MBJ_BPtW-2015

2015

EVENT SPONSORS

Named one of the best places to work in Mississippi for 2013, 2014 and 2015!

Yazoo City Nitrogen Complex 4608 Highway 49 East Yazoo City, MS 39194 662.746.4131 www.cďŹ ndustries.com

Mississippi Business Journal

BEST PLACES TO WORK 2015 3

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The Luncheon photos

CONTENTS MBJ STAFF ALAN TURNER Publisher alan.turner@msbusiness.com • 601-364-1021 ROSS REILY Editor ross.reily@msbusiness.com • 601-364-1018 FRANK BROWN Staff Writer/Special Projects frank.brown@msbusiness.com • 601-364-1022 TED CARTER Staff Writer ted.carter@msbusiness.com • 601-364-1017 JACK WEATHERLY Staff Writer jack.weatherly@msbusiness.com • 601-364-1015

Category Winners Mega-Large Harrah’s Gulf Coast. . . . . . . . . . . 4 Large CF Industries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Medium First Federal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Small Think Anew . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

LISA MONTI Contributing Writer mbj@msbusiness.com • 601-364-1018 TAMI JONES Advertising Director tami.jones@msbusiness.com • 601-364-1011 MELISSA KILLINGSWORTH Sr. Account Executive melissa.harrison@msbusiness.com • 601-364-1030 VIRGINIA HODGES Account Executive virginia.hodges@msbusiness.com • 601-364-1012 TACY RAYBURN Production Manager tacy.rayburn@msbusiness.com • 601-364-1019

Deryll Stegall/Stegall Imagery

On June 26, the Mississippi Business Journal and event sponsors hosted the Best Places to Work luncheon at the Hilton Hotel on County Line Road.

See event photos on Pages 12-13 and online at http://msbusiness.com/events/best-places-workevent-slideshow-current-winners

Finalists Mega-Large 2nd place — Camellia Home Health..............5 Large 2nd place — Southern Pipe & Supply ...........7 3rd place — Tower Loan................................7 MMI Hospitality Group.......................................8

CHARINA RHODES Circulation Manager charina.rhodes@msbusiness.com • 601-364-1045 MARCIA THOMPSON-KELLY Business Assistant marcia.kelly@msbusiness.com • 601-364-1044 SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES 601-364-1000 charina.rhodes@msbusiness.com

The Selection Process Best Places to Work recognizes area companies on the employees’ percep-

Medium 2nd place — Metropolitan Bank .................10 3rd place — Haddox Reid Eubank Betts......10 Adams and Reese..............................................11 Community Trust Bank.....................................14 Ross & Yerger...................................................14 Chancellor, Inc...................................................15

tions of their workplaces. Eligible companies must have a human resources office in Mississippi and have operated here for at least one year.

Rankings are based on results of quesA Special Publication of the Mississippi Business Journal

Southern Thunder Harley Davidson ..................15 SOL Engineering Services .................................16 Navigator Credit Union .....................................16 Small 2nd place — Medical Solutions...................18 3rd place — TempStaff Inc..........................18 Fast Enterprises................................................19 EMI Staffing .....................................................19 Interior Elements.............................................20 BankTEL Systems............................................20 Synergetics........................................................21 Broadband Voice...............................................21 Venture Technologies .......................................22 Brown, Mitchell & Alexander............................22

tionnaires returned by the nominees, as well as a sampling of employees.

Research and selections are completed independently by Southern Research Group for the MBJ.

4 BEST PLACES TO WORK 2015

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Mississippi Business Journal

CATEGORY: MEGA-LARGE

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Harrah’s Gulf Coast

Harrah’s Gulf Coast is an intimate resort and casino vacation brand that celebrates a destination where guests can come to escape from their daily routines.

The energetic and welcoming atmosphere is made possible by Harrah’s award-winning team members, many of whom have worked at the location for over a decade.

Harrah’s Gulf Coast offers team members some of the most generous employee benefits in the gaming industry. Along with an outstanding health insurance plan, the casino provides employees with a local clinic featuring medical, dental, massage therapy and legal consultation services.

