2018 TOP
WORKPLACES in Will County
Sunday, September 30, 2018
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u t a l a r t g i o n ns! o C 2018 TOP
WORKPLACES in Will County
to all the winners! ‘Thank you’ to everyone that nominated and voted for the Top Workplaces!
Lewis University
A COMMITMENT TO
PREPARING STUDENTS TO SUCCEED
At Lewis, we know how important it is to offer a curriculum and educational experience that will be worth your investment. We have a commitment to prepare students to succeed as they move toward graduation and into the future. Our innovative programs and faculty prepare Lewis graduates with the skills to learn anew in a rapidly changing world to continue to be personally and professionally successful.
lewisu.edu Convenient Locations: Romeoville, Oak Brook, Tinley Park and online.
By Allison Selk Founded in 1932, Lewis University has 6,500 students enrolled as well as 742 full and part-time faculty. Voted top workplace in education, Associate Vice President for Human Resources Graciela Dufour said commitment to the university’s Lasallian Mission sets Lewis University apart from other local universities. “We have a strong commitment to our Lasallian Mission and we start that Mission in our hiring process. Our employees learn about our foundation and how it is part of our fabric,” Dufour said. The Lewis University Mission statement reads, “Lewis University, guided by its Catholic and Lasallian heritage, provides to a diverse student population programs for a liberal and professional education grounded in the interaction of knowledge and fidelity in search for truth.” Dufour said the university is committed to developing new and
innovative programs in a mindset of continuous improvement, which makes the experience better for the students and faculty alike. A strong sense of pride and service to the university was founded in a recent survey and a high level of employee engagement and encouragement has led to a strong sense of work-life balance. The university offers its employees low cost insurance benefits packages, tuition waver for employee and dependents and a part in an international Lasallian network committed to education of the disadvantaged and a high commitment to social justice.
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Third Year Running: Silver Cross Earns
Recognition as a Top Workplace in Will County For the third year running, Silver Cross Hospital has earned recognition as a top employer in the region – this time receiving the title of Herald-News 2018 Top Workplace in Will County in the “Large Employer” category for businesses with more than 100 employees. Thousands of HeraldNews readers cast their online ballots to select their favorite local businesses in one of 12 business categories. In 2016 and 2017, the hospital earned “Best Employer over 50 employees” honors from HeraldNews readers. “We’re honored and proud to have been chosen as a 2018 Top Workplace,” said Ruth Colby, President and Chief Executive Officer of Silver Cross Hospital. “Here at Silver Cross, our family culture is what really sets us apart. And just like any strong family, we trust, respect and appreciate one another. We share similar values and embrace new ideas, always challenging the norm to become an even better healthcare provider…and workplace.” Silver Cross employs over 2,800 staff members and enjoys a vacancy and turnover rate much lower than the national average. The average tenure of Silver Cross employees is 8.2 years. “Silver Cross is actually the largest employer in New Lenox and the fourth largest in Will County,” said Tracy Ardis, Director of Human Resources. “We’ve added 650 new jobs since we moved to the new hospital in 2012.” But what distinguishes Silver Cross from other businesses is its unique culture. “We treat our staff the same way we treat our patients – with warmth, compassion and understanding,” Ardis said. “We invest in our people by providing marketcompetitive rewards, offering development opportunities,
and allowing them to maintain the skills needed to provide the increasingly complex care that our patients require.” Silver Cross is also a market leader in retirement and medical benefits and has a robust employee wellness program.
