MBJ_BPTW-2017

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Mississippi Business Journal

CONTENTS MBJ STAFF ALAN TURNER Publisher alan.turner@msbusiness.com • 601-364-1021 TAMI JONES Associate Publisher tami.jones@msbusiness.com • 601-364-1011 ROSS REILY Editor ross.reily@msbusiness.com • 601-364-1018 FRANK BROWN Staff Writer/Special Projects frank.brown@msbusiness.com • 601-364-1022 JACK WEATHERLY Staff Writer jack.weatherly@msbusiness.com • 601-364-1015

Mega-Large Viking Range. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Large Puckett Machinery Corp. . . . . . . 9 Medium Bradley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Small Infusion Plus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

TED CARTER Contributing Writer mbj@msbusiness.com • 601-364-1017

THOMAS WILLARD Account Executive thomas.willard@msbusiness.com • 601-364-1030 TACY RAYBURN Production Manager tacy.rayburn@msbusiness.com • 601-364-1019 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

Yes, we have photos, too

Category Winners

LISA MONTI Contributing Writer mbj@msbusiness.com • 601-364-1018

VIRGINIA HODGES Account Executive virginia.hodges@msbusiness.com • 601-364-1012

BEST PLACES TO WORK 2017 3

www.msbusiness.com

Deryll Stegall/Stegall Imagery

Plenty of pictures were taken by attendees June 22 during the Mississippi Business Journal’s Best Places to Work luncheon at the Old Capitol Inn in downtown Jackson. And we have photos, too. See some of them on Pages 12-13 and more online at http://msbusiness.com/events/best-places-workevent-slideshow-current-winners

Finalists Mega-Large 2nd place — Irby Constructiony....................6 3rd place — Jones Companies.......................7 Harrah’s Gulf Coast ............................................8 St. Dominic’s Health System..............................8 Large 2nd place — Southern Pipe & Supply.........10 3rd place — Camellia Healthcare ................10 CF Industries .....................................................11 Mitchell Companies ...........................................11 Medium 2nd place — First Federal Savings & Loan...14 3rd place — Next Gear Solutions.................15

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

Origin Bank ......................................................16 Haddox Reid Eubank Betts ...............................16 Quality Steel Corp.............................................17 Navigator Credit................................................17 Small 2nd place — The Solutions Team ...............18 3rd place — R. J. Allen................................19 TempStaff .......................................................20 Medical Solutions............................................20 Adams & Reese ................................................21 May & Company ...............................................21 EMI Staffing.....................................................22 Synergetics DCS...............................................22

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

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.

A Caring Workforce -DESERVESA Caring Workplace Camellia Home Health and Hospice is honored to be recognized for the ninth 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 1971.

www.camellia.com

Mississippi Business Journal

BEST PLACES TO WORK 2017 5

www.msbusiness.com

CATEGORY: MEGA-LARGE

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Viking Range

Viking Range in Greenwood considers its employees to be Viking people and the company’s greatest asset. It says they believe in the Viking product, and their determination and elbow grease has pushed the company to its position as one of the nation’s top luxury residential cooking appliance manufacturers.

Viking makes commercial and residential gas ranges, wall ovens, cooktops, refrigeration, dishwashers, and ventilations systems.

Viking Range offers its 515 Mississippi employees Health Care benefits with pre-

scription, dental and vision plans, unmarried partner benefits, paid leave/sick time, paid maternity and paternity leave, and relocation assistance. It also offers 401(k) and an employee recognition program. It also offers a health and wellness center, deeply discounted appliances for employees and a company-paid Employee Assistance Program.

ABSOLUTE PERFORMANCE Irby Construction Company is a premier builder of power transmission lines, substations and distribution systems in the United States and abroad. "Absolute Performance” is our promise to our customers and our standard for every project—from generation, down the line and into homes and businesses.

TRANSMISSION

SUBSTATIONS

FOUNDATIONS

ĉ irbyconst.com

DISTRIBUTION

RENEWABLES

¨ 1-601-709-IRBY (4729)

6 BEST PLACES TO WORK 2017

Mississippi Business Journal

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CATEGORY: MEGA-LARGE

2

Irby Construction

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Irby Construction considers itself one of the Best Places to Work because of its familyfriendly atmosphere, caring workforce and dedication customer service.