Additionally, Harrah’s Gulf Coast employees enjoy free hot meals and uniforms, as well as earn quarterly bonuses.

Environmental stewardship also is one of the resort’s main focuses, and represents its promise to preserve the planet for current and future generations.

Mississippi Business Journal

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BEST PLACES TO WORK 2015 5

CATEGORY: MEGA-LARGE

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Camellia Home Health & Hospice Camellia Home Health and Hospice prides itself on offering an unequaled level of quality in the delivery of a broad range of modern health care services. However, what distinguishes Camellia from most other health care providers is that its services allow those most in need to receive award-winning health care in their own home.

Founded in 1974 by W.A. Payne and based in Hattiesburg, Camellia is one of the largest Medicare-certified, state licensed providers of home health care and hospice services in the southeastern United States.

With over 500 employees in Mississippi,

Camellia generously rewards employees for their hard work with outstanding benefits and an environment that is friendly and supportive. The company believes in hiring team members with high standards and who treat patients with care, compassion and dignity.

THINK ANEW Launched in 2007, Think Anew is an IT infrastructure and Managed Services company, headquartered in Canton, MS. Tailoring end-to-end solutions for healthcare and government entities through a proactive approach, reducing costs, and increasing efficiencies.

Think Anew’s primary focus revolves around relationship-based customer service. Founder Don Glidewell believes that superior customer service is the cornerstone to every successful business throughout history and we are proud to boast a 100% customer retention rate. As Think Anew bridges the gap between innovative technology and unprecedented service, we strive to help every customer achieve their unique goals, while making them each a Raving Fan. Each employee is an important member of the company’s growing family. An impressive list of company benefits contributes to the positive atmosphere within the company and the success of our internal growth.

“The dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate to the stormy present. The occasion is piled high with difficulty, and we must rise with the occasion. As our case is new, so we must Think Anew and act anew.”

6 BEST PLACES TO WORK 2015

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Mississippi Business Journal

CATEGORY: LARGE

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CF Industries

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Originally known as Central Farmers Fertilizer Company, CF Industries was founded by a group of farm cooperatives in Chicago with a need for a reliable source of fertilizer.

Later, the company emerged as one of North America’s largest manufacturers and distributors of nitrogen fertilizer.

Today, the Yazoo City nitrogen manufacturing facility is located on approximately 2,240 acres and includes one ammonia plant, four nitric acid plants, an ammonium nitrate (AN) plant, two urea plants, a UAN plant, and a tetroxide production and stor-

age facility.

Committed to providing a rewarding work environment, CF Industries boasts 285 team members consisting of engineers, chemists, technicians and other skilled professionals.

Currently, the company’s Yazoo City Nitrogen Complex is undergoing a $65 million expansion of its ammonia nitrate production area, due for completion in 2016.

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Mississippi Business Journal

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BEST PLACES TO WORK 2015 7

CATEGORY: LARGE

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Southern Pipe & Supply

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At Southern Pipe & Supply, employees are called “family members” and offered the opportunity to “live the pipe dream.”

Since 1938, the Meridian company has been redefining the plumbing supply industry’s idea of how to do business, placing its emphasis on customer service and creating opportunities for the Southern Pipe team.

The company culture is rooted in relationships and doing what’s best for clients, vendors and “family members.”

Today, Southern Pipe is one of the nation’s largest privately held, independent

wholesalers of plumbing, heating and air conditioning, water and sewer, and industrial materials. The company operates 102 branches in seven states, and its state-ofthe-art Central Distribution Center processes nearly four million items annually. Southern Pipe employs more than 800, with approximately 260 of those working in Mississippi.

CATEGORY: LARGE

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Tower Loan

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With the consumer finance industry in its infancy, Tower Loan opened its first office in Jackson in 1936.

The concept quickly took root, and the company grew and prospered at a fast pace.

After World War II, Tower Loan made the decision to sell its offices to various employees within the company. Since then, the company has weathered the storm of high interest rates, recessions, government regulations and difficult litigation environments.

Today, Tower Loan is a leader in the consumer loan industry, with more than

200,000 customers and 800 team members in several markets.