Other Awards and Recognition
In December 2017, Silver Cross became the only hospital in Will, Kankakee and Grundy counties – and one of only 20 hospitals in Illinois – to be awarded a Five-Star rating, the highest possible score, by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on its Hospital Compare website at Medicare.gov. The ratings are designed to help consumers compare hospitals by evaluating safety, quality and patient experiences at more than 4,000 hospitals nationwide. Silver Cross was one of only nine percent of eligible hospitals in the United States to receive the overall FiveStar rating for 2017. And in April of this year, Silver Cross was once again recognized for its dedication to patient safety by being awarded its seventh straight “A” Hospital Safety Grade by The Leapfrog Group, a Washington D.C-based organization aiming to improve healthcare quality and safety for consumers and purchasers. Silver Cross was one of 750 awarded an “A” for its efforts in protecting patients from harm and meeting the highest safety standards in the U.S. The Safety Grade assigns an A, B, C, D or F grade to hospitals across the country based on their performance in preventing medical errors, infections and other harms among patients in their care. For more information, visit www.silvercross.org. To find out more about Silver Cross careers or to apply for a job, visit http:// careers.silvercross.org/
Mark Jepson, Silver Cross Vice President of Human Resources, and Tracy Ardis, Silver Cross Human Resources Director, proudly display the plaque Silver Cross Hospital earned as a Herald-News 2018 Top Workplace in Will County. Sunday, September 30, 2018 | Top Workplaces | 3
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ExxonMobil Joliet Refinery Since the ExxonMobil Joliet Refinery started up in 1972 it’s combined the best of being a great local company with the advantage of being part of a successful global company. The Joliet Refinery is home to more than 700 full-time employees and 300 embedded contractors. When the refinery performs periodic short-term maintenance that number can reach nearly 3,000 skilled laborers. “Because we’re part of ExxonMobil our employees have the best of all worlds,” says Refinery Manager Monica Mainland. “Joliet is one of the most sought after assignments in the organization. Some of our employees spend their entire career right here, and others move around in the organization. Either way you can have a challenging career with a variety of opportunities.” It takes a great team to run the refinery. Dozens of professions make up the local workforce that keeps the refinery running safely 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This includes the highly trained process technicians who staff the Process Division and the skilled craftspeople who comprise the Mechanical Division. Add engineers of nearly every specialty, field safety and medical personnel, administrative professionals, on-site food service and you have a small village that works together every day to produce 250,000 barrels of gasoline, ultra-low sulfur diesel and other products to meet the demands of the Midwest market. “We’re very proud of our talented workforce and we’re proud to be their employer of choice,” says Mainland. ExxonMobil offers highly competitive pay and benefits, and for many years the company has also hosted events that bring its families together including summer picnics and holiday parties for children and
adults. “We have generations of employees who have spent their careers together, raised their children together and now see the next generations taking the same pride and ownership in the refinery their parents did,” says Mainland. With the support of literally hundreds of employees the Joliet Refinery has woven itself into fabric of the community with its longstanding commitment to education and community outreach. “We’re a strong supporter of STEM education,’ says Mainland. “We have more than 70 employees who have volunteered at our partner middle schools – Channahon, Minooka and Rockdale -- for hands-on science for eleven years. “We’re also very proud to work directly with Joliet Township High School to offer career lunches so sophomores can satisfy their job shadow requirement and have conversations with the variety of professionals who work here. We have 25 volunteers partnered with JT students in the mentor 2.0 program sponsored by Big Brothers, Big Sisters and we work directly with the Engineering classes in the JT STEM Academy on enrichment activities.” In addition to education outreach ExxonMobil has been one of the top contributors to United Way for many years and employees actively volunteer with a number of non-profit organizations in Will County like the 2018 Habitat for Humanity Women Build. “We bring the same effort and professionalism to our volunteer work as we do to our work at the refinery,” says Mainland. “We want to have a positive impact on the community through what we do inside the fence and outside.” For more information about professional opportunities at ExxonMobil go to careers. exxonmobil.com.
“Three of our new hires”
“2018 Habitat for Humanity Women Build Volunteers”
“Secrets in Science Volunteers” Sunday, September 30, 2018 | Top Workplaces | 5
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2018 TOP
WORKPLACES in Will County
There are many fun, exciting and rewarding places to work in Will County. From Healthcare to Family Owned Businesses and everything in between, we asked our readers and the community to vote for their favorites in twelve categories. According to the voters in The Herald-News first annual Top Workplaces in Will County program, these are the best places to work.
