Leaders of the pack
Businesses are in it to win it, of course. But Amylyn Kyler said corporate success is multifaceted.
“We really believe it’s not as much about revenue, but relationships,” said the vice president of talent advisory services at Newton Consulting. “Relationships with our employees and clients is what helps us thrive as a business.”
Employee relationships is why the Claysville-based consulting firm thrived on a countywide stage Friday morning. Newton was declared the Small Category winner at the annual Employers of Excellence breakfast at the Hilton Garden Inn Southpointe.
Each October, the Washington County Chamber of Commerce honors three companies regarded as having a healthy work environment. This year, Work Certified Academy joined the chamber in recognizing Newton, Range Resources (Large Category) and Equipment & Controls Inc. (Mid-Sized) before an audience of 150-plus chamber members.
Gerry Hoeffner, president of Personnel Dynamics Consulting, was the emcee. His Fort Pierce, Fla., firm administered a survey to companies wanting to compete for these awards, then analyzed the responses. Forty questions, 37 measurements.
“No politicking, just data,” he said, adding the categories are based on total employees. Small is 0 to 100, Mid-Sized 101 to 400, Large 401 and up.
Range, which has its regional headquarters in Southpointe, reigned among the big firms, just as it rules in Marcellus Shale. This gas and oil exploration and production company is the leading driller in the massive shale formation, which runs under all of Washington and Greene counties and in parts of six states.
“There are so many wonderful companies and people in this region,” said Range spokesman Matt Pitzarella. “It’s such an exciting time to be here and be part of the community. I think anyone who spends time in Washington County and in Southpointe can feel the positive energy and the foundation that we’re collectively creating here for future generations.”
Equipment & Controls successfully defended its Mid-Sized title of 2013. It is an industrial automation supplier with five locations: the Lawrence section of Cecil Township; Monessen; Poca, W.Va.; Dublin, Ohio; and Solon, Ohio.
“We attribute our success to a long-standing culture which pays close attention to employee needs,” said Jim Neville, vice president of inside operations. “Some of those needs include training, benefits and wellness programs. ECI works to provide all employees with competitive wages, benefits and flexible work hours.”
Newton Consulting’s local roots run deeper than a typical 11-year-old entity. Rick Newton, president and founder of the business consulting firm, grew up and mostly lived in the Claysville area. Route 40 is the ideal business location for him.
“We’re proud to call Washington County our home,” Kyler said. “It’s a good reflection of who we are.”
Though it was a finalist but didn’t prevail in the Large Category, The Meadows Casino received an award acknowledging the training, incentives and programs it offers to employees.
“We do not succeed, we do not do well without our employees,” said Sean Sullivan, Meadows vice president and general manager. Then he added with a dash of humor, “There’s a saying: It’s all about having fun and making money.”
The other finalists were:
Small: Beechie’s Place, MacBracey Corp., Terra Testing.
Mid-sized: Aquatech International Corp., Burleson LLP, IGS Industries, Washington & Jefferson College.
Large: Bowman Consulting, California University of PA, Environmental Services, Langan Engineering.