employers of choice 2011

THE COURIERPAGE 2 MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2011www.wcfcourier.com

By JIM OFFNER

[email protected]

CEDAR FALLS — DISTek Integra-tion Inc. employees say they’re not surprised their company was selected as the Cedar Valley’s No. 1 Employer of Choice.

They say they’ve known it all along.

“We’re nearing our 20th year of being in business, and one of our main principles is our com-mitment to our employees,” said Jeff Sandvold, human resources director, one of several employ-ees who nominated DISTek . “In addition to supporting our employees with fl exibility in their work schedule, we also support local organizations fi nancially, as well as have employees who vol-unteer their time.”

He cited the company’s ongo-ing support for the Cedar Falls High School robotics team as an example. But that’s just one item in a long list, Sandvold said.

“Our employee surveys, quar-terly meetings, monthly news-letters and performance reviews provide our employees with feed-back related to their development, as well as how the company is doing fi nancially,” he said. “This also allows our employees to stay current on professional growth opportunities related to training and career advancement.”

Sandy Sutterer, vice presi-dent of operations and a 13-year employee, pointed to the leader-ship of president and CEO Matt Dickinson, who started the com-pany in St. Louis as just a one-person engineering shop. He sets the tone for a company that now employs 85, including 65 in Cedar

Falls, where the company opened an offi ce in 1999.

“Matt is always available to us,” Sutterer said. “Being part of a technology company helps because there’s always email, video conferencing, phone. He makes it priority for him to be there when we need him to be. He comes to town for meetings and other activities.”

The boss, who also comes to the Cedar Falls location frequently, is eminently approachable, Sut-terer added.

“Each of us has a diff erent job but each is necessary to make the company run,” she said. “So there’s not a hierarchy of such. We know matt will support us.”

Perhaps most unusual in that scenario is that Dickinson is based in his home in Carthage, Ill.

“My challenge is, since I’m about 200 miles away, I have to put a lot of trust in my people,” he said. “We have an excellent group. I think respect is extreme-ly important.”

GRUNDY COUNTYMEMORIAL HOSPITALA PARTNER OF ALLEN HOSPITAL

WO-090511021

Employers of Choice testament to region’s business foundation

The Courier’s annual Employ-ers of Choice for 2011 have their own rankings, but that detail should matter little.

The fact that the employees of the 20 companies thought enough of their bosses to shower them with the recognition seems enough.

This is the fourth year The Cou-rier has given the region’s workforce a chance to bring some deserved attention to the people who go well beyond sign-

ing their paychecks. To the nearly 200 workers who nominated their companies as Employers of Choice, the employer-employee dynamic is, in the deepest sense, a partnership.

A panel of representatives from a cross-section of the Cedar Val-ley business community — Chris Harshbarger, of Think ’N Think Inc.; Linda L. Laylin, director of business services/workforce development with the Greater Cedar Valley Alliance; Jeff Kurtz, executive director of Main Street Waterloo; Carol Lilly, executive director of Community Main Street in Cedar Falls; and Aaron Buzza, executive director of the Waterloo Convention & Visitors Bureau — generously donated their time to sift through and thoroughly discuss the small mountain of nominations in a process that determined the region’s top 20 places to work.

As has become common in the young program’s history, the honored employers fell into a variety of sizes, business mod-els and categories. The services or products they off er are many and varied; the common thread they shared was that they rec-ognize their relationships with their own people contribute to the success of each organization.

At each organization, teamwork is a priority, as is the well-being of workers, whether through

personal time, volunteerism or even simple pats on the back for a job well done.

The Courier launched the Employers of Choice program in 2008, in the wake of some of the worst natural disasters to hit this area in recent times. Things have settled down considerably since then, but angst over the economy and higher-than-normal unem-ployment continue to dominate the landscape.

It also provides a stark contrast to the positive stories of Cedar Valley workers . The stock market may be tanking and prices may be rising, but there are legions of content and appreciative workers in the region. That is, perhaps, the most poignant role Employ-ers of Choice plays: a much-needed salve that reminds us the bedrock of the local economy is as solid as ever.

EMPLOYERS OF CHOICE 2011

Management, employers share respect at DISTek

1. DISTek Integration Inc.2. Cedar Falls Utilities3. Cedar Valley Hospice4. CBE Group5. Waverly Health Center6. Bergan Paulsen7. Western Home8. Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare9. NewAldaya10. ME&V 11. Kwik Trip Inc.12. Allen Health System13. A to Z Learning Center & Day Care14. Hellman15. Grundy Center Memorial Hospital16. Advanced Systems17. PDCM Insurance18. Moeller & Walter19. Far Reach Technologies20. Hy-Vee Inc.

EMPLOYERS OF CHOICE20

Jim Offneris the Courier

business editor. Contact him at jim.offner@

wcfcourier.com.

ADDRESS: 6612 Chancellor Drive, Suite 600, Cedar Falls.

PHONE: 859-3600.WEBSITE: www.distek.com.NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 85 .WHAT THE COMPANY DOES:

Embedded software, model-based software design, automated testing and other engineering processes.

HOW IT STANDS OUT IN ITS

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FIELD: “We really seem to stand out with the experience we’ve gotten and the types of work we’ve done,” CEO Matt Dickinson said.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Internship program, mentoring work with Cedar Falls High School’s robotics program, “Casual for a Cause” days fundraisers on select Fridays, fundrais-ing during Christmas holidays.

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DISTEK INTEGRATION INC.NO. 1

RICK CHASE / Courier Staff Photographer

Test engineer Dillon Glissman performs product testing on a DISTek Drive unit at DISTek Integration Inc. in Cedar Falls.

THE COURIER PAGE 3MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2011 www.wcfcourier.com

By CLARA HUDSON

[email protected]

CEDAR FALLS — Cedar Falls Utilities general manager Jim Krieg says he is committed to the success and well-being of CFU employees.

“We strive to create a culture where employees feel valued and appreciated,” he said. “A posi-tive employee is more fulfi lled, more productive, a better team player, a healthier, better person and a better ambassador for the community.”

Positive comments from many CFU employees testify to the implementation of Krieg’s core beliefs and the eff ect it has had on the morale of employees.

“I continue to be amazed by the aff ordability and availabil-ity of the benefi ts, the emphasis that is put on employee health and wellness and just the overall

feeling of being respected and appreciated as a part of the CFU family,” employee Janet Weber said. “Great pride is taken in serving our customers, the citi-zens of Cedar Falls.”

New and existing employees are given a chance to talk about their aspirations for advancement at the municipal utility, Krieg said. Employees can take classes and work in diff erent departments

to prepare themselves to take advantage of opportunity when positions open up.

“Education reimbursement helped me to achieve my MBA,” said Jennifer Giesler, who has been with the company 14 years. She said the work climate that enabled her to plan and pursue a career path with CFU.

Lori Hoff mann, a recent addi-tion to CFU, said there are

opportunities to work on being healthy through a comprehen-sive wellness program as well as have opinions heard through participation on committees .

“As an employer, CFU embod-ies commitment — commitment

to its customers, employees and community,” Hoff mann said.

People care about each other at CFU, said 28-year veteran Jody Connor.

Waterloo | Grundy Center | Independence Waverly | Hospice Home

800.617.1972 | cvhospice.org

Our family of employees at

Cedar Valley Hospice

share compassion in caring

for you and your loved ones.

We are proud to be an

Employer of Choice and

your community hospice

since 1979.

WO-090511017

ADDRESS: 1 Utility Parkway, Cedar Falls.

PHONE: 266-1761.WEBSITE: www.cfu.net.NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 190.WHAT THE COMPANY DOES: CFU

is a municipally owned public utility company serving Cedar Falls.