CATEGORY: BUSINESS TO BUSINESS
CATEGORY: INDUSTRY
CATEGORY: RETAIL
Winner: Plainfield Area Chamber of Commerce Address: 24109 W. Lockport St., Plainfield, IL 60544 Phone: 815-436-4431 Web Address: www.plainfieldchamber.com
Winner: ExxonMobil Joliet Refinery Address: 25915 S. Frontage Rd., Channahon, IL 60410 Phone: 815-521-7411 Web Address: exxonmobil.com Careers.exxonmobil.com
Winner: Mark Peter’s Diamond Designs Address: 12820 S. Rt. 59, Plainfield, IL 60585 Phone: 815-926-1023 Web Address: www.mymarkpeters.com
CATEGORY: EDUCATION Winner: Lewis University Address: One University Parkway, Romeoville, IL 60446 Phone: 815-838-0500 Web Address: www.lewisu.edu
CATEGORY: LARGE EMPLOYER Winner: Silver Cross Hospital Address: 1900 Silver Cross Blvd., New Lenox, IL 60451 Phone: 815-300-1100 Web Address: www.silvercross.org
CATEGORY: FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS Winner: Milano Bakery Address: 427 S. Chicago St., Joliet, IL 60436 Phone: 815-727-2253 Web Address: www.milanobakery.com
CATEGORY: FINANCIAL INSTITUTION Winner: Busey Bank Address: 2801 Black Rd., Joliet, IL 60435 Phone: 815-725-0123 Web Address: www.busey.com
CATEGORY: HEALTH CARE
CATEGORY: SERVICE Winner: Jacob Henry Mansion Address: 20 S. Eastern Ave., Joliet, IL 60433 Phone: 815-722-1420 Web Address: www.jacobhenrymansion.com
CATEGORY: SMALL EMPLOYER CATEGORY: MUNICIPALITY Winner: Village of Plainfield Address: 24401 W. Lockport St., Plainfield, IL 60544 Phone: 815-436-7093 Web Address: www.plainfield-il.org
Winner: Divas Salon & Spa Address: 707 W. Jefferson St., Suite L, Shorewood, IL 60404 Phone: 815-730-9359 Web Address: www.divassalonspa.com
CATEGORY: NON-PROFIT Winner: Greater Joliet Area YMCA Address: 749 Houbolt Rd., Joliet, IL 60431 Phone: 815-729-9622 Web Address: www.jolietymca.org
Winner: Advanced Family Dental Address: 2241 Theodore St., Crest Hill, IL 60403 Phone: 815-318-0486 Web Address: www.advancedfamilydental.com
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Busey Bank: Growing Forward with Will County More than a year after growing forward, together—Busey Bank, headquartered in Champaign, Illinois, and the former First Community Financial Bank of Joliet are partnered and positioned for your success. “We are truly honored to serve the growing financial needs of associates, customers and communities in Will County, the Pillars of our great community”, says Steve Randich, Executive Vice President, Commercial Market President for Busey Bank in Joliet. Will County is the fourth fastest growing county in Illinois and is among the largest 100 counties by population in the nation, according to the Will County Center for Economic Development. Whether buying a home, opening a business or saving for college, retirement and beyond, no matter the dream, strength is in the numbers of the combined Busey Bank organization. “Customers are served by a passionate, committed and dedicated team of more than 1,300 associates who provide service excellence at more than 60 banking centers, including 44 conveniently located throughout Illinois—from Joliet to Decatur and beyond,” says Randich. “Busey Bank also has branches in St. Louis, Missouri, Indianapolis, Indiana and Florida, as well as 30,000+ surcharge-free MoneyPass® ATMs across the country.” In addition to the organization’s many convenient locations and exceptional associates, Busey Bank is committed to providing robust service offerings for customers. With more than 100 years of combined investment experience on Busey’s Wealth Management team, more than 90,000 acres of farmland under management and 106 associated dedicated to customer’s commercial banking
needs—Busey associates are prepared to provide service excellence to all customers. “From retail and commercial banking to agriculture and wealth management, Busey Bank customers benefit from unparalleled expertise,” says Randich. To explore the organization’s trusted expertise and personal, business and wealth management solutions, visit Busey Bank in Naperville, Plainfield and Joliet, call 1.815.725.0123 or visit busey.com today.
Busey is honored to be named among the Top Workplaces in Will County. At Busey, it’s not just about doing business. But doing good...Supporting the arts, advocating for our youth and helping those in need. We’re proud to give back to our communities. Doing the right thing for our customers. And building trusted relationships that span generations. That’s been our promise since we opened our doors 150 years ago, and it remains our promise today.
busey.com 815.725.0123
Member FDIC
SM-CL1579981
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Greater Joliet Area YMCA By Allison Selk The mission of the Greater Joliet Area YMCA “to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all” offers a statement for employees to rally around in order to make a difference, chief operating officer Katy Leclair said. “We strengthen the community when we prepare services for kids, families and adults and give everyone a place where they are welcome and belong. This is a family environment where employees feel valued and supported and can learn and grow,” Leclair said. As a top workplace in the non-profit sector, Leclair said access to a board of directors which consists of leaders with high influence and high pressure jobs who can mentor the staff as well as look at aspects of the organization with a high level perspective offers a unique opportunity and has led to growth. “They can see what the community is missing, see the gaps and encourage staff teams to fill those needs. We have had 50 percent growth in the past five
years and have more than $10 million in an operating budget,” Leclair said. Leclair said employees have the flexibility for growth potential within the organization or focus on one area of expertise. “We provide a pathway to work for them and their family. They can move up or if they are comfortable in the role they can stay. We offer the chance to expand skills, and challenging new projects,” Leclair said. The Greater Joliet Area YMCA also offers benefits such as the ability to bring in family to the programs, paid time off, flexible schedules, health insurance, retirement plans and professional development. Leclair said, “The YMCA is unique because we become whatever the community needs us to be. The day in the life of an employee is different everyday and always changing and evolving.”