Aside from its industry success, Irby is a company that acts as a family. Employees are provided with benefits including 401(k), paid time off, a cafeteria plan, annual bonuses, service awards, life insurance, health club memberships and employee discounts on services. On a personal level, it presents a Bible and baby blanket to each new child born to an employee. It celebrates each employee’s wedding and childbirth with a

shower, and honors every retiree. Irby hosts a monthly cookout where employees socialize.

Irby Construction Company, founded in 1946, is the largest non-union powerline construction company in the United States.

®

PROFESSIONAL PERFORMANCE FOR YOUR HOME™

Our employees’ encouragement and elbow grease have helped push Viking where it is today.

These are Viking people, and they are our greatest asset. In the end, Viking is more than where we work, it’s who we are.

VIKING RANGE

BEST PLACE TO WORK IN MISSISSIPPI 2017 MEGA-LARGE WINNER 111 Front Street

Greenwood, Mississippi 38930 (USA)

(662) 455-1200

vikingrange.com

Mississippi Business Journal

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BEST PLACES TO WORK 2017 7

CATEGORY: MEGA-LARGE

3

Jones Companies

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Jones Companies cultivate a “best in class� vision through mentorship, continual learning, and facilitating opportunities for exposure. Jonathan Jones, CEO says: “Just because many of us were born and raised in Mississippi, never settle for being 50th! By working to instill in our family and peers that we don’t have to be 50th, we’ll create meaningful progression in the industries and communities we serve.�

Jones founded several talent development programs for employees that are designed to empower employees to achieve mental, physical, nutritional, and financial excellence. They, in part, include the Jones Book

Club, Physical Excellence Programs, Jones BluePrint Wellness Program and Financial Excellence Programs.

Jones Companies was founded in 1949 as a lumber business in South Mississippi, but a need emerged for temporary access roads to transport equipment through wetlands. This led to construction mats, which led to development of products in the energy sector.

Our Employees MAKE the difference!

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8 BEST PLACES TO WORK 2017

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Mississippi Business Journal

CATEGORY: MEGA-LARGE

Harrah’s Gulf Coast Harrah’s Gulf Coast is an intimate resort and casino vacation destination centrally located in South Mississippi on the beaches of the Gulf of Mexico. It inspires grown-ups to play by creating memorable experiences at its casino, hotel, spa, golf course and restaurants. The award-winning teams of employees strive every day to offer guests a relaxing, comfortable experience where they can play as hard as they want or relax as much as they need.

Harrah’s encourages a diverse work environment that fully capitalizes on the talents,

skills and potential of all its employees. It hires, retains and develops the best employees so that it may provide its guests with the unsurpassed customer service that is the foundation of its success.

CATEGORY: MEGA-LARGE

St. Dominic Health Systems The St. Dominic’s legacy of providing a Christian healing ministry began in 1946 when a group of Dominican Sisters traveled from Springfield, Ill., to Jackson to assume responsibility for what was then known as the Jackson Infirmary. With the support of Bishop Richard O. Gerow and Monsignor Joseph Brunini, the Jackson Community and local citizens, the Sisters built a new hospital on Lakeland Drive in 1954.

St. Dominic’s values its employees and offers benefits to help employees grow personally and professionally.

The “Employee of the Month” program is designed to recognize employees who “live” the mission in their work and community

activities.

Patient care employees may receive “Angel Notes” from fellow employees or patients families thanking them for service and care.

Long-term employees are honored each year at an annual awards dinner. Awardees are designated based on service in 5-year intervals.

Mississippi Business Journal

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BEST PLACES TO WORK 2017 9

CATEGORY: LARGE

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Puckett Machinery Corp.

At Puckett Machinery in Flowood, it’s the Puckett family’s dedication to their customers, employees, and the communities they serve that makes the difference.

They set the example for the Company’s core values of integrity, teamwork, excellence, and commitment. Puckett Machinery says its family-oriented company culture is best defined as “genuinely nice people who go the extra mile to serve their customers and support their co-workers in times of need.”

Puckett Machinery is a Mississippi-born family business with deep roots in the Caterpillar heavy equipment brand. It operates heavy equipment branch locations in Flowood, Gulfport, Hattiesburg, Meridian, Natchez and Brookhaven, and Puckett Rents rental services

stores in Biloxi, Hattiesburg, Madison, Meridian and Richland. A dedicated power systems division with offices in Jackson and Gulfport serves the marine, petroleum, industrial engine, and electric power generation markets.