HOW IT STANDS OUT IN ITS FIELD: In recent years, CFU has aggressively expanded access to its communica-tions services, including cable televi-

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sion and broadband Internet access, which the city promotes as a key factor in its economic-development strategy.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: The utility donated land to form the Cedar Falls Industrial and Technology Park in the late 1960s and invested in a wind-energy project along with six other Iowa municipal utilities in 1998. It continues to work to provide the most effi cient and cost-effective delivery of utility service to its customers.

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CEDAR FALLS UTILITIESNO. 2


CFU employees are plugged into corporate culture

MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor

Employees from many departments of Cedar Falls Utilities meet.

See UTILITIES, page 4


By TINA HINZ

[email protected]

WATERLOO — From her fi rst day on the job, Shannon Melcher rec-ognized an extraordinary level of compassion at Cedar Valley Hospice.

“Our commitment is not only to our patients, but to the organi-zation and each other,” she said. “We give ourselves to our peers, making each one of us feel like a member of a family.”

The nonprofi t agency provides home care to those with life-threatening illnesses, hospice to people with a six-month-or-less prognosis, grief support and case management services for those living with HIV or AIDS and their families. This can leave employees emotionally drained.

Managers want them to know their work is appreciated. Recog-nition luncheons began last year and, as part of a new Star program, patients and co-workers can nominate employees for meeting the organization’s core values .

Executive director Marvin Fager-lind writes personal thank-you notes or individually approaches employees.

Diffi cult work also is balanced with relaxing activities. Dur-ing March Madness, employees wore their favorite team colors for a tailgate potluck. They were off ered free tickets to a Waterloo Bucks baseball game this sum-mer and recently were invited to a bowling party with their families.

“Our kitchen is brimming with

goodies regularly to celebrate anything … even just because it’s Tuesday,” Melcher wrote on her nomination form.

Off -site retreats are a combina-tion of education and fun, accord-ing to human resources director Katie Unland. A staff meeting may include food or a dessert bar. Cedar Valley Hospice Home employees provide around-the-clock care and rotate who can attend.

Generous time off allows employees to tend to their own lives . New hires receive three weeks of vacation and two weeks of sick leave in the fi rst year. They earn a day shy of four weeks start-ing the second year. Sick time can be used to take care of parents, a spouse or a child.

“The fl exibility of my schedule

allows me to put my family fi rst,” Krista Mulder said. “When need-ing to call in sick for myself or my family, I don’t have to feel guilty.”

The benefi ts exceed any major

employer in the area, added 18-year employee Laurie McCallum.

“Right now I have one sending a girl off to college and two off because their kids start school,” said director of advancement Mary Alfrey. “That’s where they should be.”

Personal relationships may be attributed to a low turnover rate. According to Unland, the agency’s

137 employees have a combined 902 years of service. Those who leave often ask to remain working on call.

“Cedar Valley Hospice not only talks the talk, but also walks the walk,” employee Chris Olds said. “I believe our employees are so passionate about the work they do because Cedar Valley Hospice is so passionate about us.”

A Big THANK YOU to Our Employees and Clients

for Making Us an Employer of Choice in the Cedar Valley!

www.pdcm.com

/ 3927 UNIVERSITY AVENUE / WATERLOO, IOWA 50701 800.373.2821 TOLL FREEWO-090511013


CEDAR VALLEY HOSPICENO. 3ADDRESS: 2101 Kimball Ave., Suite

401, Waterloo. Other locations include Grundy Center, Independence and Waverly.

PHONE: 272-2002 and (800) 626-2360.

WEBSITE: www.cvhospice.org.NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 137.WHAT THE COMPANY DOES: The

nonprofi t agency provides hospice ser-vices to 14 counties in Northeast Iowa. Hospice services are available to any-one regardless of their age, diagnosis or

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ability to pay. HOW IT STANDS OUT IN ITS FIELD:

More than 30 years of experience in providing compassionate, quality care; hospice staff is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week should a crisis arise .

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Grief support available for anyone in the community; provides education to busi-nesses, churches, schools and organi-zations as a leader in end-of-life issues; provides crisis intervention in schools .

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Cedar Valley Hospice mission spills over to employees

TIFFANY RUSHING / Courier Staff Photographer

Cedar Valley Hospice takes pride in longtime employees including, from left, Paula Steimel, Barb Schafer, Sue Seng, June Eachus, Lauri McCallum, Liz Gott and Lois Fluette.

“When disaster strikes an employee whether a health issue for an employee or family member or devastation from fi re or fl ood, CFU employees rally around the employee with monetary and/or physical help,” Connor said.

Employees said they appreciate the opportunity to participate in the business — asking questions, voicing concerns and feeling like

integral parts of CFU. “If we want them to be good

ambassadors,” Krieg said, “they have to know what’s going on. We always stress at meetings that everything we do has to sup-port our mission to be innova-tive in enhancing services to the community, provide more cost-eff ective services and embrace the core values — customer sat-isfaction, employee enthusiasm, fi scal responsibility — which employees bring into the CFU culture.”

UTILITIESFrom page 3


WO-090511007

By NANCY JUSTIS

[email protected]

WATERLOO — The old standard that says your own employees are the greatest public relations tool for your company certainly holds true for The CBE Group.

If there is one common theme resonating with those who work for the company, it’s that manage-ment makes an eff ort in keeping its workforce happy and invested and the jobs performed executed ethically and professionally.

Not the way you would think business is done by a collection agency, which calls up visions of nasty phone conversations rid-dled with threats.

“I have never worked for a com-pany that made such a huge eff ort to make a diff erence in the lives of not only the employees they have, but the community around us, as well as the clients we serve,” said Client Service Advocate Judy Goodrich. “CBE Group not only makes sure every employee knows the company’s core val-ues, but they live it as well.”

President and CEO Tom Penaluna said CBE is “committed to employee satisfaction above all else. (We) purchased a larger facility late last year that off ers employees more amenities such as a workout facility, bigger break room and walking trail.”

CBE also provides “The 7 Hab-its of Highly Eff ective People” training for every employee.

“The number one objective is employee partnership,” Penaluna said. “Our employees are truly the most valuable asset of CBE. Our philosophy is to hire the best people we can and make sure they are in the ‘right seat on the bus’ and have the tools to be eff ective. We let them know we care about them not only as an employee, but as a human being.”

Penaluna said the company always looks to promote “from within. In 2007, (we) formed a dedicated department, Organi-zational Development, exclusive to employee development, both personally and professionally.”

Programs in place to facilitate

development include CBE Uni-versity, which provides training in topics varying from Excel to time management and commu-nication skills; Team Develop-ment, which takes an approach to developing the individual while also building relationships across departments; and Management Development, which off ers sev-eral programs equipping employ-ees with the technical and soft skills needed to advance to the next level of leadership upon promotion.

“CBE makes you feel like you matter and that your job is impor-tant in the growth of the com-pany,” said longtime employee Leslie Steimel. “Other places of employment I have worked made you feel like you were always replaceable rather than encour-aging you to be a part of the future with them.”

“I feel like I can take ownership in the company and what it stands for,” said Goodrich. “In other jobs I guess I just never found that comfort anywhere else.”

The in-house culture also is a focus of the community. “CBE believes so strongly in servant leadership that we encourage employees to volunteer in the community,” Penaluna said. “We are diligent in our eff orts to create a culture that is focused on others and ‘doing the right thing.’”

Last year, CBE’s employees donated an average of $6,000 per month to local charities via their “Jeans for Charities” program where people pay to get to wear jeans to work. Nearly $100,000 was raised for other community self-help programs. Employees also have challenged each other in their “pay it forward” program

where departments volunteer time, money, toys and food to families or services in need. All in addition to the organizations helped which are listed above in the box.

Steimel said the time off and fl exibility allows employees to attend family events or emergen-cies when needed.

“CBE understands and works to accommodate personal situa-tions,” Steimel said.

