2014 BEST COMPANIES TO WORK FOR IN ALABAMAassets-businessalabama-com.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2018/08/... · I-65 Service Rd. N. Mobile, AL 36608 251-338-7707 251-338-7738 communitybank.net

August 2014 BusinessAlabama.com | 67 S P E C I A L S U P P L E M E N T

2014 BEST COMPANIES TO WORK FOR IN ALABAMA

BEST COMPANIES TO WORK FOR

68 | BusinessAlabama.com August 2014


S P E C I A L S U P P L E M E N T

Employees like open communications, the feeling that they can make sugges-tions and be heard, and the knowledge that their job makes a difference to the company and the communities in which they take part.

The Pennsylvania-based Best Compa-nies Group recently evaluated responses from companies across Alabama who believed their businesses are among the best to work for.

Based on the surveys of both em-ployees and employers, Best Companies Group has released a list of winners.

Employers are asked to provide basics about their company, such as average salaries for exempt and non-exempt em-ployees, the number of new jobs created,

layoffs and voluntary departures by staff members, benefit plans, percentage of health care paid for by the company and vacation, sick and personal day policies.

The company also answers questions on topics like incentives, community ser-vice initiatives, fitness facilities, telecom-muting, business dress and training.

Employees take a shorter survey, rank-ing their reactions to statements such as, “The leaders of this organization are open to input from employees,” or “Safety is a top priority with this organization.”

Employees are asked about benefits, plans for staying with the company and whether they would recommend the company to a friend.

Employees also have open-ended ques-

tions that cover such ground as “What makes this a good place to work” and “What would you do to make working here more satisfying?”

The results of the survey go back to the businesses, so company officials can com-pare their results — based on anonymous surveys of employees and leaders — to benchmarks for the region and make sure managers and employees are on the same wavelength.

Employees and employers across the state graded their companies on policies and programs. The verdict: Money doesn’t always talk

BEST COMPANIES TO WORK FOR IN ALABAMA

Previous page: TOP, LEFT: Jack Henry & Associates presents donation to Hand in Paw Animal Assisted Therapy. TOP RIGHT: Warren Averett employees prepare for the Decatur Dragon Boat Race. BOTTOM: The JamisonMoneyFarmer race team takes to the water.