Puckett Machinery offers its 420 employees health insurance with prescription, vision and dental coverage, a wellness program and Employee Assistance Program. It provides 401(k) options and an employee recognition program.

It also pays for uniforms and laundry or wardrobe allowance.

Better Together At Bradley, we know that our staff is essential to our firm’s success. Our attorneys count on our staff to consistently provide exceptional service so we can meet — and exceed — the needs of our clients.

Bradley is proud to have won 1st place in the MBJ’s “2017 Best Places to Work.”

bradley.com No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers. ATTORNEY ADVERTISING. Contact: Margaret Oertling Cupples, Esq., 601.592.9914, mcupples@bradley.com, Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP, 188 E. Capitol Street, Suite 400, Jackson, MS 39201.

10 BEST PLACES TO WORK 2017

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Mississippi Business Journal

CATEGORY: LARGE

2

Southern Pipe & Supply

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At Southern Pipe, employees are given the chance to live the “pipe dream” — work for a company that values input, rewards hard work, makes success a priority and treats them like family.

Southern Pipe says it hires for attitude first, then trains for skill. Work ethic, drive and character are considered to be as important as an education or a long resume. It believes in doing not only what is best for the bottom line, but also what is best for its family members, customers and vendors.

Southern Pipe tries to maintain an enthusiastic culture and an environment that’s as close to “fun” as work can possibly be.

Southern Pipe & Supply Company is one of the nation's largest privately held, independent wholesalers of plumbing, heating and air conditioning, water and sewer, and industrial materials. It operates 106 branches in seven states and is based in Meridian.

Southern Pipe offers its 295 Mississippi employees health insurance with prescription, vision and dental coverage. Employees are eligible for bonuses based on profits and training and development opportunities.

CATEGORY: LARGE

3

Camellia Healthcare

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Camellia Healthcare was founded in 1974 by Hattiesburg native W.A. Payne, and is still owned by the Payne family.

It operates hospice agencies, home health agencies, a pharmacy and an infusion service.

Its headquarters are in Hattiesburg, and it has more than 1,000 employees in Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama and Tennessee.

Camellia offers its 416 Mississippi employees paid leave or sick time and health care benefits that cover almost 50 percent of expenses. It offers paid short-term and

long-term disability, health insurance with prescription, vision and dental coverage. It even provides tuition assistance, relocation assistance and company vehicles, as well as uniform and cell phone allowances.

Mississippi Business Journal

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BEST PLACES TO WORK 2017 11

CATEGORY: LARGE

CF Industries Nitrogen Complex The CF Industries plant in Yazoo City produces mostly ammonia, granular urea, UAN and Ammonium Nitrate for agricultural and industrial purposes.

The 70-year-old company’s willingness to embrace the transformation in chemistry from one state to another reflects the positive change that is grounded in CF Industries’ values and adds to its success.

That's how it transformed from a member-owned cooperative for 60 years to a financially successful publicly traded company. It moved from a company founded

to purchase fertilizer for its owners to a leader in nitrogen manufacturing, and from a regional focus to a global perspective.

CF Industries offers its 280 Yazoo City employees paid leave or sick time and health insurance with prescription, vision and dental coverage and a fitness program. It provides tuition assistance and an employee recognition program.

CATEGORY: LARGE

Mitchell Companies Mitchell Companies is a family-owned business that understands the importance of family in its employees’ lives. The Meridian-based firm includes Mitchell Distributing, Mitchell Signs and Southern LED Solutions. It has about 570 employees in Mississippi and Maryland.

Mitchell Companies hosts family-friendly events each year to give employees the opportunity to showcase their company to family members, whether it be a company picnic, Christmas party, pre-concert VIP reception or special event.

Mitchell Companies offers its 373 employees health insurance with prescription, den-

tal and vision plans. Mitchell offers the Healthiest You Teledoc service, a phone app through which employees can connect with a doctor, get treatment and prescriptions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The Mitchell Companies’ Condo Lottery Program allows employees to submit their names each year to a lottery for a week at an Orange Beach, Ala., condo.

12 BEST PLACES TO WORK 2017

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Mississippi Business Journal

The luncheon

More than 200 supervisors and employees from companies recognized as Best Places to Work attended the event luncheon June 22 at the Old Capitol Inn in Jackson.