“CBE encourages a healthy

work-life balance,” Penaluna added. “We understand that life happens. The work environment at CBE is fast paced, fun, exciting

and challenging all in one. (We) off er Cedar Valley job seekers big company opportunities with a small company feel.”

THE CBE GROUPNO. 4ADDRESS: 1309 Technology Park-

way, Cedar Falls.PHONE: 234-6686.WEBSITE: www.cbegroup.com.NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 1,000.WHAT THE COMPANY DOES: Pro-

vides a wide range of collection solu-tions to organizations nationwide.

HOW IT STANDS OUT IN ITS FIELD: CBE is a leader in the collection

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industry via innovative technology and advanced analytical resources while treating every call in the highest ethi-cal manner.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Volunteer activities include United Way, Habitat for Humanity, Partners in Education, Junior Achievement and the Leader in Me, among other fundraising activities.

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Happy employees reap rewards for CBE Group

RICK CHASE / Courier Staff Photographer

CBE Group employees gather for their monthly recap meeting and present awards to employees for their efforts. Pictured are Shelli Alstat and Jon Primus.



By KRISTIN GUESS

[email protected]

WAVERLY — Heidi Solheim has watched her fellow employees nearly double in her seven years at Waverly Health Center.

“I think we’ve grown in a good way. There’s very few people you pass in the hallway you don’t know,” she said. “Even though we’re bigger, we still have the feel of a smaller organization.”

When Solheim took the position as director of community rela-tions, there were 240 employees, compared with the 431 currently employed.

New faces bring in new ideas and WHC makes sure the employees are involved in any initiatives and decision-making opportunities, according to Marketing Specialist Augusta Sires.

Employees are encouraged to participate in councils and com-

mittees focused on everything from patient safety to creating a healing environment to encourag-ing volunteer eff orts.

And it does not stop at the hos-pital. Employees have hosted or presented at more than 140 diff er-ent community events.

“That’s what we do from our perspective of community health. We are in the schools, we’re in the service agencies trying to partner

with other community members and organizations,” Solheim said.

Within the hospital there is a sense of fellowship and friendli-ness among employees.

“Everyone is so friendly and respectful to each other,” said Linda Hansen, materials manager. “There is zero tolerance for anyone that treats someone else badly.”


WAVERLY HEALTH CENTERNO. 5ADDRESS: 312 Ninth St. SW,

Waverly.PHONE: 352-4120.WEBSITE: www.waverlyhealthcen-

ter.org.NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 431.WHAT THE COMPANY DOES: Wa-

verly Health Center is a critical access hospital that serves Bremer, Butler and Chickasaw counties. The hospital offers a variety of outpatient and inpatient services .

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HOW IT STANDS OUT IN ITS FIELD: Offers a variety of unique patient-cen-tered services and involves employees in many initiatives and decision-making opportunities.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Par-ticipating in many community programs and events; fostering partnerships with local organizations, including commu-nity health and wellness screens; pro-viding free health-focused presentations at the hospital and local establishments.

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WHC still has close-knit feel


Pharmacist Betsie Frey of Waverly Health Center stocks a labor-and-delivery kit.See WAVERLY, page 7


As a Planetree patient-cen-tered hospital, WHC not only focuses on patients but employ-ees as well, according to Cathy Wilson-Sands, associate direc-tor of nursing practice.

The Grateful Patient Program acknowledges employees who received a special thanks from patients as well as a WAVE pro-gram where employees send notes of appreciation to each

other and receive points.“Everybody has values that

they talk about, but this is prob-ably one of the only employers where I know what they are,” Wilson-Sands said.

Betsie Frey, a staff pharma-cist, nominated WHC for The Courier’s Employer of Choice survey because she has been encouraged to continue her professional development since employment.

“It’s really made me strive to do more education on my own, and I have started being more active in

our state pharmacy association, and I’ve worked on restarting a local pharmacy association,” she said.

A career ladder program con-tains criteria for employees to meet certain goals, including continuing education, giving presentations, and taking part in community events.

“It’s kind of like a second fami-ly there. You spend so much time at work, and you don’t necessar-ily feel like that because you’re just going to your other family,” Frey said.

70

WO-090511015

WAVERLYFrom page 6


By JOHN MOLSEED

[email protected]

WATERLOO — Before Cori Power became the human resources director at Bergan Paulsen, she had preconceived notions many have about an accounting fi rm.

“You have a mind-set of a stuff y atmosphere,” she said.

Those notions didn’t match the reality.

“It’s not like that at all,” Power said, adding employees there balance working hard with hav-ing a good time.

Staff also get fl exible hours that work around family and personal schedules.

During tax season, it helps accountants meet the needs of their clients.

“If someone’s a morn-ing person, they can come in at 5 (a.m.),” Power said. “Just to have the option of working when you’re most productive, that’s really helpful.”

Michelle Weber, tax director at Bergan Paulsen, has worked at the fi rm for 27 years and said the fl exible schedule has been a factor in why she has stayed with the company.

Employees can also fi nd the position they want in the com-pany. Accountants work in var-ious fi elds to fi nd their areas of interest and, eventually, expertise.

“We just say get your expe-rience in everything and then

make your decision,” Power said.

The company off ers the train-ing to attain those specializa-tions, said David Happel, fi rm president.

“I think it helps us retain per-sonnel,” Happel said. “If they prefer auditing, prefer tax, pre-fer consulting there are oppor-

tunities to do that.”“Plus, with specialization, we

can off er our clients something they might not get somewhere else,” Power said.

Happel worked his way up in the company since fi rst start-ing as one of the CPAs. Now the company has more than 50 and offi ces in Waterloo, Cedar Falls,

Cedar Rapids and Iowa City.Each year new college gradu-

ates get their start. Newcom-ers are paired with a veteran in an employee mentor program. They also create a three-year career plan, Happel said.

Turnover at similar firms would be around 17 percent, based on national averages. Turnover at Bergan Paulsen

stays in the single digits, Hap-pel said.

The location in downtown Waterloo is another plus for employees. The offi ces overlook the Cedar River and are sur-rounded by a resurgent down-town environment.

“This block is a great venue for what’s going on on the river and downtown,” Happel said.

BERGAN PAULSENNO. 6ADDRESS: 100 E. Park Ave., Wa-

terloo.PHONE: 234-6885.WEBSITE: www.berganpaulsen.

com.NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 75.WHAT THE COMPANY DOES: Certi-

fi ed public accounting and consulting.HOW IT STANDS OUT IN ITS

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FIELD: Flexible hours, positions tailored to staffers’ individual talents, close working relationships with cli-ents, mentoring program, a passion for serving clients, problem solving.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Serv-ing on nonprofi t boards, ranging from Main Street Waterloo to Allen Hospital board and many others.

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Flexibility a key to success at Bergan Paulsen

BRANDON POLLOCK / Courier Staff Photographer

Michelle Weber, director of taxes at Bergan Paulsen, enjoys a view of downtown Waterloo from her offi ce.

THE COURIERPAGE 8 MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2011www.wcfcourier.comEMPLOYERS OF CHOICE 2011

www.hellman.com

Dear Friends of Hellman,

It is with humble hearts that we thank you for helping

us become one of the top 20 Employers of Choice

in the Cedar Valley.

Thank you to our valued employees, whose creativity and

passion are unmatched; to our loyal clients, whose diligent

care and concern for their brands inspires us daily; and to

our generous community members, who have extended

hands in friendship and helped us thrive for over 45 years.

Sincerely,

Bob Hellman Sr.

S nn e e y,y,

WO-090511005

By JON ERICSON

[email protected]

CEDAR FALLS — Some compa-nies off er fantastic fi tness plans.

Others excite their employees with the possibility of extrava-gant bonuses.

And then there’s the West-ern Home Communities, where management makes employees feel special by treating them like people, not numbers.