August 2014 BusinessAlabama.com | 69

BEST COMPANIES TO WORK FORRA

NK COMPANY EXECUTIVE AND TITLE ADDRESS PHONE/FAX WEBSITE # OF ALA. EMPL. INDUSTRY

1 Gray Brian Jones Vice President, Southeast

2 N. 20th St., Ste. 100 Birmingham, AL 35203

205-380-1800 205-380-1819 gray.com 16 Construction

2 Edward JonesBill Greenwald Regional Leader and Financial Adviser

3 E. Court Square Andalusia, AL 36420 334-222-5806 edwardjones.com 280 Financial

Services

3 Jack Henry & Associates Inc

Stan Viner General Manager Sales

7400 Cahaba Valley Rd. Birmingham, AL 35242

205-981-1980 205-421-1127 jackhenry.com 180 Technology

4 Warren Averett LLC Jim Cunningham CEO

2500 Acton Rd. Birmingham, AL 35243

205-979-4100 205-979-6313 warrenaverett.com 466 Accounting

5 Community BankOliver A. Latil IV President & Chief Executive Officer

111 W. I-65 Service Rd. N. Mobile, AL 36608

251-338-7707 251-338-7738 communitybank.net 30 Banking

6 Alacare Home Health & Hospice

Susan Brouillette CEO

2400 John Hawkins Pkwy. Birmingham, AL 35244

205-981-8400 205-981-8573 alacare.com 1061 Healthcare

Provider

7Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz PC

Keith Andress Office Managing Shareholder

420 20th St. N., Ste. 1400 Birmingham, AL 35203

205-328-0480 205-322-8007 bakerdonelson.com 138 Legal

8 Jones Walker LLP Katherine Musso Office Head

1100 One Federal Place 1819 5th Ave. N. Birmingham, AL 35203

205-244-5200 205-244-5400 joneswalker.com 87 Legal

9 Elwood Staffing Mike Stockard Executive Vice President

1484 McGuire Rd. Birmingham, AL 35216

205-822-8234 205-823-1170 elwoodstaffing.com 69 Staffing

10 MAX Credit Union H. Greg McClellan President & CEO

400 Eastdale Circle Montgomery, AL 36117

334-260-2600 334-270-0921 mymax.com 286 Banking

11 Hargrove Engineers + Constructors

Ralph Hargrove President

20 S. Royal St. Mobile, AL 36602

251-476-0605 251-476-4895 hargrove-epc.com 485 Engineering

12 Columbia Southern University

Chantell Cooley Senior Vice President

21982 University Ln. Orange Beach, AL 36561

800-977-8449 251-981-3815 columbiasouthern.edu 1104 Education

13 Boyd Bros. Transportation Inc.

Lynn ColleyVice President of HR

3275 Highway 30Clayton, AL 36016

334-775-1400334-775-1432 boydbros.com 819 Trans-

portation

2014B E S T C O M P A N I E S T O W O R K F O R I N A L A B A M A

LARGE COMPANIES (250 or more total company employees)

SMALL-TO-MEDIUM SIZE COMPANIES (15-249 total company employees)

RANK COMPANY EXECUTIVE AND TITLE ADDRESS PHONE/FAX WEBSITE

# OF ALA.

EMPL.INDUSTRY

1 Southern States Bank Stephen W. Whatley CEO & President

615 Quintard Ave. Anniston AL 36201

256-241-1092 256-241-1095 southernstatesbank.net 62 Banking

2 Alabama Credit Union Steve Swofford President/CEO

P.O. Box 862998 Tuscaloosa, AL 35486

888-817-2002 205-348-7456 alabamacu.com 167 Banking

3 Premier Bank of the South

John J. Mullins Chairman, President, CEO

101 First Ave. NW Cullman, AL 35055

256-737-9900 256-739-4889

premierebankofthesouth.com 66 Financial

Services

4 JamisonMoneyFarmer PC

Bryan Chandler Managing Shareholder

2200 Jack Warner Pkwy., Ste. 300 Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

205-345-8440 205-366-4000 jmf.com 78 Accounting

5 Hartmann Blackmon & Kilgore PC

Dennis Sherrin Managing Shareholder, CEO

PO Box 1469 Fairhope, AL 36533

251-928-2443 251-210-0929 hbkcpas.net 40 Accounting

6 Dunn Building Company LLC

Andrew Edwards President

3901 Messer Airport Hwy. Birmingham, AL 35222

205-510-0300 205-510-0301

dunnbuildingcompany.com 121 Construction

7 MetLife Financial Group of the South

Tera Wiggins Managing Director

3800 Colonnade Pkwy., Ste. 600 Birmingham, AL 35243

205-970-9782 205-970-0596 mfgsouth.com 43 Financial

Services



S P E C I A L S U P P L E M E N T

BEST LARGE EMPLOYER: GRAY CONSTRUCTION

If you’re a devotee of the Christmas classic “It’s a Wonderful Life,” you might think of angel wings when you hear a bell. If you’re an employee at Gray Construc-tion, a design-build company with a sig-nificant presence in Alabama, that bell makes you feel like a million.

Gray has a bell-ringing ceremony whenever the nationally ranked firm wins a contract. Everyone involved stands by as the bell tolls once for each million dollars the contract is worth. Lucratively sweet chimes permeate the building. Employ-ees smile, hearing a million-dollar ding. Seventy dings, it happens, make them eu-phoric.

Euphoric employees are a good thing, but it’s not just bells that ring workers’ chimes.

When it comes to attracting good people, nothing is gray about Gray. Here’s why:

“We have no private offices,” says Bir-mingham-based Southeast Vice Presi-dent Brian Jones. “Everyone operates in an open environment.” By everyone, he means everyone. Architects, engineers,

construction professionals are all under one roof. “It makes us extremely flexible and able to respond quickly to a constantly changing global marketplace,” Jones says.

The company headquarters is in Lex-ington, Ky., with branches throughout the U.S. and Japan. Birmingham is the firm’s largest regional branch. The com-pany’s specialty is large-scale construction — projects like automotive plants, retail facilities, hospitality centers and distribu-tion hubs. But regardless of the size and scope of a project, the company stresses, “Everyone plays a part.”

“We are a youthful company,” adds Jones, “Not just in age but in attitude. We are a progressive, pro-growth business in which all employees have ownership. Everyone attends the annual shareholder meeting, where everyone shares stories, successes and opportunities for improvement.”