WORKING TOGETHER TO STRENGTHEN OUR COMMUNITY The Greater Joliet Area YMCA thanks its employees for making it a 2018Top Workplace. GREATER JOLIET AREA YMCA (815) SAY-YMCA www.jolietymca.org
2018 TOP
WORKPLACES in Will County
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Advanced Family Dental By Allison Selk Advanced Family Dental and Orthodontics (AFD) was founded by Dr. David Rubis 40 years ago, with a flagship office in Crest Hill. As AFD has grown over the years, the group has maintained an unwavering commitment to providing exceptional dental healthcare to the Chicagoland communities it serves. Six Advanced Family Dental and Orthodontics offices can be found in Crest Hill, Frankfort, Lockport, Shorewood, and Winfield. Two additional offices under the Advanced Family Dental and Orthodontics umbrella include Anew Dental and Orthodontics in Plainfield and Dental Roots in Naperville. The group’s chief executive officer, Roger Murray, said the company employs approximately 50 doctors combined in general and specialized dentistry, 30 hygienists, and 180 employees overall. As a top workplace in the healthcare industry, Murray said the doctors and staff benefit from being a part of a group, verses a private practice. “Having a large group leads to opportunities for advancement and improved tools and technology,” Murray said. AFD offers full-time employees benefits, such as
medical, dental, 401(k), and paid time off, which may not always be the case in a smaller office, Murray said. The company also invests in its employees and offers free continuing education for the doctors and hygienists. The doctors also have the opportunity to collaborate on patient care within the group, rather than having to refer patients to outside offices. It ends up being better for the patients, as well as beneficial for the dentists to work alongside their colleagues to ensure continuity of comprehensive care. “We are all a part of a team. We invest a lot in employee training and development. They have the opportunity to take care of 80,000 patients per year and provide care in a busy office environment,” Murray said. “They choose healthcare for a reason, it’s a passion.” Murray said the group also comes together for barbeques, holiday events, and volunteer opportunities, including a free day of dental care for veterans and their families.
“It’s important to give back to the community,” Murray said. “We believe in what we are doing, and we have a lot to offer. This is a place our employees want to work, and we’re always looking for good people to join our team.” For more information on career opportunities with Advanced Family Dental, or to submit your resume, please email careers@csgsmiles.com.
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Jacob Henry Mansion By Allison Selk In 1985 Carol Pritz outbid two men who wanted to buy the Jacob Henry Mansion to tear it down. Pritz’s daughter Sue PritzBornhofen said her mother did not have a vision for this selfproclaimed big honey-do list for her husband Ken, but instead, they let the house lead them, and in 2018, over 800 events will take place on the estate grounds. As a top workplace in the service industry, Pritz-Bornhofen said they use a basic principle when training their staff-treat others how you would want to be treated. She said her parents also stressed that if they took care of people, people would take care of them. Staff numbers vary from 30 to 50, and many of the waitstaff and kitchen staff are teens and college-aged young adults. PritzBornhofen said some families have multiple children who work at the mansion, and when high school employees graduate and go to college, many offer to work on breaks and summers. Pritz-Bornhofen said the mansion was a great place to work because events are ever changing, and they have fun while they work. “Each event takes on its own character, which keeps us very interested. We are not entertaining the same people every day. Before we start, we do a cheer, it’s a team approach. After, we high five and say great job. The staff is amazing,” Pritz-Bornhofen said.
She said employees enjoy that they are listened to and cared about, have varied work, schedule flexibility, outings and the staff covers shifts for one another. “When the football kids are playing, the baseball kids are working, and when the baseball kids play, the football kids work,” PritzBornhofen said. “Kids work out schedules amongst themselves and pick up shifts for one another. We are truly like one, and it’s a good feeling.”
Save the Date Bridal Expo February 17, 2019
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Silver Cross Hospital
Rated 5 Stars
By Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Only 9% of all hospitals in the nation have earned 5 Stars for Safety, Quality and Patient Satisfaction from CMS in 2017. This means that you can count on Silver Cross for an exceptional healthcare experience each and every time. To learn more about the CMS Hospital Compare overall ratings, visit www.medicare.gov/hospitalcompare
2018 TOP
WORKPLACES in Will County
1900 Silver Cross Blvd. • New Lenox • www.silvercross.org * Physicians on Silver Cross Hospital’s Medical Staff have expertise in their areas of practice to meet the needs of patients seeking their care. These physicians are independent practitioners on the Medical Staff and are not the agents or employees of Silver Cross Hospital. They treat patients based upon their independent medical judgment and they bill patients separately for their services.
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