“We know the resources are human resources,” said Western Home Chief Executive Offi cer Kris Hansen. Employees had a number of reasons for nomi-nating the Western Home as an Employer of Choice. Chief among them was the care shown to them by supervisors, from Hansen and Chief Operating Offi cer Jerry Harris all the way down the line.

For example, Linda Hudwalker Bowman started out as commu-nications offi cer at the Western Home in April 2010. On her fi rst day of work, her mother had a heart attack. Hansen insisted she could leave anytime she needed to, and two days later she went to St. Louis to be with her mother.

“When life happens outside of work, employees get hospital

visits, cards, fl owers, food and incredible support. It’s a tangible expression of what’s actually in the mission statement: WHC exists to create fulfi lling lifestyles for residents and employees,” she said.

Diane Loftus works as a super-visor at the Stanard Family Assisted Living Center. She’s had similar experiences during try-ing times. She felt the support when her son was deployed to Afghanistan. When her husband spent time in Iowa City with an advanced form of skin cancer, the chaplains brought her comfort food and both Harris and Hansen visited her husband.

“I hope and pray I treat my people in the same manner,” Lof-tus said.

The Western Home has grown exponentially in recent years as its southern campus off of South Main Street keeps building more units to accommodate seniors in various stages of life. To Han-sen, the company has stayed the same throughout by placing an emphasis on the customers. To do that well, the company has to have employees who feel valued.


Velma Parsons, a cook at Windhaven, prepares barbecued chicken for lunch on the Western Home campus in Cedar Falls.

See WESTERN, page 9

Western Home employees are treated like individuals


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5110

19

growing family of bright, passionate and dedicated employees for helping DISTek®

become the #1 Employer of Choice! You are the reasonfor this honor!

Thank you to our

SANDY, MATT, AND JEREMYSANDY, MATT, AND JEREMY

WESTERN HOME COMMUNITIESNO. 7ADDRESS: 420 E. 11th St., Cedar

Falls.PHONE: 277-2141.WEBSITE: www.westernhomecom-

munities.org.NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 500.WHAT THE COMPANY DOES: Offers

a full continuum of services to those 55 and older: active lifestyle villas and town-homes, retirement communities, assisted living, nursing care and in-home care.

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HOW IT STANDS OUT IN ITS FIELD: Very few organizations for seniors in the U.S. have the longevity or size of Western Home Communities, a local non-profi t for 99 years with 760 residents on two campuses.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: In addition to leaders serving on various community boards, the Friends of the Western Home Communities support the group.

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“It’s not about us or the leader-ship really. It’s about the culture, the environment we create and the employees create,” Hansen said. “It’s good to have great facil-ities, but it’s all about taking care of residents and quality of life.”

Hansen said the company’s fi rst

customers are the employees. Kim Schilling began working for

the Western Home 10 years ago. Since then she has earned two degrees, gotten married and had a child. Most of her peers have held four or fi ve jobs during that time frame, but Schilling doesn’t feel a need to move on.

“WHC is an employer of choice because once you have a job you want to stay,” Schilling said.

WESTERNFrom page 8


By EMILY CHRISTENSEN

[email protected]

WATERLOO — Terri Derfl ing-er has three scrapbooks full of cards she’s received since being diagnosed with breast cancer in March.

A large poster wishing her well graces her living room wall.

Her refrigerator is often full of food she didn’t have to cook.

The texts, emails and kind comments in the hallway num-ber too many to count.

And much of it came from the clinic director’s co-work-ers in the Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare system.

“When the CEO (Jack Dusen-bery) heard about it he said, ‘If there is anything I can do, I will do it. We just need you to be bet-ter and back,’” Derfl inger said.

“They have allowed me to be off during my treatment and the other directors have picked up my work so I would have a job to come back to.”

It was that unending sup-port that prompted Derfl inger to nominate the system — her friends and former co-workers

from Mercy Hospital in Oelwein have also stepped up to help — to be honored as one of The Courier’s Employers of Choice.

“There has been so much teamwork in planning the event of my journey,” Derfl inger said, adding that family and her

community have also off ered

their support throughout the process.

Anne Pelc, Derfl inger’s friend and a pharmacist at Mercy in Oelwein, said her supervisors even did their best to rearrange Pelc’s schedule so she could be with her friend during some chemotherapy sessions.

Pelc had off ered to take Der-

fl inger to a chemo session, but at the last minute the date was changed. Pelc called her super-visors about the change in plans and they did everything they could to ensure that Pelc could shuttle Derfl inger to the Cove-nant Cancer Treatment Center.

WHEATON FRANCISCAN HEALTHCARENO. 8ADDRESS: 3421 W. Ninth St.,

Waterloo.PHONE: 272-8000.WEBSITE: www.WheatonIowa.org.NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 2,671.WHAT THE COMPANY DOES:

Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare is an integrated health care network including Covenant Medical Center in Waterloo, Sartori Memorial Hospi-tal in Cedar Falls, Mercy Hospital in Oelwein, Covenant Cancer Treatment Center in Waterloo and Covenant Clinic .

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HOW IT STANDS OUT IN ITS FIELD: Covenant Cancer Treatment Center is the only accredited cancer treatment center with radiation oncol-ogy and the only level-two trauma center in the Cedar Valley .

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: This past year, the company provided more than $13.5 million in benefi ts to the community in the form of Charity Care, public programs, community health services, fi nancial contribu-tions, and subsidized, education and community building activities.

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Employee-turned-patient attests to Wheaton Franciscan’s care


Terri Derfl inger, left, gets a bouquet of fl owers from her daughter, Tia Derfl inger, as Terri gets her last chemotherapy treatment at Covenant Cancer Treatment Center in Waterloo.

See WHEATON, page 10


WO-090511018

“They even said I could have come to Covenant and worked for the day if I couldn’t get it off ,” she said.

But Derfl inger isn’t the only one with this kind of story.

In her nomination form, Jo Sienknecht said the senior leadership team strives to meet the needs of employees.

“They truly live by our mis-sion, vision and values,” she

said. “One of the things I am most

impressed with is the support they demonstrate when you have family issues.

“I have had more than one manager say to me that ‘family comes fi rst.’”

WHEATONFrom page 9

By NANCY JUSTIS

[email protected]

CEDAR FALLS — It has been said it takes a village to raise a child. It also can be said it takes a village to care for others in need.

The staff and residents at NewAldaya Lifescapes, formerly Cedar Falls Lutheran Home, take the village and family theme to heart, as evidenced in the name change. NewAldaya is a made-up word based on the Latin word “aldaya,” which means village. “Lifescapes” is a buzz word in the senior living industry that better explains the full-service options off ered within the organization.

“I believe people really do ‘live better’ at NewAldaya and it’s because we have such a great staff ,” said Annie VanderWerff , NewAldaya’s director of fund development for the past four years. “As a retirement commu-nity, we work with real people living real lives. We invest in training, continuing education and laddering opportunities for our staff .

“We diligently work to get the right people in the right posi-tion working from the belief that matching individuals’ talents and

gifts with their working roles is the most eff ective way of caring for others.”

Laura Brady, who moved into the full-time position of director of programming three years ago following a three-month intern-ship, says there is a “sense of fam-ily” throughout the organization.

“There are many different departments and areas individu-als may work but we are all an important piece to the puzzle and without one of those pieces the picture is not complete,” she said.

“We are all diff erent but the same in one very important aspect; we are all here to serve others. When you have a fam-ily of individuals that have dedi-cated their lives to serve others, there isn’t anything that could out shine.”

Jeanne Mentel has worked at NewAldaya two years as a rec-reation therapist and volun-teer coordinator. “NewAldaya is always embarking on a new adventure (Main Street, i.e.) and really listens to our residents and what they want out of their community.

Community, expertise key concepts for NewAldaya


Julie Nichols helps Ken Meyer, left, work on climbing stairs, and Hanft Richard has help from Joanna Koudele, right, with his walker during physical therapy at NewAldaya in Cedar Falls.