Learning is continuous through “Gray University,” internal and external training for new hires and seasoned veterans. “It keeps us current in the marketplace,” says Jones. “And it provides development tools for growth within the organization.” Jones

speaks from personal experience. Fifteen years ago he started with the company as an intern.

The company’s mission statement reads: “Our purpose is to make a difference in people’s lives by creating unforgettable customer experiences and great projects.” Core values are: “We put safety and qual-ity of life first. We are customer and rela-tionship driven. We treat others the way we want to be treated.”

Jones adds to that, “We work hard, very hard, and we work hard together. We cel-ebrate victories.”

One bell at a time.— EB

Emmett Burnett, Nancy Mann Jackson, Laura Stakelum and Tom Little are freelance writers for Business Alabama. Burnett lives in Satsuma, Jackson in Huntsville, Stakelum in Dothan and Little in Birmingham.

The Gray Construction team at the company’s annual meeting.

SHARED SUCCESS RINGS THE BELLSTORIES BY EMMETT BURNETT, NANCY MANN JACKSON, LAURA STAKELUM AND TOM LITTLE

August 2014 BusinessAlabama.com | 71 S P E C I A L S U P P L E M E N T

STANDOUTS AMONG ALABAMA’S LARGEST EMPLOYERS

EDWARD JONESIncentive for diversification

With 280 employees in Alabama, Edward Jones is the nation’s largest financial-services firm in terms of branch offices, with 11,000 U.S. locations. The company caters to its more than 7 mil-lion individual investors in communities where they live and work.

Local financial advisors “work with clients to understand their personal goals, from college savings to retirement, and create long-term investment solutions that emphasize a well-balanced portfolio and a buy-and-hold strategy,” says Bill

Greenwald, Edward Jones financial advi-sor based in Andalusia. “We embrace the importance of building long-term, face-to-face relationships with clients, helping them to understand and make sense of the investment options available today.”

Edward Jones offers opportunities for financial advisors to build their own busi-nesses with the support of a well-known brand. The company pays advisors to study for their licenses, installs technol-ogy and provides all the training and support needed to succeed. They receive help building their businesses by earning a salary plus commissions and bonuses, as well as subsidized benefits during their

first few years. The company is constantly hiring to

open new branches in all states. “We believe many individual investors need our calm, well-reasoned advice based on their needs,” Greenwald says. “All income after expenses is paid out to associates through bonuses, profit sharing and partnership earnings.”

In addition to the opportunity to join the firm as a limited partner, Edward Jones offers advisors extravagant incen-tive trips for ensuring diversification in clients’ portfolios. Families are invited and there’s no limit to the number of trips awarded, Greenwald says.

— NJ

JACK HENRY & ASSOCIATESWork-life balance and wellness

Jack Henry & Associates is a software technology company for the banking and finance industry. The company was founded in 1976 to provide core informa-tion processing solutions for commu-nity banks. As the banking industry has become increasingly automated and as banking customers have demanded more technical conveniences, the company’s

product arsenal has evolved to include technologies that process transactions, automate business processes and manage critical information for almost 12,000 financial institutions and corporations.

Headquartered in Monett, Mo., Jack Henry & Associates employs 186 people in its three Alabama offices. While the company’s presence in Alabama isn’t large, those employees enjoy the perks and benefits seldom seen outside large corporations. For instance, Jack Henry team members have options for boosting their work-life balance, such as flexible

work arrangements, including the op-portunity to work remotely.

In addition, employees enjoy working for Jack Henry because of the company’s strong core values, focus on work-life bal-ance and excellent benefits package, says Stephanie Washington, the company’s human resources supervisor. Jack Henry strongly emphasizes employee health and wellness, offering tobacco cessation programs, a “Biggest Loser” style weight loss competition and a Right Track Well-ness Program.

— NJ

WARREN AVERETT LLCCareer growth working with the best

With a 50-year history of serving customers, Warren Averett has grown significantly through mergers and acquisitions during the past few years. Originally based in Birmingham, Warren Averett now has offices across Alabama and Florida, as well as affiliate offices in Houston and Grand Cayman. Through its recent growth, it has become one of the largest accounting firms in the Southeastern region, ranking among the top 30 firms in the United States.

