Celebrate Polk County`s Best Places to Work!

Celebrate Polk County’s
Best Places to Work!
Recently, Polk Works WorkForce 2020,
an inititiave of the Polk County Workforce
Development Board, and the Central Florida
Development Council of Polk County announced
the 2005 Best Places to Work winners.
Nancy Thompson, Polk Works Executive
Director, and Phyllis Watson, Chair of Polk
Works Workforce Development Board,
presented the Best Places to Work awards to
the top five winners in each of the categories.
The 2005 Winners in the small company
category were Carter, Belcourt & Atkinson, PA,
Heartland for Children, Keith and Schnars, PA,
Lakeland Housing Authority, and Technology
Research Consultants, Inc. Medium-sized
company winners were Bright House Networks,
Citrus and Chemical Bank, Lockheed Martin
Financial Services, Marriott Vacation Club
International, and Polk County Clerk of Courts.
Large company winners were Lakeland
Regional Medical Center, Mosaic, Polk County
Board of County Commissioners, Winter Haven
Hospital, and W.S. Badcock Corporation.
The companies completed applications and
were selected by a panel of nine judges.
Judges forfeited the opportunity for their
companies to apply for awards and volunteered
their time and expertise to the selection process.
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The judges were Walter Coleman, Florida
Southern College; Adrienne Darby, Florida Small
Business Development Center; Artis Dukes,
Polk County Tax Collector’s Office; Jim Esmond,
Quest Information Services; Dave Humble,
Retired Director of Human Resources & Risk
Management; Larry Miller, Spherion Staffing;
Kay West, Early Learning Coalition of Polk
County; and Bobby Yates, Lakeland Volunteers
in Medicine.
The Best Places to Work awards, fashioned
after the Fortune 500 list, is sponsored by Polk
Works WorkForce 2020. Companies in Polk
County were recognized for taking the lead in
developing quality workplaces to ensure their
competitiveness for a skilled workforce. This
third annual ranking of the best companies
not only helps advertise and promote the
winners’ status, but recognizes the workplaces
that improve the quality of life for employees
and their families. These award-winning
companies are the most innovative in the areas
of motivating and retaining employees, training
and development initiatives and workplace
practices which include commitment to work/life
issues.
More information on this year’s winners is
included on the following pages.
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small companies
Carter, Belcourt, & Atkinson, P.A.
Carter, Belcourt & Atkinson, P.A. implements a number of workplace initiatives that help attract and retain the best qualified employees.
Inclusion of spouses and family in major firm social events, a “Fun Committee” to plan the events, and flexible time work schedules
for employees who have family requirements that preclude them from working a full-time schedule are just some of the ways Carter,
Belcourt & Atkinson show their commitment to their employees. Ira Anderson is the Partner-In-Charge and oversees the 55 employees.
Don Selvage, Director of Human Resources / 331 South Florida Avenue, Suite 400, Lakeland / 863.603.4837 / www.cbanet.com
Heartland for children
Heartland for Children believes that employees can best serve the children and families in their area of responsibility by first taking care of
their own. All requests for consideration of family matters are approved. Some of their benefits include flextime, flex place, compressed
work-week, child care referral, and elder care referral. Marcie Biddleman is the Executive Director and oversees the 56 employees.
Kim Daugherty, Director of Community Relations and Prevention / 1239 East Main Street, Bartow / 863.519.8900 ext 200 /
www.heartlandforchildren.org
keith and schnars, p.a.
Keith and Schnars, P.A. provides flexible work schedules and is on the cutting-edge of benefits by also providing time off for
attending to dependent parents. On-going training, commitment to community involvement, including sharing the projects with coworkers, and referral bonuses have helped recruit and retain their skilled workforce. John N. Breed is the Managing Principal and
oversees the 50 employees.
Rebecca Campbell, Central Florida Marketing Coordinator / 2525 Drane Field Road, Suite 7, Lakeland / 863.646.4771 /
www.keithandschnars.com
lakeland housing authority
Lakeland Housing Authority’s dedication to family wellness is evidenced by a generous employerpaid EAP. Lakeland Housing Authority utilizes an Employee Outreach Motivational Committee to
plan events for workers and their families. They communicate with workers through an employee
newsletter and provide access to after school and summer programs for children of their
employees. Herb Hernandez is the Executive Director and oversees the 72 employees.
430 Hartsell Avenue, Lakeland / 863.687.2911 / www.lakelandhousing.org
technology research consultants, inc.
Technology Research Consultants, Inc. proudly recognizes the importance of providing a
workplace that enables all employees to contribute their skills and competencies to the company
while also meeting family obligations. TRC states that their employees stand as well-adjusted
competent examples to their peers, civic-minded citizens to our community, and hardworking,
educated parents to their children. January Dennison is the CEO/President and oversees the 63
employees.
Leatrice West, Public Relations/Contributions Manager / 2801 US Hwy 17-92 West, Haines City / 863.419.8860 /
www.trc-hq.com
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medium companies
Bright house networks
Bright House Networks is committed to effective recruiting and retention practices, crediting their low turnover to a safe and familyfriendly workplace. Their commitment to employee training starts from the moment the new employee walks in the door. They
encourage their employees to be active in their communities and offer an array of scholarships for their employees and their dependent
children. Dave Ross is the Vice President and General Manager overseeing the 320 employees.