See NEWALDAYA, page 11



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WO-090511024WO-090511024

“Previous long-term care settings that I have worked for sometimes found themselves caught up in making constant budget cuts, employee cuts, whereas NewAldaya sees a need

and fi lls it.” NewAldaya management rec-

ognizes the needs of its staff as well as of its residents.

“Investing in our staff is the catalyst to success,” VanderW-erff said. “There is truth in what they say that knowledge is power. The more we know, the better equipped we are to do our jobs.”

NEWALDAYA LIFESCAPESNO. 9ADDRESS: 7511 University Ave.,

Cedar Falls.PHONE: 268-0401.WEBSITE: www.newaldaya.org.NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 335.WHAT THE COMPANY DOES: A

senior living facility that enhances lives “through a commitment to individual-ized care in a home empowered by God’s love.”

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HOW IT STANDS OUT IN ITS FIELD: Offers a myriad of living choices ranging from retirement, skilled nursing and pal-liative care with a family and hometown feel .

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Staff and residents participate in the Alzheimer’s Association walks; hosts its own Promise Run; joins Partners in Edu-cation to support families and children.

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NEWALDAYAFrom page 10

By KAREN HEINSELMAN

[email protected]

CEDAR FALLS — It’s been a busy week at the offi ce and Friday is fast approaching. Employees at ME&V Advertising & Consult-ing are hard at work completing projects, meeting with clients and making deadlines in order to make the most of the last few weekends of summer.

At ME&V, employees are allowed to front-load their work weeks in July and August to enjoy half-day Fridays. The benefi ts are two-fold: productivity increases and, in return, employees get to enjoy a long weekend.

“It’s very motivating to every-one,” said marketing writer Jen-nifer Kramer Williams. “We are also appreciative of it, and the little extra time during the summer to spend with your family is great.”

Employees at ME&V say their employer doesn’t just claim to be family and employee friendly. They can point to policies, practices and attitudes that clearly illustrate this value.

In the past year, ME&V experi-enced a baby boom — 10 infants in 12 months, said Sarah Albertson, an account executive and director of health care marketing. Unfortu-nately, many employees and their loved ones have also faced serious

health problems, she added.“The owners understand that

you can’t give 100 percent to your job if you are worrying about health issues,” Albertson wrote in her nomination. “They give com-plete fl exibility and in return, the employees give back.”

When emergencies or spe-cial occasions crop up — births, snow days, sick kids, school events — employees are encouraged to arrange their schedule to balance work and family.

Being good to employees makes sense from a business standpoint, said Bryan Earnest, president of

ME&V. He considers the people who make up ME&V to be the company’s greatest asset.

“When we are at our best per-sonally, professionally, we can do the absolute best work for our cli-

ents,” Earnest said.From providing free YMCA

memberships to employees and their families to participat-ing in volunteer opportunities in the community, ME&V wants employees to be “happy, healthy, have a great peace of mind, take care of all the other things in life so that they can focus on being cre-ative and producing results for our clients,” Earnest said.

ME&V also rewards results. The “Electrifying Employees” program

allows co-workers to nominate one another for a job well done. Perks include a prime parking spot, one day of paid time off and a $25 gift certifi cate, Albertson said.

Company offi cials allow employ-ees to learn new skills and can develop a career path within the company according to their inter-ests and talents.

“I think they are good at fi nd-ing people’s strengths and letting them go in that direction,” Albert-son said.

ME&VNO. 10ADDRESS: 6711 Chancellor Drive,

Cedar Falls.PHONE: 268-9151.WEBSITE: www.MEandV.com.NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 37.WHAT THE COMPANY DOES: ME&V

is a full-service marketing fi rm and fundraising consultancy.

HOW IT STANDS OUT IN ITS FIELD: ME&V is recognized in Iowa and throughout the country as a leader in

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providing marketing and fundraising solutions for health care, higher educa-tion, fi nancial and nonprofi t organiza-tions.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: ME&V is actively involved with United Way, Junior Achievement, the American Cancer Society, Allen Foundation, the Northeast Iowa Food Bank, the Wa-terloo-Cedar Falls Symphony and the Greater Cedar Valley Alliance.

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Employee appreciation leads to electrifying results at ME&V


Michele Jensen, right, and Tiffi ni Kieler, employees at ME&V, work out at the YMCA in Waterloo in a Super Circuit class.



Thank You to Our Employees for Being MORE Than Bean Counters.

www.berganpaulsen.comtwitter.com/berganpaulsenWO-090511004


BY KARYN SPORY

[email protected]

WATERLOO — For Karen Hors-fall, Kwik Trip Inc. is more than a workplace; it’s family.

“You get attached to your co-workers and some of the customers that come in every day or two or three times a day become a part of your family,” Horsfall said.

Kwik Trip, a family-owned company, was established in 1965 in Eau Claire, Wis., by the Zietlow family. Kwik Trip now operates in three states with 410 stores, which are called Kwik Star in Iowa.

Horsfall has been an employee at Kwik Trip for 13 years now.

“I’ve heard so many other people complain about their jobs and how their employ-ers don’t care about them, and I really don’t have that com-plaint. They care about us as people.”

That kind of compassion comes from a family-owned company that sets its core val-ues on honesty and integrity.

According to John McHugh, manager of corporate commu-nications, prospective employ-ees are asked three questions at

the beginning of their interview — “What’s the last random act of kindness you’ve done? How have you made a diff erence in

someone’s life? Have you treat-ed others as you would like to be treated?”

Once hired, employees are off ered competitive wages, fl ex-ible hours and benefi ts includ-ing health, dental, and vision. Employees receive a 401(k) and 40 percent profi t sharing — and that’s pretax.

Two years ago Kwik Trip began giving employees with 20-plus years of service four week paid sabbatical. “We have a lot of co-workers with more than 20 years (of service), which is not common in retail,” McHugh said.

Kwik Trip also has an orga-nization called Family Helping

Families. According to McHugh, co-

workers can elect to have a cer-tain amount of money taken out of their paycheck, which then goes into an internal fund.

The fund is there to help employees that are going though a rough patch, wheth-er it’s helping co-workers pay medical bills or picking up the pieces after a fl ood.

“Every year we have a year-end meeting and the Zietlows are there greeting us. They want to meet their employees, they want to thank everybody for everything they’ve done. They are just a very caring company,” Horsfall said.

KWIK TRIP INC.NO. 11ADDRESS: 1626 Oak St., La

Crosse, Wis.PHONE: (608) 781-8988.WEBSITE: www.kwiktrip.com.NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 9,750.WHAT THE COMPANY DOES: Con-

venience store chain.HOW IT STANDS OUT IN ITS FIELD:

Quality of co-workers; vertical integra-

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tion — the company owns its produc-tion facilities and distribution system, so it can cut out intermediaries.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Polar Plunge for Special Olympics, Honor Flights for World War II veterans, Fami-lies Helping Families and scholarships for high school- and college-aged employees.

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Kwik Trip about family, not just convenience


Emily O’Connell helps a customer check out at Kwik Star on West Ninth Street in Waterloo.

By TIM JAMISON

[email protected]

WATERLOO — While much has changed over the years when it comes to hospital rules, medi-cine and patient care, Barb McLavey said Allen Health System has continued to pro-vide a stable work environment and meet the needs of both its patients and workforce.

“When I started as a student at Allen Memorial Hospital 37 years ago, I never dreamt that I would still be working here today,” McLavey, one of more than 40 Allen Health System workers who nominated the company as an Employer of Choice in the Cedar Valley this year.

“But I many times refl ect that I never dread going to work,” she said.

“I have always enjoyed the challenges of my job, my family of co-workers, and the chance to help make a positive diff er-ence in someone’s health.”