With 461 employees in Alabama and

800 company-wide, Warren Averett offers depth and experience in a variety of indus-tries, including healthcare, manufacturing, financial services, construction, real estate, aerospace and defense, life sciences and technology, nonprofit and public sector, with services that span beyond audit and tax to include wealth management, staff-ing and recruiting, technology consulting, financial outsourcing, retirement plan administration and investments.

Top recruits join Warren Averett be-cause of the opportunities the firm offers. That includes the “opportunity to work on A+ clients, opportunity for career growth, opportunity to work with the best and be the best, and the opportunity to thrive and help our clients thrive,”

says Kelly Cochran, director of human resources.

Employees enjoy Community Day, when they receive paid time off to volunteer on community service projects, and Volunteer for Vacation, which allows employees to convert their volunteer hours into extra vacation time. The firm also prioritizes professional development, offering a leadership development pro-gram and an emerging executive group for younger members of the firm. The Women of Warren Averett, also known as WoW!, provides opportunities for female employees to network, gain skills, share experiences and cultivate rewarding relationships.

— NJ


S P E C I A L S U P P L E M E N T72 | BusinessAlabama.com August 2014

BAKER DONELSONLeaders serve the team

Consistently recognized as a top company to work for, Baker Donelson is a full-service law firm, with a team of more than 650 attorneys across the U.S. Offering experienced counsel for a variety of legal needs, the firm takes pride in helping both its clients and team mem-bers succeed.

“We believe in giving the same high level of service to one another as we do to our clients,” says Managing Shareholder Keith Andress. “Ours is a culture of com-mitment to clients, to one another, to our communities. People really look out for one another. It is a very caring environ-ment.”

The firm’s CEO and other officials come through the office regularly and communicate openly with employees.

“Transparency is another earmark of our culture, which can be rare in a law firm,” says Andress. “We hold monthly attorney and staff meetings and no topic is off limits. To be a good leader, you must serve the people you want to take you to the next level, and we do that at Baker Donelson.”

Employees receive medical, dental and vision insurance and can choose from two healthcare plans. Baker Donelson also offers wellness initiatives, paid volunteer

time, yoga and free parking at every of-fice. Working at the firm may also afford prospects for advancement. “We promote a culture of learning,” says Andress. “Employees have countless opportunities to grow their skillsets and, in many cases, grow their professional path at Baker Donelson.”

— TL

Award winners at Baker Donelson’s Annual Awards luncheon.

COMMUNITY BANKCommunication is constant

The employee-owned Community Bank provides consumer and business lending and deposit services, in addi-tion to financial planning and assistance. Founded more than 100 years ago in Forest, Miss., the bank has grown from a single office to a $2.5 billion, 41-office, multi-state holding company.

Through Community Bank’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan, all staff members are invested in the bank as owners. They are fully funded for a percentage of their

income to be invested in company stock. “Community Bank’s employee owners work harder, are more dedicated and have a vested interest in the long-term success of their company,” says coast branch CEO Oliver Latil. “A spirit of teamwork creates close bonds and a family atmo-sphere that customers recognize and appreciate.”

The open work environment means that all levels of staff are accessible and responsive. “Management sets the bar high, and exceptional performance is rewarded and praised,” says Latil. “Man-agement recognizes the most valuable asset in our company is our people.”

In addition to company stock and standard benefits, employees receive in-centives through bonuses, workshop and seminar opportunities and a tuition reim-bursement program towards continuing education.

Weekly meetings, newsletters and coaching sessions ensure that staff remain connected and well-equipped to serve cli-ents. “Communication is constant,” says Latil. “Community Bank’s staff performs at a high level because they know and understand why we execute our business plan in the manner we do.”

— TL

ALACAREInnovation begins with listening

Alacare Home Health & Hospice deliv-ers skilled nursing, rehabilitative, palliative

and hospice care in their patients’ homes. Alacare is Alabama’s largest family-owned home health agency and retains the fam-ily values instilled by late founder Major Charles Beard Jr. “This sense of family assures that the most important aspect of Alacare is doing what is right for the patient,” says CEO Susan Brouillette.

The company’s healthcare professionals understand that their contributions have a tremendous impact on the lives of patients and their families. “Our patients appreci-ate the care that we provide,” says Brouil-lette. “This gives our staff a great sense of pride knowing they are helping members of their community during a very difficult time.”