Currently, Tower Loan has over 180 offices in Mississippi, Louisiana, Illinois, Missouri, and Alabama, and maintains corporate headquarters in Flowood.

A rapidly growing company that promotes hard work, Tower Loan offers team members traditional benefits plus monthly incentives and annual bonuses.

8 BEST PLACES TO WORK 2015

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Mississippi Business Journal

CATEGORY: LARGE

MMI Hospitality Nearly 60 years ago, two Harvard University roommates opened one of Mississippi’s first Holiday Inns in Meridian.

MMI Hospitality Group was officially launched and the rest is history, thanks to company co-founders, Mike Sturdivant and Earle Jones.

Today, MMI Hospitality has grown into two distinct divisions — the MMI Hotel Group and MMI Dining Systems, with both offering guests the same comfort satisfaction and personal service that all began in one small Meridian motel.

Together, the two divisions either own, manage or serve over 50 locations in the Southeast.

MMI team members almost never leave, as evidenced by three current staffers with over 40 years of service, and 138 more with 10 or more years on the job.

In addition to providing vacation incentives, the company also offers monetary awards to team members for milestone anniversaries. MMI employs approximately 400 team members in Mississippi alone.

Southern Pipe & Supply thanks our 260 Mississippi-based employees – referred to at Southern Pipe as family members – for voting us one of the best large companies to work for in Mississippi for the fourth year in a row. The award says “Southern Pipe,” but it’s you, our dedicated family members, who’ve earned a place in the spotlight.

www.southernpipe.com

Mississippi Business Journal

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BEST PLACES TO WORK 2015 9

CATEGORY: MEDIUM

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First Federal Savings & Loan

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Long-term relationships with both customers and employees are the bedrock of First Federal Savings & Loan Association.

Making decisions that are best for both fosters a positive and successful work environment, according to First Federal management.

With 57 full-time team members, the average employee tenure is 15 years. Founded in Pascagoula and Moss Point in the mid1950s, the institution has grown to over $285 million in assets with six branches serving south Mississippi.

For 60 years, the corporate strategy at First Federal has remained the same – know the

customer, provide sound products and always strive to exceed the customer’s expectations.

Providing unmatched service on mortgage loans, deposit accounts and residential lending is First Federal’s specialty.

Active in its Gulf Coast communities, First Federal supports the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association and the United Way.

Happy employees, satisfied customers.

Receiving 1st Place tickles us First Federal blue!

Creating a good work environment is the first step in our commitment to excellent customer service.

We appreciate our employees and customers and do our best to demonstrate this every day.

800-769-5305 FirstWithUs.com

Pascagoula | Moss Point | Gautier | Ocean Springs | Vancleave | Hurley

10 BEST PLACES TO WORK 2015

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Mississippi Business Journal

CATEGORY: MEDIUM

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Metropolitan Bank

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Co-headquartered in Ridgeland and Memphis, Metropolitan Bank offers team members flexible hours, an onsite fitness facility, regular wellness programming and numerous opportunities for community service during and after office hours.

For CEO Curt Gabardi, relationships with people are everything – in fact, it’s the company’s belief that customers deserve to handle banking business on their own terms, be it online or in person.

But Metropolitan also believes associates possess an attitude for leadership at every level in the bank. It is this core value that

truly sets Metropolitan apart from many corporate banks – hiring talented individuals and giving them the information and resources to do their job well.

The bank’s leadership places an extremely high emphasis on recruiting and retaining talent, and it grants a number of benefits to associates beyond the traditional methods.

CATEGORY: MEDIUM

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Haddox Reid Eubank Betts

Haddox Reid Eubank Betts believes wholeheartedly in the concept of community. The Jackson CPA firm offers assurance, tax, consulting, peer review and client accounting services to individuals, privately held businesses, non-profits and governmental entities.

Haddox Reid recently raised $1,000 for We Will Go Ministries.

During the always-stressful tax season, the firm is known to host Bake-Off competitions,

where employees can submit their best recipes for cakes, pies, candies and other sweets.