Many of Allen Health Sys-tem’s 1,900 employees spread throughout the hospital, several clinics and the Allen College nursing school share McLavey’s support of their employer.

ALLEN HEALTH SYSTEMNO. 12ADDRESS: 1825 Logan Ave.,

Waterloo.PHONE: 235-3941.WEBSITE: www.allenhospital.org.NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 1,902.WHAT THE COMPANY DOES:

Provides health care at Allen Hospital, United Medical Park, Prairie Medi-cal Park, Allen College, Iowa Health Physicians, Grundy County Memorial Hospital and Community Memorial Hospital in Sumner.

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HOW IT STANDS OUT IN ITS FIELD: Allen Hospital cares for more inpa-tients, outpatients, emergency patients and heart patients than any other hospital in the Cedar Valley.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Al-len Hospital provided $15.9 million in community benefi ts in 2010 . Allen sponsors and staffs three free clinics and participates in more than 100 community organizations and events each year.

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Allen Health fosters happy workers

See ALLEN HEALTH, page 13


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WO-090511011


They note AHS encourag-es professional development and is large enough to off er room for advancement in the organization.

Management keeps employ-ees abreast of and involved in company’s direction while rec-ognizing and rewarding excep-tional work. And care is taken to consider an employee’s fam-ily and personal needs through fl exible scheduling and other measures.

Meanwhile, many noted the work is rewarding because it often involves interacting with and helping others.

“When visitors come to Allen they notice the friendliness of the associates who will greet them in the hallway and off er to show them to their desti-nation,” said employee Jan Erpelding. “To me, this indi-cates … happy employees who carry out our core values. Allen is a great place to work and has

employees who have worked there for a long time, another sign of happy employees.”

Pam Flanders has worked at Allen a long time — starting as a registered nurse in 1968 and planning to retire next March as director of social work services.

“Every single day has been a challenge, and its so stim-ulating,” Flanders said of her job. “You get to interact with

so many individuals and fami-lies as such signifi cant points in their life.”

Flanders is also example of Allen’s commitment to employ-ee advancement. She was able to return to college for a degree in social work.

Jim Waterbury, vice president of institutional advancement at Allen Hospital, noted upper management presents four

open forums each year to let employees hear how things are going .

“Allen cares about associates

and their families and looks for ways for people to balance work and family life,” Water-bury said.


Erika Leonard, right, a cardiac rehab nurse, helps Jim Derifi eld of Waterloo with his rehabilitation at Allen Hospital.

By AMIE STEFFEN

[email protected]

CEDAR FALLS — For nearly 15 years, Shirley Klapprodt has worked with the littlest of little ones, watching infants in the day care she works at each day and watching them grow up in the program.

“What’s not to love about the nursery? They’re adorable,” she said.

But Klapprodt has other rea-sons for staying as long as she has at A to Z Learning Center and Day Care’s Cedar Falls loca-tion — namely, her bosses.

They’ve taken her and other employees on trips and get-togethers, including a yearly Lost Island Waterpark excursion, and they helped her with time off and other needs when her hus-band died.

“They’ve been so good to me,” Klapprodt said.

It’s A to Z’s appreciation for its employees that gives the compa-ny a No. 13 ranking in this year’s Employers of Choice list.

The company began in 1991 with the University Avenue location in Cedar Falls, said A to Z executive director Christine York.

Since then, it has expanded to three more locations in Water-loo and now includes around 86 employees serving 400 to 450 children in the Cedar Valley. They provide care and education to infants through older children and provide preschool to those

age 2 through 5.York said giving employees

incentives makes them hap-pier and keeps them close-knit with other employees — the idea being to lessen turnover.

“What makes a child care isn’t me sitting in the offi ce doing my paperwork. It’s them (employ-ees), out there,” she said.

Full-time employees are eli-gible for paid vacations and holi-days off , and if they are able to go 90 days without calling in sick, they earn a personal day. That’s because employees that are there every day are necessary for the

amount of children who come through the doors.

“In our business, it’s all about ratios,” York said.

More than that, though, her business is about keeping employees for the long term.

“I think it helps keep employ-ees over a long period of time,

if you treat people the way you want to be treated yourself,” she said.

That, says Klapprodt, is why she stays.

“It’s just that (York) has a big heart,” she said. “I’ve seen a lot of employees come and go, and she has been there for me.”

A TO Z LEARNING CENTER AND DAY CARENO. 13ADDRESS: 4828 University Ave.,

Cedar Falls .PHONE: 266-6755.WEBSITE: www.atozlearningcenter-

anddaycare.com.NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 86.WHAT THE COMPANY DOES:

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Provide learning services, preschool ages 2-5 year round, day care services, infant care, school-age program that provides transportation to area schools .

HOW IT STANDS OUT IN ITS FIELD: Quality care, employee incentives/ap-preciation.

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A to Z Day Care covers employee and child care needs


Lead teachers Brittany Heuer, left, and Staci Wittenburg work with children at A to Z Learning Center and Day Care in Waterloo.

ALLEN HEALTHFrom page 12

THE COURIERPAGE 14 MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2011www.wcfcourier.comEMPLOYERS OF CHOICE 2011

WO-090511020

By JIM OFFNER

[email protected]

WATERLOO — Bob Hellman Sr., a self-admitted baseball nut, has attracted headlines in recent years for building ballparks for Cedar Valley youth.

What employees at Hellman — a Waterloo-based advertising and marketing agency which marked its 45th anniversary in business this year — want people to know is that their president and CEO is equally devoted to building a workplace they love to come to every day.

“Hellman is my second home,” said Alyssa Becthold, vice presi-dent of public relations with the company.

“It’s the place where I’ve learned to be a PR practitioner, here I’ve made mistakes and where I’ve earned great successes. And it’s the

place that I come to every morning knowing that I am surrounded by teammates that truly care about

my personal well-being.”That’s exactly as it should be Bob

Hellman said.

“We’re obviously in a people business,” he said.

“So, to me, having been in the marketing business all my career, I’ve learned the value of working with talented people. People are a product, so to speak, and we work very hard at taking very good care of our people.”

Hellman said strong connections to his employees are the founda-tion of his business.

“This is a relationship business not only with our clients but with our people,” he said.

“I value that relationship with

our people immensely. I’ve often considered most everybody in our fi rm as part of my family. I hope at the end of the day, I’ve treated them that way.”

Hellman’s Build Our Ballpark is committed to helping build new ballparks and improve existing ballparks to ensure kids have a quality place to play, Hellman said.

Since being incorporated as a nonprofi t in 2008, Build Our Ballpark has raised more than $500,000.

HELLMANNO. 14ADDRESS: 1225 W. Fourth St.,

Waterloo.PHONE: 234-7055.WEBSITE: www.hellman.com.NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 36.WHAT THE COMPANY DOES: Adver-

tising, marketing and public relations.

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HOW IT STANDS OUT IN ITS FIELD: The quality of talent working for the company.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Build Our Ballpark, active support of Junior Achievement, Irish Fest, pro bono ac-tivities around the Cedar Valley.

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Hellman: Building a ‘second home’ at work


Daryl Sanders, a senior art director with Hellman, works on a trade show booth design for a client at the company’s offi ces in Waterloo.

See HELLMAN, page 15


WO

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023

Cedar Falls, Iowa • www.WesternHomeCommunities.org

Thanksto all the staf f who make

Western Home Communities a great place to live...

and work


The organization also is work-ing with a group in Atherton, Calif., on a Little League ball-park project and is in discus-sions with the city of Oelwein about building baseball and softball fi elds there.

The same dedication is appar-ent in the Hellman offi ces, said Mike Ruane, chief fi nancial offi cer.

“Hellman is a great place to work with excellent salaries and benefi ts and many wellness programs, such as weight-loss challenges, smoking-cessation programs and blood-pressure checks,” Ruane said on his nom-ination form.