CF Industries, a co-sponsor of the event, was a Large Category finalist.

Puckett Machinery Company receives its first-place award in the Largel Category from MBJ Associate Publisher Tami Jones.

Viking Range representatives receive the company’s first-place award in the Mega-Large Category from MBJ Associate Publisher Tami Jones.

Photos by Deryll Stegall / Stegall Imagery

Mississippi Business Journal

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BEST PLACES TO WORK 2017 13

The Solutions Team won second place in the Small Category.

Bradley receives its first-place award in the Medium Category from MBJ Associate Publisher Tami Jones.

Irby Construction won second place in the Mega-Largel Category.

Infusion Plus receives its first-place award in the Small Category from MBJ Associate Publisher Tami Jones.

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14 BEST PLACES TO WORK 2017

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Mississippi Business Journal

CATEGORY: MEDIUM

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Bradley Arant Boult Cummings, LLP

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Birmingham-based Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP is a national law firm with a reputation for skilled legal work, client service and integrity. It provides business clients worldwide with legal services in dozens of industries and practice areas. In addition to Jackson, it has offices in Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and the District of Columbia.

Diversity and equality in the workforce is a core value at Bradley, and allows it to leverage different perspectives to achieve the results it and its clients expect. It also gives back to the community with pro bono legal services and charitable contributions through the

Bradley Foundation.

Bradley offers its 55 Mississippi employees 19-28 days of paid leave or sick time and health care benefits that cover about 88 percent of expenses. It also offers unmarried partner benefits. It offers paid short-term and long-term disability, life insurance that is two times the annual salary and a choice of health insurance plans. It provides nutritional snacks through its wellness program.

CATEGORY: MEDIUM

2

First Federal Savings & Loan

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First Federal Savings & Loan Association of Pascagoula and Moss Point was founded in 1955 and strives to create a good work environment as a step in providing customer service.

Like a family, it celebrates holidays and special occasions together with food and fellowship. Employees work together in fundraising events for the community, the company encourages group participation in community events.

First Federal consists of 54 full-time employees with 17 of them being officers, including branch managers. The majority of

employees work in customer service positions associated with new accounts, mortgage lending, loan servicing and accounting.

First Federal offers health care benefits with prescription, dental and vision plans, and paid leave/sick time. It also offers 401(k), semi-annual bonuses and continued education tuition assistance.

Mississippi Business Journal

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BEST PLACES TO WORK 2017 15

CATEGORY: MEDIUM

3

Next Gear Solutions

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Next Gear Solutions in Oxford offers a software suite to the restoration contracting industry that includes options for individual contractor and franchised offices, franchisor or corporate headquarters, insurance carriers, and home or business owners with claims at their properties.

In the workplace, it strives to create a culture in which its 110 employees can give feedback and be heard and valued. It provides paid insurance, paid maternity/paternity leave, a flexible paid time off policy, gym memberships, a 401k with a match, and other benefits while continually looking to add new

options to its benefit package. Next Gear tries to promote employees from within, and has several mid- and senior-level employees who started at entry-level positions.

Next Gear Solutions started in 2008 with three employees as a consulting company to the restoration industry. In 2016, the company and CEO Garret Gray were recognized

by Innovate Mississippi as an “Innovator to Watch� at the Mississippi Innovators Hall of Fame Award Gala.

16 BEST PLACES TO WORK 2017

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Mississippi Business Journal

CATEGORY: MEDIUM

Origin Bank Origin Bank, a Louisiana-based bank in Ridgeland, offers its employees a variety of benefits.

Its banking centers offer employees a wellness program, health fairs, flu shots and health screenings.

To celebrate, there are holiday parties, employee picnics, socializing events and team outings. At its Culture Celebrations, employees receive goodies such as t-shirts and water bottles, and have the opportunity to talk with and ask questions of the CEO on any subject.

Its Project Enrich volunteer program allows full-time employees 20 hours of paid time off annually to volunteer with their choice of

charitable organizations.

All employees are eligible for an annual goal-driven incentive usually between 4-20 percent of annual salary.

Its benefits package includes a choice of health plans, dental and vision coverage, 401K and ESOP. The bank provides $750 annually into a Health Savings Account for employees who enroll in the High Deductible Plan, and provides up to 12 weeks of shortterm disability pay in addition to long-term disability.