Vera McNeil, Human Resources Manager / 1004 US Hwy 92 West, Auburndale / 863.965.7733 / www.brighthouse.com
Citrus & Chemical Bank
Citrus & Chemical Bank emphasizes a proper work/life balance with a flexible time off policy that
states “for any reason.” Generous family-friendly benefits, significant cash awards, income protection,
recognition for community volunteer hours, a formal leadership development program, and breakfast
with the CEO are only a few reasons their turnover is lower than the industry standard. George Harris
is the Chairman/CEO overseeing the 213 employees.
Mike Wilkerson, Senior VP of Human Resources / 600 N Broadway Avenue, Bartow / 863.533.3171 /
www.candcbank.com
Lockheed martin financial services
Lockheed Martin Financial Services is strongly committed to work/life balance as evidenced by their comprehensive LifeMatters
employee assistance program. Lockheed has maintained a very low 1% turnover rate because of their dedication to their employees.
Through a web-based Idea Repository employees have entered 7,000+ ideas of ways to improve service to customers and their job
processes. 75% of those ideas have been implemented and are making a difference in the team performance. Kevin Renckens is the
Director of Lakeland Operations and oversees the 338 employees.
Cindy Freeman, HR Business Partner / 1040 S. Parkway Frontage Rd., Lakeland / 863.647.0100 / www.lockheedmartin.com
marriott vacation club international
Marriott Vacation Club International set the tone for family workplace initiatives that are
a natural thread of the company when company founder J. Willard Marriott instructed, in
1929, “take care of your Associates and they will take care of your customer.” Well adjusted,
engaged associates help Marriott to balance business initiatives through programs such as
their Associate resource lines, focus on diversity, and Associate Appreciation Week. Tracy
Wilson is the Vice President and oversees the 400 employees.
Lauren Tatro, Manager Associate Engagement / MVCI Talent Experience Center, 6720 Captain’s Way, Orlando /407.206.6438 /
www.vacationclub.com
polk county clerk of courts
Polk County Clerk of Courts enjoys a generous Paid Time Off (PTO) program to help balance the
demand between their professional and personal lives. Wellness is supported by the Clerk’s office
in many ways including some medications at no cost. A Fun Committee, with representatives from
each department, assures a happier workforce and their diversity matches or exceeds the county’s
demographics. Richard M. Weiss is the Clerk of Courts and oversees the 388 employees.
Iva Turner, Director, Human Resources / P. O. Box 9000, Bartow / 863.534.4411 / www.polkcountyclerk.net/
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large companies
LakeLAND REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER
Lakeland Regional Medical Center values their employees’
compassion, commitment, and expertise and has a “Best
Place to Work” committee that continuously looks at ways
of improving and implementing programs that benefit
employees and align the vision, mission, and human
resource policies. LRMC values education not only for
the professional development of their workers but also
for parental involvement in a child’s education. Jack T.
Stephens is the President/CEO and oversees the 4,400
employees.
Jennifer Oliver, Public Relations/Marketing Communications Coordinator /
1324 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland / 863.687.1100 / www.lrmc.com
MOSAIC
Mosaic attributes their low turnover to advancement
opportunities, benefits, working conditions, pay and recognition.
81% of their job openings were filled with internal candidates.
To assure the right person is in the right job, Mosaic involves
co-workers at a high level in the interviewing and hiring process.
The average length of service for their full-time employees is 16
years, 6 months. Steve Pinney is the Senior Vice President and
oversees the 3,500 employees.
Debbie Burdett, Public Relations Department / P O Box 9002, Bartow / 863.534.9850 /
www.mosaicco.com
POLK COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Polk County Board of County Commissioners knows their employees
can only approach their work with enthusiasm and concentration if
they know their family is well cared for. Responsible parents make
dependable employees and BOCC makes sure the company policies
meet the needs of their employees so they can recruit and retain top
quality employees. Mike Herr is the County Manager and oversees the
2,140 employees.
about polk works
Polk Works is the regional workforce
development board responsible for
implementing local employment and
training programs. Job seekers and
employers are our customers, and we
partner with many organizations to achieve
our mission. Workforce development
services are available through a variety
of programs, but primarily through our
Polk Works One-Stop Center system.
This sytem was designed to provide easy
access to diverse services, including
job placement and training, temporary
cash assistance, and special support
services such as subsidized childcare and
transportation. Other programs include
Young Leaders, WorkForce 2020, and
REACT.
contact us
Polk Works WorkForce 2020
600 N Broadway, Suite 300
Bartow, FL 33830
863.534.2529
Linda McDonnell, Director, Organization & Employee Development /
P.O. Box 9005, Drawer AS01, Bartow / 863.534.7605 / www.polk-county.net
WINTER HAVEN HOSPITAL
Employees are Winter Haven Hospital’s greatest asset and the strength of their organization.
Through programs and incentives, the hospital encourages its employees to strive to maintain a
healthy balance between their work and personal lives. Activities and recognition programs are
designed to enhance the employees’ quality of life as well as contribute to the overall well-being
and morale of the workplace. Lance W. Anastasio is the President and oversees the 2,561
employees.
Rhonda Stennett, HR Recruiter / 200 Ave F, NE, Winter Haven / 800.937.1725
www.polkworks.org/workforce2020
W.S. BADCOCK CORPORATION
W. S. Badcock Corporation believes that healthy minds require
healthy bodies. That’s why they just built a new on-site fitness facility
for employees and their families. Badcock shows their commitment
to an educated workforce through a generous tuition reimbursement
program and scholarships for employees’ children. Fireside chats
ensure open communication for employees with the President. Robert
B. Burnette is the Senior Vice President of Corporate Administration
and oversees the 620 employees.
member
Lori Walsh, PHR, CCP, Director of Human Resources / 863.869.7938 / www.badcock.com
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