Additionally, the firm has an annual Appreciation Celebration to thank employees for their diligent work during tax season. With over a half century of continuous operation in Jackson, Haddox Reid serves some of Mississippi’s leading companies but also enjoys a reputation as a small but personable firm for the individual client. In addition to 14 partners, the firm also employs 50 managers, staff accountants and support personnel.

Mississippi Business Journal

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BEST PLACES TO WORK 2015 11

CATEGORY: MEDIUM

Adams & Reese Founded in New Orleans over 60 years ago, the Adams and Reese law firm delivers superb service in a client-centered culture. The Ridgeland office boasts 56 attorneys and support staff members. The firm’s core values of Growth, Respect, Excellence, Accountability, Teamwork, Inclusion, Fulfillment and Integrity provide employees with a roadmap to success.

In an effort to support a balanced work and life schedule, Adams and Reese attorneys and staff enjoy an annual picnic and other company-sponsored social outings.

The firm’s HUGS volunteer program has devoted thousands of hours to worthy

causes in the Jackson metropolitan area, including the March of Dimes, CARA, Mississippi Food Network and Stewpot Industries.

In 2015, Adams and Reese issued a 10week weight loss challenge to employees named “Fit and Lean in 2015.”

Participants proceeded to shed over 1,000 pounds during the 2 1/2-month contest.

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STAY LOCAL. SEE RESULTS. As the largest independently owned ƐƚĂĸŶŐ ƐĞƌǀŝĐĞ ŝŶ DŝƐƐŝƐƐŝƉƉŝ͕ ǁĞ ĐĂŶ ĐƵƐƚŽŵŝnjĞ Ă ǁŝĚĞ ƌĂŶŐĞ ŽĨ ƐŽůƵƟŽŶƐ ĨŽƌ ŽƵƌ ĐůŝĞŶƚƐ ĂŶĚ ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞ Ă ƉůĞƚŚŽƌĂ ŽĨ ŽƉƉŽƌƚƵŶŝƟĞƐ ĨŽƌ ŽƵƌ ĞŵƉůŽLJĞĞƐ͘ tĞ͛ƌĞ ůĂƌŐĞ ĞŶŽƵŐŚ ƚŽ ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞ ƐĞƌǀŝĐĞƐ ƚŽ ďŝŐ ĐŽƌƉŽƌĂƟŽŶƐ ďƵƚ ũƵƐƚ ƚŚĞ ƌŝŐŚƚ ƐŝnjĞ ĨŽƌ ƐŵĂůůĞƌ ĐŽŵƉĂŶŝĞƐ͕ ƚŽŽ͘

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Camellia Home Health and Hospice is honored to be recognized for the seventh year as one of Mississippi Business Journal ’s Best Places to Work.

Thank you to the entire Camellia family of employees, clients and partners. Together, we made it happen.

Bringing Healthcare Home Since 1974.

: <^KE πκλͳνονͳξμκκ ͮ EdKE πκλͳςοσͳςςπκ ͮ D KD πκλͳμοκͳκςκκ

www.tempstaff.net

www.camellia.com

12 BEST PLACES TO WORK 2015

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The luncheon

About 300 supervisors and employees from companies recognized as Best Places to Work attended the event luncheon June 26 at the Hilton Hotel on County Line Road.

Medical Solutions was second in the Small Category.

First Federal Savings & Loan Association was ďŹ rst in the Medium Category Metropolitan Bank ďŹ nished second in the Medium Category.

Photos by Deryll Stegall / Stegall Imagery

Mississippi Business Journal

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BEST PLACES TO WORK 2015 13

Camellia Healthcare receives its second-place award in the Mega-Large Category from MBJ publisher Alan Turner.

Members of the Think Anew team with their ďŹ rstplace plaque in the Small Category.

Southern Pipe and Supply receives its secondplace award in the Large Category from MBJ publisher Alan Turner.

CF Industries with its ďŹ rst-place award in the Large Category.

14 BEST PLACES TO WORK 2015

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Mississippi Business Journal

CATEGORY: MEDIUM

Community Trust Team members concur that the emphasis on the “Community Trust Culture” is what separates Community Trust Bank from the competition.