CATEGORY: MEDIUM

Haddox Reid Eubank Betts, PLLC Haddox Reid Eubank Betts, PLLC is a full service firm offering assurance, tax, consulting, peer review and client accounting services to individuals, private businesses, non-profits and governmental entities.

In business for almost 60 years, Haddox Reid is substantial enough to serve some of Mississippi’s leading companies and individuals, but small and personal enough to be less formal and more accessible.

Haddox Reid was ranked No. 34 in the 2016 Accounting Today's Best Accounting Firms to Work For. Haddox Reid and its employees believe in supporting the community. It is active with the Batson Children’s Hospital, Mississippi

Burn Foundation, Stewpot Community Kitchen and Meals on Wheels, Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign, and was recognized in 2016 by The Association for Acounting Marketing for its civic and philanthropic leadership.

Haddox Reid offers its 58 employees health insurance with prescription, vision and dental coverage, tuition assistance, an employee recognition program, long-term disability, life insurance and profit sharing.

Mississippi Business Journal

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BEST PLACES TO WORK 2017 17

CATEGORY: MEDIUM

Quality Steel Quality Steel in Cleveland tries to apply certain virtues in its business: goodness, honesty, fairness and respect.

It’s a workplace where management says it listens to employees and treats everyone with respect while avoiding unnecessary symbols of rank.

The steel propane tank manufacturer provides a competitive wage and benefit package, including 40 percent-plus employee ownership in the company through its Employee Stock Ownership Plan. It encourages personal and professional growth by

promoting from within when possible.

It is committed to sharing a portion of its profits with community organizations, and it encourages its employees to share in their communities.

Quality Steel offers its 103 Cleveland employees health care benefits with perscription, dental and vision plans, continued education tuition assistance and relocation assistance. It also offers an employee assistance plan, paid college tuition at Delta State University for eligible children, and uniforms and uniform maintenance.

CATEGORY: MEDIUM

Navigator Credit Union Navigator Credit Union in Pascagoula helps its members financially, and enjoys doing it with workplace fun, combined with employee recognition and celebrating success.

Navigator provides its 135 employees with a benefits package that includes life, health, dental, vision, disability and Health/Daycare Savings Account offerings. Navigator recently launched an employee Health and Wellness Program offering free gym membership to all employees. The company also matches up to 4 percent of employee 401(k) contributions

along with a discretionary match of another4 percent.

After Hurricane Katrina hit the coast, Navigator instituted and paid for employee uniforms, which provided a sense of solidarity and reduced employees’ expenses at a financially difficult time. Today, employees order additional shirts each season and await the unveiling of new items to the uniform selection.

Navigator Credit Union has also been named a finalist in Mississippi’s Best Places to Work in 2007, 2008, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017

18 BEST PLACES TO WORK 2017

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Mississippi Business Journal

CATEGORY: SMALL

1

InfusionPlus

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InfusionPlus is an infusion pharmacy providing medications and nutrition in the home setting and alternate sites for patients in Mississippi and Louisiana.

InfusionPlus provides for its employees a teamwork structure that shares a common goal of patient/customer prioritization. Employee input and perspectives are respected and encouraged in making decisions for the organization.

Management also places a high priority on the employees’ personal goals and needs and

moves quickly to meet these needs when possible. Shared values of faith and family provides a strong foundation for InfusionPlus and its employees to grow.

A local ownership and local management team allows agility and flexibility in decision-making for meeting the needs of patients with ever changing circumstances.

CATEGORY: SMALL

2

The Solutions Team

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Founded in 2007, with locations in Jackson and Carrollton, Ga., The Solutions Team is a Managed Cloud Solutions Provider offering a proven suite of hosting and managed services to businesses of all sizes seeking greater functionality, security and flexibility to work remotely from anywhere via the Internet.

The Solutions team believes it creates a culture, where everyone is appreciated as a member of The Solutions Team family – from top management to the newest hire.

The Solutions Team’s Founder and CEO, Todd Gooden, is engaged in the day-to-day activities of the company, and easily ap-

proachable. He works just as hard as everyone else.

Everyone is appreciated and valued for the individuality they bring to the team. Employees are rewarded with competitive salaries, company paid healthcare, three weeks of paid leave, bonus plans, professional training and company sponsored lunches and other periodic team-building events.