“Hellman has a very enjoy-able working atmosphere and gives back so much to the com-munity with Build Our Ball-park and Partners in Education with Cunningham School for Excellence.”

HELLMANFrom page 14

By JIM OFFNER

[email protected]

GRUNDY CENTER — A healthy community begins with fi t, happy employees, according to Pamela Delagardelle, CEO at Grundy County Memorial Hospital.

“The best way for us to attract good employees is to be a great place to work,” Delagardelle said. “We’ve been focusing on trying to be a good employer.”

Employees who nominated the hospital as an Employer of Choice say it’s working.

“It is like a big family to work with,” X-ray technician Jan Short said in nominating the hospital. “They are not just wonderful co-workers.”

On top of that honor, Mod-ern Healthcare magazine Aug. 22 named GCMH to its 2011 “Top 100 Best Places to Work in Health Care.”

This award “honors health care organizations on a nation-al level that have successfully built workplace excellence and enabled employees to perform at their optimal level,” the hos-pital said in a news release.

All of which is a result of delib-erate eff ort Delagardelle said.

“We have tried to change the culture that maybe wasn’t there a few yeas ago,” she said.

The hospital’s medical staff of 139 includes some of the bright-est medical minds in the region, she added.

“We have lots of special-

ists coming in which improves access to good health care for people in our county,” she said.

GCMH’s volunteer program is one of its better-known assets, with 150 volunteers involved, Delagardelle noted.

“They are fi lling all kinds of roles, from greeters to activities with the residents,” she said. “We have an awesome activ-ity program with our long-term care residents. Volunteers work in our cafe. You can do anything at the hospital.”

The number of nomina-tions for GCMH ran into double-digits.

“They truly care about the patients and the people that work there,” said Darla Huis-man, business offi ce manger who has been with the hospital for more than 30 years.

“We have a very hard-work-ing board of commissioners that are dedicated to GCMH and put in countless hours to help us to be our best. We have many plans and dreams for the future,” Huisman said.

Scott Lufkin, an information technology technician with the

hospital, praised the hospital for its compassion to patients and employees alike.

“They are compassionate and create a positive, nurturing environment where very voice is heard and can fl ourish,” he said.

“Recognition is given freely, and family comes fi rst here, as well, which is refreshing.”

Kristi Barnett, a social worker, said she has been with the hos-pital only a short time and was impressed quickly.

“I have been so impressed by the level of involvement that this organization has with its employees,” she said. “It is very hard to fi nd a setting that cares so much for not only their

patients but also their commu-nity and staff . This is by far the best place I have ever worked. I love coming to work every day and feeling needed and appreciated.”

GRUNDY COUNTY MEMORIAL HOSPITALNO. 15ADDRESS: 201 E. J Ave., Grundy

Center.PHONE: 824-5421.WEBSITE: www.grundycountyhos-

pital.org.NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 210.WHAT THE COMPANY DOES: Pro-

vides medical services to Grundy County.

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HOW IT STANDS OUT IN ITS FIELD: Focuses on patient experience and posi-tive clinical outcomes.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Health education, distributing hand sanitizers, wellness activities in the county, a com-munity garden, charity care, volunteer program.

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Compassion extends to employees at Grundy Hospital


Laura Young, Jeanie Larson, Dr. Frank Lamp and Allison Schoolman of Grundy County Memorial Hospital in Grundy Center.


Generating electrifying results for the past 15 years.

We may be considered one of the best employers, but that’s because we’ve got the best employees. Thanks, ME&Vers, for plugging in.

CEDAR FALLS | CEDAR RAPIDS | DES MOINESWWW.MEandV.COM | 319-268-9151


By JOSH NELSON

[email protected]

WATERLOO — It’s hard to miss all the smiling faces at Beth Han-sen’s desk. They’re everywhere.

One of the biggest is her face as she goes into work every day at Advanced Systems Inc., a 56-year-old company in the Cedar Valley. Hansen has worked there for 11 years now, mostly as a dispatcher for the various service technicians and sales representatives.

The company specializes in “business solutions,” including providing copiers and printers for a wide array of companies. It services more than 3,000 con-tracts and more than 8,000 cus-tomers across northern Iowa.

“On a busy day you don’t even realize you’ve worked eight hours when you’ve gone home at the end of the day,” Hansen said.

But for Hansen and the 64 other employees, ASI still feels like a large family. Many of the staff members have been there for a decade or longer, said Tammy Bedard, ASI’s marketing director.

“It’s a family-oriented compa-ny,” she said. “Everyone knows everybody’s name, their spouses names, their kids.”

That’s because the company

takes great strides to involve the employees in a variety of activi-ties, like cookouts, ballgames or interoffi ce games to encourage that atmosphere.

There are also other perks, like an annual company trip if they meet sales goals. In the past, ASI took them to Tantara, a resort in the Missouri Ozarks. But now everyone goes to Cancun, Mexico.

“It kind of gives you a feel for your co-workers outside of an offi ce environment, outside of a work environment,” Bedard said.

“Everyone has their jobs and

sticks to it, but then when you get a family function like that you get to see a person outside of their work mode.”

ADVANCED SYSTEMS INC.NO. 16ADDRESS: 2945 Airport Blvd.,

Waterloo.PHONE: 232-6621.WEBSITE: www.asiowa.com.NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 65.WHAT THE COMPANY DOES:

Advanced Systems Inc. is a 56-year-old company that provides business solutions, which includes copying and scanning equipment.

HOW IT STANDS OUT IN ITS FIELD: ASI works hard to keep a stable

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employment roster, which includes providing staff with resort vacations to places like the Missouri Ozarks and Cancun, Mexico. Employees are trained frequently on the newest equipment to help their customers.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: The company has been involved in several groups, such as the American Cancer Society, the American Red Cross, Habi-tat for Humanity, March of Dimes, MDA Lock-UP and the United Way.

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Advanced Systems parlays family feel into strong service


Dave Quint, left, and Dave Hansen play a game of bags at an employee cookout for the Thunder in the Valley Air Show in Waterloo.

See ADVANCED, page 17


But there are other perks too, said Shelly Wurzer, a 12-year veteran. One such benefi t is the stock option program, which lets employees buy into the company. Wurzer, who is also a contract coordinator, said that has helped her to care more about how well she does her job.

“You’re invested,” she said.Employees also have ready

access to their bosses, like CEO Jim Newcomb, who holds reg-ular “chat and chew” lunches with employees to iron out any issues they’ve got, because no

family is 100 percent without problems.

“We have squabbles every now and again,” Wurzer said.

Another fresh challenge for employees is just keeping up to pace with the technologi-

cal changes, which are plenty in ASI’s fi eld. Employees often have the task of playing guin-ea pig when something new is introduced. That helps employ-ees service the customers bet-ter, Hansen said.

ADVANCEDFrom page 16


By MATTHEW WILDE

[email protected]

WATERLOO — Happy employees are apparently good insurance.

PDCM Insurance knows something about risk manage-ment. To guarantee success, company offi cials say a depend-able work force is needed.

Content workers are the most productive, according to PDCM President Chris Fereday. Cli-ents can be assured dedicated employees are on their side, Fereday said, and that keeps customers coming back and attracts new ones.

It takes more than just good pay and benefi ts to keep employees happy, Fereday said, which he describes as very competitive in the region.

PDCM strives to create a fam-ily atmosphere in the offi ce, which includes fl exible work schedules and giving back to the community.

“We’re in a stressful industry. By creating a sense of family and developing the strengths of employees, that’s better for cli-ents and better for themselves,” Fereday said.

Northeast Iowans have expe-rienced their share of disasters in recent years.

From numerous bouts with fl ooding, a deadly tornado three years ago that devastated Park-ersburg and other rural com-munities and most recently a vicious windstorm that swept across east-central Iowa, Fere-day said the Waterloo-based insurance agency has been there to help.