Management travels across the state to visit each branch and speak with employees. “Alacare believes in listening to our staff,” says Brouillette. “We really try to address the obstacles our staff face and implement innovative solutions to problems so our staff can spend their time caring for our patients.”

Alacare’s comprehensive benefits pack-age includes health, dental, vision, disabil-ity and life insurance, as well as a matching 401k. Qualifying staff may participate in the Alacare Corporate Car Program and drive an Alacare Altima. The company’s Clinical Ladder Program grants staff ac-cess to education and skills training.

— TL

S P E C I A L S U P P L E M E N T August 2014 BusinessAlabama.com | 73

JONES WALKERChart your own way

Jones Walker LLP is a full-service law firm spanning seven states. Based in New Orleans, the firm employs nearly 400 attorneys across the U.S., with focuses in a variety of industries and corporate con-cerns. The Birmingham office specializes in highly regulated industries.

Birmingham Office Head Kather-ine Musso believes that the company’s

non-hierarchical environment encourages streamlined cooperation. “We empha-size team success,” she says. “Everyone is involved in that, from administrative as-sistants to senior partners. Our people see that their contributions are appreciated.”

Musso and company believe that keeping morale high is vital to sustaining excellent performance. “It’s hard work, but you get positive feedback from clients and teammates,” she says. “When our team members succeed, it benefits our clients

and reflects well on the entire company.” Employees enjoy a range of benefits that even include pet insurance.

Jones Walker allows plenty of room for upward mobility and considerable freedom in how employees may advance. “Everyone, including the assistants and paralegals, can identify what projects and training they need and communicate that to the board,” says Musso. “As a profes-sional, you can chart your own way.”

— TL

ELWOOD STAFFINGOpen doors and advancement training

Operating across the U.S. and Canada, Elwood Staffing pairs job seekers with hiring businesses in a variety of fields including automotive, customer service and engineering. The privately owned staffing firm employs more than 900 team members and has been recognized as an outstanding workplace in multiple states.

“Employees feel Elwood recognizes, values and rewards their contributions and places high importance on their opinions,” says Executive Vice President Mike Stock-ard. “Every team member, regardless of their position, has the opportunity to grow personally and professionally at Elwood.” The firm helps by offering training, certifi-cation and mentoring options.

Elwood Staffing’s employees can anonymously rate the support and service they receive from corporate staff through monthly surveys. Management is receptive to feedback and engages in dialogue with staff. “Our open door policy lets employees communicate directly with team members and management,” says Stockard. “All members of the leadership team are acces-sible. No one is off limits.”

Staff members have the opportunity to achieve industry certifications paid for by Elwood Staffing. Employees also have access to group learning sessions through Elwood Leadership Academy. Additional specialized training is available through an online learning system.

— TL



MAX CREDIT UNIONCareer tools and classes

MAX Credit Union provides banking and financial services for personal and business clients.

The Montgomery-based company features extensive online banking options designed for convenience and accessibility. MAX’s services include checking and savings accounts, auto and commercial loans, mortgages, insurance and more.

Management works to uphold a sense of community within the credit union. “MAX leadership is fully committed to mean-ingful employee engagement, which drives our growth,” says Vice President of Human Resources Sandra Stenger. “All of

this is centered squarely on our core value pillars of simplicity, integrity and hospitality.”

MAX holds quarterly meetings with executive and department managers. “Our President/CEO is always present to discuss any questions that may arise during the meetings,” says Stenger. MAX also conducts semiannual performance feedback sessions. “All team members have the opportunity to ask questions and receive feedback on past performance, as well as suggestions for improvement,” she continues. A biweekly video blog keeps employees up to date on company news and upcoming events.

The credit union’s comprehensive benefits package covers prescriptions, dental, vision, medical and disability insurance, as well as bonuses, referral rewards and other incentives. “Our 401k retirement program is second to none, with 200 percent contri-bution match on up to 5 percent of the enrolled individual’s an-nual income,” says Stenger. Employees also enjoy generous paid holidays, including birthdays.

Employees also have access to various training options. “Each division of MAX offers formal career paths,” says Stenger. “Our Professional Development department offers a variety of tools and classes to team members wanting to acquire the prerequi-sites for advancement.”

— TL

MAX Credit Union’s LENDOars team poses during Dragon Boat race day.


COLUMBIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITYFamily tradition and education

The vision of Columbia Southern University is to improve lives through education. The 1,104 staff members across the nation go home everyday feeling like they are part of something bigger than themselves.

“We empower students and staff through education,” says Senior Vice President Chantell Cooley. “We also offer quality

education to staff at a 90 percent discount.”The online university was founded in

1993 and offers associate, bachelor and master’s degrees, attracting more than 30,000 students annually. Columbia South-ern University is one of the top 10 schools in the nation for military enrollment.

“We are a humble family with humble beginnings,” says Cooley. “No matter how big we get, we will always remember where we came from and will never lose the fam-ily culture.”

As an employer, Cooley says communica-tion is key to making the staff know its value. Leadership is also not afraid to admit if a mistake has been made. An exercise room, health classes and insurance packages make sure the staff feels good when they come to work. Columbia Southern University also provides a 401k match and paid holidays — including a paid holiday for birthdays.

Says Cooley, “When we get to change a life, there is just nothing like it.”

— LS

HARGROVE ENGINEERS + CONSTRUCTORSOne team, many benefits

In 1995, Ralph Hargrove started Har-grove Engineers + Constructors out of his attic. From that humble start, the Mobile-based company grew into a full-service engineering and construction management firm with 10 offices across the United States.

According to Human Resources Leader Chad Vinson, the leadership at Hargrove Engineers + Construction recognizes that the success of the company is a direct result of the employees. Placards that read “One Team” are displayed over every door in every office across the country. The commitment to the team extends to the family members of each teammate.

“Our teammates have families so our decisions affect their families. The fam-ily members are also part of the team,” Vinson says.

Naturally, the “one team” mentality extends to the clients. Feedback and open communication are encouraged from the team and the clients.

Comprehensive and competitive benefits — life, vision and medical — are available to teammates. Employees also receive discounts on various programs and flexible spending accounts. The health of teammates is paramount, so a strong wellness program is in place at Hargrove Engineers + Constructors. With a strong commitment to each other and the clients, Hargrove Engineers + Constructors at-tracts talent to the team for the long term.

— LS

HALF VERT

PAGE 4C AD


BOYD BROSHiring and keeping the best

In 1956, three brothers decided to bring their farming and truck driving opera-tions together and founded Boyd Brothers Transportation. But the three didn’t stay together for long. Two of the brothers left for other endeavors by 1965, leaving Dempsey Boyd to continue to drive the company to its full potential.

Headquartered in Clayton, Boyd Broth-ers Transportation is a leading flatbed carrier operating primarily in the eastern United States. Not including international subsidies, Boyd Brothers Transportation has about 900 employees who transport time-sensitive steel, lumber, roofing and other materials for construction. While driver turnover has risen throughout the trucking industry for a variety of reasons, non-driver turnover at Boyd Brothers Transportation is low.

Employment development oppor-tunities are offered and employees are promoted from within.

“We believe a company is only as good as its people and we strive to keep our hir-ing standards high,” says Lynn Colley, vice president of human resources.

The employees at Boyd Brothers don’t see their employment as just a job. Work-ers enjoy a wide range of benefits, a well-ness program and a gym. In addition to offering great services safely and economi-cally, the goals of Boyd Brothers include great communication, value and respect for all people. The company’s talented and committed individuals know that they are partners who influence and enjoy the suc-cess of the company.

— LS

Boyd Brothers prides itself on high quality employees with low turnover among office staff.



BEST SMALL-MEDIUM EMPLOYER: SOUTHERN STATES BANK

A full-service community bank, South-ern States Bank specializes in business lending and banking services for small- to medium-sized companies, business own-ers and professionals. Based in Anniston, with additional locations in Birmingham, Opelika and Sylacauga, the bank employs 62 people.

Stephen Whatley, an Alabama na-tive who worked out of state for large corporate banks for more than 40 years, launched Southern States Bank in 2007. His goal was to build a true community bank that would understand and value the needs of modern day customers. Due to widespread mergers and acquisitions in the banking industry, many customers’ only banking options were large national or regional banks. Whatley wanted to build an institution where bankers would know their customers on a first-name ba-sis and would have the flexibility to offer products and services that would fit the

needs of the customers in their commu-nities.