With over a century providing traditional banking services, Community Trust is committed to serving and helping the communities in its market area grow and prosper. The bank’s philosophy of making every customer feel like the only customer is a brand promise.

Employees are considered the bank’s best asset, and are encouraged to pursue their dreams and aspirations.

The bank offers associates outstanding benefits, including 20 hours annually to volunteer with charities during work hours;

Dream Manager, a program that assists employees in reaching both personal and professional goals; and Drake’s Page, an avenue for direct communication with Community Trust CEO Drake Mills.

Community Trust has 83 Mississippi locations and totals 618 banks across a threestate region.

CATEGORY: MEDIUM

Ross & Yerger Insurance The name Ross & Yerger is synonymous with insurance in Jackson. Since the mid1800s, the firm has earned a solid reputation as an independent insurance firm that delivers quality customer service.

For generations, dedicated professionals have labored under the Ross & Yerger brand to help the Jackson-based agency become a leader in both the insurance industry and the community.

The firm is 100 percent employee-owned and 401 (k) match contributions are made in the form of company stock. This creates a family environment, where employees have one goal and are in it together.

The company provides an on-site exercise room, and all employees are given 30 minutes two days a week during business hours to visit the exercise room or go for a walk.

Ross & Yerger also offer quarterly stress management seminars to help team members better manage both personal and work-related stress.

Mississippi Business Journal

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BEST PLACES TO WORK 2015 15

CATEGORY: MEDIUM

Chancellor, Inc Encouraging employees to maintain a healthy work/life balance is a main focus at Chancellor, Inc. Founded as Stover Smith Electrical Supply Company in the mid-1960s, Michael Chancellor acquired the company in 1993.

He transformed the business from a company primarily associated with the utility industry into one that has grown into four separate divisions: electrical, fluids, power utility and substation construction.

Additionally, the Laurel-based Chancellor is a full-line electrical distributor and offers a variety of industrial paints and coatings. The company boasts nearly 90

employees and has an annual payroll of 4.5 million dollars.

In addition to the Laurel headquarters, Chancellor has electrical distributorships in Gulfport and Moss Point, and an on-site support center located in Kemper County.

Active in the communities in which it serves, Chancellor co-sponsors numerous annual events, including the Sanderson Farms PGA Championship.

CATEGORY: MEDIUM

Southern Thunder Harley Davidson Delivering dreams by providing extraordinary motorcycles and a rewarding ownership experience is the Southern Thunder Harley Davidson way.

Located in Southaven, Southern Thunder’s motto is “selling fun.” Bob Parson, best known as the founder of GoDaddy.com, acquired the dealership in 2013 and immediately incorporated customer experience and community as business foundations.

Currently operating in one of the nation’s nicest facilities as rated by the Harley-

Davidson Retail Environment Group, Southern Thunder has become a model for green building technology. The North Mississippi HarleyDavidson business is the second dealership in the United States to achieve LEED certification and the eighth building of any type to achieve similar status in Mississippi.

Southern Thunder carries an extensive inventory of new and used HarleyDavidson motorcycles, including the Softail, V-rod and Trike models.

16 BEST PLACES TO WORK 2015

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Mississippi Business Journal

CATEGORY: MEDIUM

SOL Engineering Services SOL Engineering Services was established as a regional technical engineering consulting firm offering multiple services, including civil engineering, flood control design, and environmental and industrial engineering, among others. SOL also maintains emergency management services and technical support divisions.

However, leadership is at the forefront of the Jackson-based firm. Leading by example is a theme at SOL, and filters down from management to each and every employee.

SOL team members work diligently with clients to identify the elements required to complete projects on time and on budget.

The company’s project delivery system features a series of researched work processes that ensures consistent project planning and execution.

In addition to the Jackson headquarters, SOL Engineering maintains offices in Vicksburg and New Orleans.

CATEGORY: MEDIUM

Navigator Credit Union For more than 75 years, Navigator Credit Union has thrived by providing personalized financial services to its membership. Founded as Ingalls Employees Credit Union in 1939, the institution changed its name in 2004 to reflect the broad Mississippi and Alabama coastal base it serves.

