Haven and Grand Rapids. His passion for entrepreneurship and diversity led him to create the International Center for Entrepreneurial Excellence, a
business incubator offering low-cost space to young, minority and female entrepreneurs in
Grand Rapids. Goei has received numerous honors as an entrepreneur, including the 2005
West Michigan Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, and has been inducted into the
Junior Achievement West Michigan Business Hall of Fame. Goei is involved with many community organizations, including current service on the TALENT 2025 CEO Council and the West
Michigan Asian American Association board of directors, and past service with the Grand
Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce and GR Economic Club. Bing Goei is married to Jean and
will be celebrating their 46th Anniversary this year. They are proud parents of 5 children and
proud grandparents of 12 grandchildren.
Robert L. Huges
President
Advantage Benefits Group
Robert, a graduate from Michigan State University, has over 28
years of experience as an Employee Benefits Consultant. He is a frequent speaker on employee benefit issues, having spoken both
nationally and internationally. Appointed by the Governor in 2011,
Robert is a commissioner on the Michigan Certificate of Need
(CON) Commission. He was a past president of The Grand Rapids
Association of Life Underwriters and a prior chairman on the Grand
Rapids Chambers Committee for Health Care and Human
Resources. Robert is a member of the West Michigan Sports Commission, a proud Junior
Achievement Instructor and has served as a Big Brother for over 16 years. He is a member of
The International Million Dollar Round Table Top of the Table. Robert enjoys racing sailboats, is
an avid cyclist and co-founder of the Bissell pro cycling team.
10 • W E S T M I C H I G A N ’ S 1 0 1 B E S T & B R I G H T E S T C O M P A N I E S T O W O R K F O R ®
Keynote Speaker
Meredith Bronk
President & CEO
Open Systems Technologies
Meredith Bronk has been with OST since 1998. She served as
Chief Operating Officer for several years before being promoted to
President in April 2014 and then becoming CEO in April 2015. As
CEO and President, Meredith assumed responsibility for sales,
business development, and marketing, in addition to her existing
leadership of service delivery, finance and operations. Meredith
understands the needs of a dynamic growing organization and
leverages her strong leadership capabilities to bring creative
solutions to clients while maintaining a strong organizational culture.
Meredith also earned her MBA from Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business in 2014.
Meredith’s career started in Accounting, but her compassion and insight quickly expanded
her into Project Management, Recruiting, and Human Resources. She joined OST as a Project
Manager, working closely with clients, partners, and employees to get the job done. Her
diverse experience has created a unique combination of strong analytical and interpersonal
skills. Meredith’s servant attitude and commitment to the success of others is an excellent
representation of OST’s dedication to its employees and customers.
Keynote Speaker
Mark Sellers
Founder and Owner
BarFly Ventures, LLC
Mark Sellers, 46, is the founder and owner of BarFly Ventures,
parent company of HopCat, Stella’s Lounge, McFadden’s and
Grand Rapids Brewing Co. Mark moved back to his hometown of
Grand Rapids from Chicago in 2007 following a successful career
in finance at GE Capital, Morningstar, and his hedge fund Sellers
Capital. Prior to that, he had a spectacularly unsuccessful career
as a musician in Boston and Los Angeles.
Mark is a graduate of East Kentwood High School, attended Berklee School of Music in
Boston, has a BA in accounting from Michigan State University and an MBA in finance from
Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management. His favorite beer is Short's
Huma-Lupa-Licious.
12 • W E S T M I C H I G A N ’ S 1 0 1 B E S T & B R I G H T E S T C O M P A N I E S T O W O R K F O R ®
2015 Winners’ Groupings for Awards Reception
Group 1
123Net
a.j. Veneklasen, Inc.
Acoustics By Design, Inc.
Aerotek
Allied Business Services
Andy J. Egan Co.
Applied Imaging
Baker Holtz, P.C.
Barnes & Thornburg LLP
Baudville, Inc.