To ensure that the bank is meeting lo-cal needs, it uses local advisory boards in each of its communities. Made up of local business owners and leaders, these boards play an active role in determining how the bank will proceed and where its focus will be. “There is a strong demand, maybe as strong as there has ever been, for indepen-dent banks that are locally owned by the communities that they are in and have in-put and representation from local boards that actually have authority,” Whatley says.

Known as “the Common Sense Bank,” Southern States management emphasiz-es that it is not hung up on systems and policies. Instead, its leaders are focused on building relationships with customers and allowing those relationships and the needs they reveal to dictate the services they provide.

That philosophy has clicked with resi-dents and business owners in the com-munities where the bank operates, as well as with bank employees. As it has grown, Southern States has become known as an attractive employer for those in the bank-ing industry. Its employees enjoy a com-petitive package of health care benefits, along with a generous incentive compen-sation program. But competitive salaries and benefits aren’t the only reasons people want to work there. An array of employee recognition policies and programs ensures that employees always feel appreciated. The company also hosts an annual com-pany picnic at Whatley’s family farm, annual holiday parties at each office and Employee Appreciation Days. For those staff members who want to further their formal education, the bank offers a tuition reimbursement program.

“We have a positive, pleasant work envi-ronment with open, frequent communica-tion and accessibility to the CEO and se-nior management,” says Meredith Nelson, senior vice president of marketing and training. “We offer an attractive and com-petitive benefits package and frequently show employee appreciation.”

— NJ

Southern States employees prepare for race day (left) and enjoy the company picnic (below).

APPRECIATION BEYOND GOOD COMPENSATION




STANDOUTS AMONG SMALL-MEDIUM EMPLOYERS

ALABAMA CREDIT UNIONDedicated training time

From Tuscaloosa and with offices and ATMs throughout the top half of the state, ACU’s mission is clear. “Our objec-tive is to enhance the financial futures of our member-owners through customized

financial products and advice,” says com-pany Marketing Manager Kelley J. Porter. “Our goals are accomplished by deliver-ing exceptional personal service through knowledgeable employees.”

But the Alabama Credit Union doesn’t just train knowledgeable employees; it develops talents, every Wednesday morn-ing. “Wednesday morning sessions are our training development times,” notes Porter. “It includes dedicated classes and discussion for employees to hone skills and take advantage of career opportuni-ties.” ACU has doubled its workforce in five years. As the company grows, so do job advancement opportunities.

Other innovations include high perfor-mance teams. Employees – minus senior management – are assigned important tasks, not busy work, and charged with delivering recommendations for action.

Company news, policy updates and goals are communicated weekly through a newsletter and staff-produced video, viewed by all employees. ACU’s benefit package typically draws the highest rat-ings on internal employee surveys.

— EB

ACU President and CEO Steve Swofford.


PREMIERE BANK OF THE SOUTHGrowth and promotion from within

True to its name, Premiere Bank of the South premiered two new offices within the past year. They now have nine, adhering to the company’s 1987 startup purpose: “To provide the finest products and outstanding service to all those in the community.”

To make it happen, the Cullman-based financial center believes quality service derives from quality employees. They bank on it.

“We run a cordial atmosphere here,” notes Executive Vice President Rusty Payne. “We are bankers who share camaraderie in a safe, comfortable work environment.” Payne adds that Premiere Bank encourages new ideas and when employees share them, management listens.

As for worker advancement: “We are continuing to grow,” Payne says, citing the two recent expansions. “With growth comes opportunity. If you work for us and you can do the job, want it and there’s an opening, it’s yours.”

Premiere Bank emphasizes continu-ous on-the-job training. The company underscores cross-training over multiple job positions. Intense training and a demand for excellence are mixed with a family atmosphere, even applied to busi-ness meetings. “We keep communica-tions open to all employees,” says Payne. “Meetings are casual and as much as possible, enjoyable.”

— EB

Employees make the difference at Premiere Bank of the South.



JAMISONMONEY- FARMER PCFeedback definitely encouraged

In a happy irony, employees of one of the state’s largest accounting firms are more than a number.

Carl C. Jamison founded the company in 1920. Upon Jamison’s death, the com-pany was passed to son, William. Today, based in Tuscaloosa with a 90-member team, the full-service accounting, tax and consulting service is the largest account-ing firm in West Alabama.