Today, Navigator Credit Union’s membership has grown to more than 50,000 while employees extoll the virtues of being a part of the Navigator team.

Navigator team members are provided with a generous benefits package, including a health and wellness program that offers free gym memberships to employees.

They also enjoy a “lunch benefit,” with free sandwiches and soup provided by the company.

Workplace fun, combined with employee recognition and a spirit of cooperation, are critical to Navigator team members who resoundingly recommend the company as a great place to work.

Mississippi Business Journal

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BEST PLACES TO WORK 2015 17

CATEGORY: SMALL

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Think Anew

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Think Anew founder and president Don Glidewell discovered there was a lack of disaster communication in the long-term care sector after volunteering on the Mississippi Gulf Coast following the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina. Using his IT experience in long term care, Glidewell developed a voice communication solution to fill the gap and carved a niche in the managed care market.

Boasting a 100 percent customer retention rate, the company now maintains operations in 15 Southern states. For its team members, Think Anew provides a wide array of bene-

At Chancellor, we know that our people make the difference and we are honored to be called one of Mississippi Business Journalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Best Places to Work 2015!

Electrical Distributor Fluids Distributor

Utility Distributor Utility Construction

fits that include fully-paid health, vision, dental and life insurance.

Additionally, the Canton firm offers a 401K program with matching funds, financial planning classes, a yearly employee appreciation event, Christmas bonuses, laundered uniform shirts and training courses for continuing education and certifications.

18 BEST PLACES TO WORK 2015

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Mississippi Business Journal

CATEGORY: SMALL

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Medical Solutions

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At the Tupelo office of Medical Solutions, management has created a unique, fun workplace culture that defies the conventions of corporate

America.

Launched in Omaha, Neb., by Dale Williams and Scott Anderson, Medical Solutions is the third largest travel nurse staffing company in the nation. The company staffs traveling healthcare professionals in short-term assignments throughout the nation, with Tupelo boasting 11 team members.

Employees are appreciated holistically (food, beverages and flexible schedules) and valued for their passions both on and off the job.

In addition to traditional benefits, such as “day one” medical/dental/vision coverage, Medical Solutions also offers team members concierge services, casual dress code, free food and beverages and flexible schedules.

In 2013, the company was named “Best Staffing Firm to Work For” by Staffing Industry Analysts, a global adviser on contingent work.

CATEGORY: SMALL

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TempStaff

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The plaudits and honors keep rolling in for TempStaff, a proud Mississippi staffing service based in Jackson. In 2014 and 2015, the company was named to Inavero and Career Builder’s “Best of Staffing” lists in both Client and Talent categories.

A woman-owned business certified by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, the company’s hard-earned reputation for quality service and commitment to clients has allowed it to become one of the

largest independently-owned services in the South.

Last year, TempStaff created the Sprout Initiative to help grow Mississippi through charitable giving, with employees and staff donating via payroll deductions, with the company matching to benefit numerous non-profit organizations.

In addition, team members teach job search and interviewing skills through local high schools and community colleges. In 2014, TempStaff employed nearly 4,000 workers throughout central and southwest Mississippi.

Mississippi Business Journal

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BEST PLACES TO WORK 2015 19

CATEGORY: SMALL

Fast Enterprises A family-oriented company, Fast Enterprises is a leading provider of software and information technology consulting services for government tax, revenue and unemployment insurance agencies.

GenTax, the company’s primary product, is a commercial, off-the-shelf integrated tax processing system that can be configured to equip agencies with the functions necessary for efficient administration of tax and revenue programs. In 2011, Fast Enterprises’ Raymond office was selected by the State of Mississippi as the Department of Revenue’s solution for a modernized and completely integrated tax

and revenue system.

Fast project managers work collaboratively with state employees to implement five annual rollouts deploying broad-based tax systems. Earlier this year, Fast Enterprises was recognized by Glassdoor to be the second-best small/medium sized company to work for in America.

CATEGORY: SMALL

EMI Staffing Placing skilled professionals in workplaces where they will truly excel requires understanding on how people think and act on the job.

It also requires a strong team of dedicated recruiters who fully comprehend the local, national and regional marketplace.