Mississippi Business Journal

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BEST PLACES TO WORK 2017 19

CATEGORY: SMALL

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R. J. Allen & Associates

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R.J. Allen & Associates, Inc. has general construction experience dating back to 1970.

Incorporated in the State of Mississippi in 1984, RJAA provides professional construction management for every sector of the construction market throughout the Southern United States.

R.J. Allen recognizes that its success lies in the commitment, passion, and integrity of its construction professionals. For these reasons, it strives to provide an environment

Infusion Plus is thrilled to be recognized as Best Places to Work in Mississippi 2017. Thank you to our incredible employees who are responsible for this honor. Infusion Plus has not only been ranked #1 by its employees, but its employees have also been ranked #1 by its patients and customers scoring 98% in satisfaction!

And 100% would utilize Infusion Plus again if needed.

“Thank you to the team at Infusion Plus who work tirelessly in their efforts to provide outstanding patient care.”

FIRST PLACE in BEST PLACES TO WORK in Mississippi 2017 Small Business Category

885 Liberty Road, Suite 500 • Flowood, MS 39232 • (601)714-1868

that is both challenging and rewarding.

RJ Allen is a team-oriented company, sharing the goals and core values that have made the company a success. RJAA offers great benefits, inspiring leadership, and a company culture that facilitates employee loyalty and commitment.

R.J. Allen & Associates, Inc. is honored to be recognized for the second time as one of the Best Places to Work in Mississippi by the Mississippi Business Journal.

“It’s our people that make our company what it is today!”

20 BEST PLACES TO WORK 2017

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Mississippi Business Journal

CATEGORY: SMALL

TempStaff 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 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.

CATEGORY: SMALL

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

Launched in Omaha, Nebraska by Dale Williams and Scott Anderson, Medical Solutions is the nation’s third-largest travel nurse staffing company. The company staffs traveling healthcare professionals in short-term assignments nationwide, including 11 team members in Tupelo.

Employees are appreciated holistically, and valued for their passions both on and off the job. In addition to traditional benefits, such as “day one” medical/dental/vi-

sion 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 advisor on contingent work.

Mississippi Business Journal

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BEST PLACES TO WORK 2017 21

CATEGORY: SMALL

Adams and 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 10-week weight loss challenge to employees named “Fit and Lean in 2015”. Participants proceeded to shed over 1,000 pounds during the twoand-a-half month contest.

CATEGORY: SMALL

May & Company In 1922, May & Company was a new, small auditing firm located in the First National Bank building in Vicksburg and run by a single accountant, James D. Pond. The firm went through many name changes in following years with changes in partners, but settled on May & Company, LLP in 1984.

In 1989, May & Company built its own building in Vicksburg, which remains the main office today; however, it has expanded with offices in Tallulah and Lake Providence, La., as well as Millport, Ala. May and Company’s traditional services include accounting and auditing, tax return

preparation, tax planning, accounting software application support, and computer support. It specializes in the agriculture, construction, dealership, manufacturing, medical professional, not-for-profit, optometric practice, real estate, retail, and timber and forest product industries.

22 BEST PLACES TO WORK 2017

www.msbusiness.com

Mississippi Business Journal

CATEGORY: SMALL

EMI Staffing Placing skilled professionals in workplaces where they will 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.

That’s the mission at EMI staffing.

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

professionals has helped companies in Mississippi and the surrounding states find both contract and permanent employees. It also assists 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 being a family-friendly environment where people’s voices can be heard. Strong supporters of Leadership Grenada, the company employs 15 full-time team members.

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.

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 conducted by our research department. To help facilitate that survey, please 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 about this project, please 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: • Be a for-profit or not-for-profit business.

• Be a publicly or privately held business.

• Have a facility in Mississippi.

• Have at least 15 full-time employees in Mississippi. (Seasonal, temporary or contract workers do not participate in surveys.)

• Be in good standing with the Mississippi Secretary of State.

AWARD CATEGORIES Based on the survey scores, three top winners will be named in each of four size categories.

• Mega-Large Companies (500 or more employees) • Large Companies (200 - 499 employees) • Medium Companies (50 - 199 employees) • Small Companies (15 minimum to 49 employees)

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.

At the end of the survey period, our research firm will look at the data 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: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Contact Person: _____________________________________ Email: __________________________________________________________ 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/

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