Family-style traditions continue. “It is a good family to be in,” says Managing Shareholder Bryan Chandler. “If you’re in a good family, you’re halfway home.”

Each worker is assigned a mentor, who encourages, advises and counsels as needed. “We aggressively seek employee feedback and input,” adds Chandler. “Our people work long hours during tax season and we appreciate it.”

In addition to excellent benefits, JMF offers appreciated company perks like a professionally staffed Saturday daycare during tax season.

Employee communication is vital, and Chandler notes that a company is noth-ing without good employees who are well informed and take ownership of company issues. JMF seeks the best and treats them as such.

As for advancement, company policy is straightforward — if you can do the job, you’ve got it. Continuous learning pro-grams such as webinars, in-house coach-ing and internal and external training are available to all employees. “We don’t just promise a work-life balance,” Chandler says. “We deliver it.”

— EB

HARTMANN, BLACKMON & KILGORE PCSkills beyond the technical

For the past two years, Hartmann, Blackmon & Kilgore PC has been selected as one of the best companies to work for in Alabama. According to Dennis Sherrin, doing the survey helps give management fresh ideas on how to improve.

“We love the survey,” Sherrin says. “It gives us so much feedback.”

The CPA and consulting firm has four offices in southwest Alabama with 48 employees. Clients are all over the United States and Caribbean. Senior partner Xavier Hartman credits the staff with the success of the firm. One person can’t do it all so each member plays an impor-tant part. Leadership makes a point to be genuine with the staff and rise to the challenges that are presented.

Formed in 1990, Hartmann, Blackmon & Kilgore has been working to develop the personnel to be the next generation of leaders. The company culture rests on giving great service to clients and treating staff with respect. Part of the training for staff is to develop skills outside of the technical, including participation in P3 Leadership Academy.

“We care,” Sherrin says. “We can’t do what we do without our people. We’ve put together a great staff.”

— LS


DUNN BUILDING CO.Benefits extend to the field

Founded in 1878 and now in its fifth generation of ownership, Dunn Compa-nies is one of the oldest in the country. Dunn Building Co. is one of seven indi-vidual companies operating under Dunn Companies.

According to Dunn Building Co. President Andrew Edwards, Dunn got into general building in the 1940s during the war. Services include design-build and general contracting in Alabama and the contiguous states. Approximately 130 employees enjoy the unique advantages of working for a small company owned by a larger one. Customers and employees know each other, and capital is available for various projects.

Ten years ago, Dunn Building Co. de-cided to offer benefits to field employees, including paid holidays and vacation in addition to insurance.

“This was an unusual move for the construction industry,” Edwards says. “Those values have paid off.”

Now, in addition to health insurance, vacation and holiday pay, Dunn Build-ing Co. shares the cost of work shirts for employees. They also host two company-wide annual events, a family day in the spring and a holiday luncheon. The holiday luncheon includes the announce-ment of safety awards, service awards and the Dunn Core Values award.

When someone goes to work for Dunn, they know they have a good, safe place to work and earn a living to support their families, Edwards says.

— LS

Employees share a Christmas luncheon at the Southern Museum of Flight.



METLIFE FINANCIAL GROUP OF THE SOUTHUpward mobility companywide

More than 70 million clients around the world use MetLife to help with their financial futures, and MetLife Financial

Group of the South is happy to serve more than 40,000 of those households here in Alabama. The 65 professionals in the Alabama office provide personal-ized financial strategies to families and businesses.

While helping people plan for the future, MetLife employees enjoy flex time

schedules, benefits including medical, dental and prescription, and multiple retirement packages. MetLife matches up to 4 percent of the employees’ 401k contributions, and pension plans are also offered. In addition to competitive com-pensation, employees receive reimburse-ment for tuition and training for career development. Top performances are also rewarded throughout the firm.

An internal site allows employees to find out about open positions within the company. Employees are encouraged to attend conferences and training and apply for jobs to move up within the company.

“Employees have the opportunity to pursue and achieve goals in their professional development through our local training program,” says Marketing Director Susan Miller. “All this provides a superior workplace environment.”

— LS

The MetLife team readies for the Relay for Life.

Documents

2014 BEST COMPANIES TO WORK FOR IN ALABAMAassets-businessalabama-com.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2018/08/... · I-65 Service Rd. N. Mobile, AL 36608 251-338-7707 251-338-7738 communitybank.net