At EMI Staffing, mission accomplished.

The Grenada-based company provides the hands-on service that companies expect from a staffing provider. Since 1998, EMI Staffing’s team of seasoned staffing profes-

sionals has helped companies in Mississippi and the surrounding states find both contract and permanent employees.

They also assist hundreds of talented professionals in their search for a new position, and recruit for a wide range of contract and direct positions.

EMI Staffing prides itself on a familyfriendly environment where people’s voices can be heard. Strong supporters of Leadership Grenada, the company employs 15 full-time team members.

20 BEST PLACES TO WORK 2014

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CATEGORY: SMALL

Interior Elements Innovation is to Interior Elements what sand is to the beach – essential. With offices in Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee, Interior Elements is a commercial interior design company that employs a staff finely schooled in consulting, design and project management.

Regardless of title, members of the IE team share a passion for surpassing customer’s expectations. Interior Elements is partnered with premier manufacturers in the contract interiors and contract furniture industry.

The company exclusively represents internationally recognized contract furniture manufacturers such as Knoll, Kimball Office, and DIRTT, as well as over 50 other niche and vertical-market oriented suppliers.

Market presence and volume command an aggressive discounting structure with IE’s suppliers. Access to numerous manufacturers allows the IE team to create a dynamic and valuable interior space within any budget parameter

CATEGORY: SMALL

BankTEL Systems Boyce Adams founded BankTEL Systems with only an idea and a conviction – to develop automated software to increase efficiency and reduce costs for financial institutions.

Now celebrating the company’s 23rd year, BankTEL has become a leading supplier of auxiliary financial software products that are reliable, innovative and backed by exceptional customer service and support. Employees are challenged to be innovators of creativity while providing solutions to customers around the globe.

They are rewarded with state-of-art office

facilities, attractive benefit packages and competitive compensation.

Recruiting mainly from Mississippi universities, BankTEL’s senior leadership remains highly involved with the Mississippi State University School of Business. In 2014, BankTEL was named one of Deloitte’s Technology Fast 500 companies in North America.

Mississippi Business Journal

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BEST PLACES TO WORK 2014 21

CATEGORY: SMALL

Synergetics DCS Customer service is the core value at Synergetics, a full service IT consulting company. Launched in 1992 by President and CTO Jim Raines, Synergetics has a wide range of technology solutions that enable clients to concentrate on what’s important – ensuring the success of their businesses.

The Starkville-based company offers network design and management and provides network infrastructure, including fiber optic, copper cabling and wireless solutions.

Synergetics management believes in the value of hard work, and in the importance of striking a healthy balance between the job

and one’s personal life.

Providing team members the ability to ‘flex’ their work schedules in order to maintain this healthy work-life balance is a priority at Synergetics. Employees also are encouraged to participate in continuing education, training and professional certifications opportunities.

CATEGORY: SMALL

Broadband Voice You’re not likely to find a ping pong table in most office environments but you will at Broadband Voice. Though he’s serious about offering customers the highest-quality Voice over IP Internet products and services in the world, founder Gary Watts also recognizes that working should be fun.

A former Dairy Queen franchisee, Watts launched Broadband Voice, which is rapidly becoming one of the fastestgrowing Voice over technology companies in the Southeast. Utilizing wholesale relationships with partners nationwide, Broadband strives to provide the

best tech solutions to its clients based on specific business needs.

The company values one-on-one relationships, a rare commodity in today’s fast-paced tech business environment.

That attitude bleeds over into Broadband’s company culture, giving team members a comfortable and fun atmosphere to do their job.

22 BEST PLACES TO WORK 2014

www.msbusiness.com

Mississippi Business Journal

CATEGORY: SMALL

Venture Technologies At the core of Venture Technologies is the V-Pledge, a Golden Rule-based corporate philosophy that emphasizes respect and integrity for not only their clients but each other. As a premier IT solutions provider, Venture delivers premise infrastructure and collaboration solutions to clients around the nation and beyond.

In April, the company earned two prestigious partner awards from Cisco – Solution Innovation Partner of the Year and Outstanding Solutions Partner.