Group 7
HUMANeX Ventures
Hungerford Nichols CPAs + Advisors
Kalamazoo Community Foundation
Kent Companies, Inc.
KSS Enterprises
Lake Michigan Credit Union
Lakewood Construction
Law Weathers
Life EMS Ambulance
Macatawa Bank
Group 2
BDO USA, LLP
Beene Garter LLP
Bell's Brewery
Blackford Capital
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
Booking.com
Borgess Health
Broadmoor Motors
Buist Electric
Group 8
Mercantile Bank of Michigan
Mercy Health - West Michigan
Metro Health
Michigan Office Solutions
Midstate Security Co. LLC
Mill Steel Company
MSU Federal Credit Union
Nichols
Nulty Insurance
Group 3
Butterball Farms, Inc.
C/D/H
Cintas
Clark Retirement Community
Coldwell Banker AJS - Schmidt
Comcast
Comfort Research
CompHealth Allied Medical Staffing
Consumers Credit Union
Crowe Horwath LLP
Group 9
OMNI Community Credit Union
Option 1 Credit Union
Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan
Open Systems Technologies
Paragon D&E
Parker Hannifin
Pennock Health Services
Plante Moran
Porter Hills
Professional Benefits Services, Inc.
Group 4
Crown Motors
Dan Vos Construction Company, Inc.
DFCU Financial
DK Security
Dominion Systems
DVS
Easter Seals Michigan
Elzinga & Volkers
Experis
Group 10
Progressive AE
Regal Financial Group, LLC
Rehmann
Rockford Construction
Sales Consultants of Grand Rapids
Schupan & Sons, Inc.
Seaman's Mechanical
SecurAlarm Systems, Inc.
Service Express, Inc.
Group 5
Express Employment Professionals
Fleis & VandenBrink
Flexco
Flexfab
Founders Brewing Company
GNS America
Grand Rapids Community Foundation
Grand Rapids Label Company
Great Lakes Caring
Greenleaf Trust
Group 11
Soils & Structures
Southwest Michigan First
SpartanNash
Springthrough
Stahlin Enclosures
Sun Title Agency LLC
Sunset Retirement Communities & Services
The Campbell Group
The Kendall Group
The Service Professor
Group 6
H & S Companies, PC
Hastings City Bank
Hastings Mutual Insurance Company
Haviland Enterprises Inc.
HNI
Holland Hospital
Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn LLP
Hope College
HUB International Midwest Ltd.
Group 12
Triangle Associates
Trivalent Group
Trillium Staffing
United Bank of Michigan
Warner Norcross & Judd LLP
Willis Law
Worksighted
Yeo & Yeo CPAs & Business Consultants
Zeigler Auto Group
B E T T E R B U S I N E S S . R I C H E R L I V E S . S T R O N G E R C O M M U N I T I E S . • 13
2014 West Michigan 101 National Winners
Acoustics By Design, Inc.
Aerotek
Allied Business Services
Andy J. Egan Co
Applied Imaging
Baudville, Inc.
BDO USA, LLP
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
Consumers Credit Union
Crowe Horwath LLP
Crown Motors
DFCU Financial
Easter Seals Michigan
Elzinga & Volkers
Flexfab
Grand Rapids Label Company
Greenleaf Trust
HNI
Holland Hospital
Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn LLP
HUMANeX Ventures
Kent Companies, Inc
Lake Michigan Credit Union
Life EMS Ambulance
Metro Health
Michigan Office Solutions
MSU Federal Credit Union
Nichols
Open Systems Technologies
Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan
Regal Financial Group LLC
Rockford Construction
Schupan & Sons, Inc.
Service Express Inc.
Southwest Michigan First
SpartanNash
Springthrough
Willis Law
14 • W E S T M I C H I G A N ’ S 1 0 1 B E S T & B R I G H T E S T C O M P A N I E S T O W O R K F O R ®