Additionally, Venture was named to CRN’s 2015 Tech Elite 250 list. Founded in 1986 by

Gerard Gibert and Norman Katool, the company has operated profitably for 29 consecutive years and promotes continuing education, training and certifications for team members while empowering them to take responsibility and make decisions.

Gibert was selected earlier this year as a finalist for the 2015 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year program.

CATEGORY: SMALL

Brown, Mitchell & Alexander The word “family” is more than lip service at Brown, Mitchell & Alexander. One of the most respected consulting engineering firms in the Southeast, it maintains a company culture that encourages team members to grow and learn as the firm progresses.

In addition to 10 paid holidays and 120 hours of personal leave, the firm offers cell phones and vehicles for professional staff, Biloxi Shuckers season tickets, an annual company picnic and Christmas party.

With nearly a half century of experience, BMA provides a full spectrum of civil design services, including surveying, drafting, regu-

latory permitting and contract administration.

The firm also is a proud sponsor of numerous community fundraising events benefiting several organizations, including the American Heart Association, St. Vincent de Paul Pharmacy and various youth sports league teams.

Business keeps getting better in Mississippi...

ELIGIBILITY

Nominate Your Company as a Best Place to Work This publication will rank companies doing business in the area according to how well they treat their most important asset- their employees.

Eligible companies must have a human resource office in Mississippi and have operated here at least one calendar year.

Final rankings will be based on results from the enclosed questionnaire as well as a separate brief survey of a sampling of your employees conZkYj[Z Xo ekh h[i[WhY^ Z[fWhjc[dj$ Je ^[bf \WY_b_jWj[ j^Wj ikhl[o" fb[Wi[ provide us with a complete list of your employees and a method of contacting them.

This survey will be anonymous and take less than five minutes of their time.

If you have any questions WXekj j^_i fhe`[Yj" fb[Wi[ call (601) 364-1000; fax (601) 364-1007 or e-mail to events@msbusiness.com.

BEST PLACES TO WORK SURVEY

The program is open to all companies who meet the following criteria: 8[ W \eh#fheÓj eh dej#\eh#fheÓj Xki_d[ii$ 8[ W fkXb_Ybo eh fh_lWj[bo ^[bZ Xki_d[ii$ >Wl[ W \WY_b_jo _d C_ii_ii_ff_$ >Wl[ Wj b[Wij '+ \kbb#j_c[ [cfbeo[[i _d C_ii_ii_ff_$ I[WiedWb" temporary or contract workers do not participate in surveys.)

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PARTICIPATION DETAILS The award winners and finalists will emerge through their employees’ participation in an anonymous multiple-choice online survey or paper survey (if needed) that is administered in strict confidentiality by a research firm.

7j j^[ [dZ e\ j^[ ikhl[o f[h_eZ" ekh h[i[WhY^ Óhc m_bb beea Wj j^[ ZWjW from all companies that participated and met the criteria to determine the rankings. Winners will then be revealed to the program administrators at the Mississippi Business Journal.

NOMINATION FORM

Company name: _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Telephone: _________________________________________ Fax: ____________________________________________________________ Average starting salary: ______________________________ Median salary: ___________________________________________________ Average length of employment to be eligible for benefits: _____________________________________________________________________ Number of employees: __________________________________________________________________________________________________ Benefits (please check all that apply): Daycare options _______ Health care benefits (% covered) _______ Unmarried partner benefits _______ Paid Leave/Sick time (length) _______ Paid Maternity/Paternity leave (length) _______ Continuing education (tuition assistance) _______ Relocation assistance _______ Stock options _______ 401(k) (% match) _______ Prescription _______ Telecommuting _______ Dental _______ Vision _______ Flexible hours _______ Job sharing _______ Employee recognition program _______ Fitness program _______ Subsidized meals _______ Other: _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Information Supplied By: _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Title: ______________________________________________ Date: ____________________________________________________________

events@msbusiness.com / (601) 364-1000 / Fax (601) 364-1007 FILL OUT YOUR FORM ONLINE: http://msbusiness.com/events/best-places-work-nomination-form/