“We’re battle-tested,” Fere-

day added. “Our product helps people

get back on their feet. We need to feel connected to the com-munity to be able to serve it eff ectively.”

That means encouraging and giving employees time off to volunteer.

Many workers are involved in Big Brothers Big Sisters and

Junior Achievement, just to name two.

Charitable giving is also important to the company and work force.

All 54 employees donate to the

United Way. Fereday said each year PDCM

gives an undisclosed portion of profi ts to worthy causes, which are suggested and chosen by employees.

PDCM INSURANCENO. 17ADDRESS: 3927 University Ave.,

Waterloo.PHONE: 234-8888.WEBSITE: www.pdcm.com.NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 54.WHAT THE COMPANY DOES:

PDCM is an insurance and risk man-agement fi rm providing business, life, health and other personal insurance polices. A consulting division identifi es risk management concerns.

HOW IT STANDS OUT IN ITS FIELD: PDCM is a leader in the Cedar Valley in developing cost effective risk solutions for business and personal insurance.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: PDCM donates to many nonprofi t organizations and employees volunteer throughout the community. Every employee donates to the United Way. Workers volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters, Junior Achievement and sit on various nonprofi t boards.

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PDCM’s philosophy ensures happy workers


Kellie Clarke, personal lines sales manager at PDCM Insurance, works at her desk.

See INSURANCE, page 18W

O-0

905

1102

2

LearningCenter andDay Care

3243 University Ave., W’loo 319-232-26243823 W. 4th, Waterloo 319-234-1919307 E. Donald, Waterloo 319-232-43254828 University, C.F. 319-266-6755

Hours: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. - Monday through FridayAges: Infants (6 weeks) thru 13

Vistors Always Welcome

Thank youto all employees for a job well done!

Our employees are the key to A to Z being a successful preschool and child care provider to families in the Cedar Valley!

W A T E R L O O M I L L S C O M P A N YManufacturing and Distributing Quality Ag and Pet Products Since 1924

2050 E. Mitchell Ave.PO Box 1227Waterloo, IA 50704Phone: 319-234-7756Toll Free: 800-772-2045Fax: 319-234-5007

WO-090511008

to all our faithful employeesfor making this year successful.We appreciate your great work!


By CLARA HUDSON

[email protected]

REINBECK — In 1984, Lynn Trask, one of the co-owners of Moeller & Walter, became sole owner of the fi rm, a lumber store in Reinbeck.

Co-owner Ron Petersen went from an employee to an owner of the company in 2001, and together with their employees, they brought the company to its present successful status, they say.

The lumberyard, established in 1876, has come a long way to become a thriving retail store that provides building materi-als and supplies as well as house designs, remodels, additions, tile, windows, doors, siding, trims, cabinetry and counter-tops, Trask said. Employees at Moeller & Walter do the design work with the customer and once the design blueprint is ready, 12-13 contractors get bids for the foundations.

“The projects run 50-50 new and remodels/additions,” Trask said.

“Lynn Trask and Ron Peters-en have created a comfortable, respectful and fun work envi-ronment for all employees,” said employee Jill Muller. She said it’s comfortable because the employ-ees can trust each other.

“We are located in a small com-munity with great values, and we all share those same values with-in our business,” she said.

Employees say they receive equal treatment and are encour-aged to speak up if they see something that needs to be done

diff erently.“Our opinions are always con-

sidered and respected,” Muller said. “I look forward to coming to work every day, where I am appreciated, and I have no doubt that all of my co-workers would say the same.

Employees say they like the fl exible schedule, which allows employees to spend needed time with their families, the camara-derie that exists among employ-ees and their bosses, and the good humor that permeates the work environment makes it easy to understand how everyone in the company works together for success.

As an employer, Trask says he realizes how important individ-ual and positive feedback is to his employees. He referred to his wife, Teri, a former profession-al development director for the Waterloo Schools, who conducts seminars on personality traits.

Lynn Trask said individual-ity is important and manage-ment has to be aware that not all the employees have similar backgrounds.

“We learned that it takes one minute to look in the face of the

people we manage,” he said. “We need to recognize their

individual abilities and talents and work together with mutual respect.”

Trask said Ron Peterson is “an important part of the puzzle, adding that Petersen has been active in various community activities, including 24 years on the Reinbeck City Council, and serves as co-chair of a commit-tee to build a new pool in Rein-

beck, along with Lincoln Sav-ings Bank CEO Steve Tscherter. “Along with our employees, we have participated in numerous civic organizations and activities, from celebrations to raising funds

for public causes,” Trask said. Trask says his employees are

very serious about what they do at work and honest about making Moeller & Walter a good place to work and shop.

Kellie Clarke has worked at PDCM for 11 years. Besides fi nancial reasons, she said the company’s commitment to employees keeps her put.

“They treat you like family. I don’t know how many busi-nesses are like that anymore,”

Clarke said.A perfect example is the fl oods

of 2008, Clarke said. Her Cedar Falls home was inundated with 8 feet of water.

PDCM responded by creat-ing a new disaster policy, giv-ing employees a week of paid time off to deal with natural disasters.

“It makes us feel more valued,” Clarke said.

INSURANCEFrom page 17


MOELLER & WALTERNO. 18ADDRESS: 101 Blackhawk St.,

Reinbeck.PHONE: 788-6459.WEBSITE: www.moellerandwalter.

com.NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 18.WHAT THE COMPANY DOES:

Moeller & Walter is a full-service building design and materials retail store.

HOW IT STANDS OUT IN ITS

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FIELD: The company was recognized by Waterloo’s Omega Cabinets as a top dealer, in the top 2 percent of dealers nationwide.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: The company and its employees have helped with the Fourth of July celebra-tion for 25-30 years; the local Citizens for Reinbeck organization; the Rein-beck Development Corp.; schools; and the Grundy County Cancer Walk.

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Moeller & Walter creates comfortable environment


Carl Roeding, right, and Tyler Bueghly load bags of concrete at Moeller & Walter in Reinbeck.

Working in health care…what childhood dreams are made of!Fulfill your dreams and be part of something “Great”!

A variety of positions are available. We offer competitive wages plus:

� Education Repayment � Insurance � Pension

� Shift Differential � Paid Time Off

Visit www.WheatonIowa.org/employment

to learn about current

job opportunities

and to apply on-line.

Covenant Clinic

Covenant Medical Center

Mercy Hospital (Oelwein)

Sartori Memorial Hospital

WheatonFranciscanHealthcare

Find us on Facebook

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onIowa.org/employment

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WO-090511006


By JEFF REINITZ

[email protected]

CEDAR FALLS — When Far Reach Technologies launched four years ago, the founders envisioned a business where the employees wanted to come to work.

“When we started the company, we spent time defi ning what we thought we wanted our company to be,” Jason Nissen said.

The fi ve partners came from a corporate environment with cubi-cles, so when Far Reach moved into its new space in downtown Cedar Falls, the layout did away with walls.

The open fl oor plan lends itself toward communication and cre-ativity, Nissen said.

One of the partners wanted a “nap room” where employees can take a break and unwind, Nissen said, so they threw in a space with

a TV and a Nintendo Wii. There’s even a shower for those who bike in or take an exercise break during the day.

“It’s a relaxed atmosphere,” said Jen Aiello, who started in May as at the software developer as a busi-ness analyst and project manager.

Coming from a larger company, Aiello said Far Reach’s small size — it has 11 full-time employees and two part timers — means it’s easy to adapt to new challenges.

Bigger operations are “like being in a big boat and trying to turn. There are a lot of ripples,” she said. Not so with Far Reach, she said.

Also, Aiello said she didn’t give up much in vacation time and other benefi ts when she switched from being a 13-year employee of the larger business to become a new worker at Far Reach.

Far Reach Technologies lets employees unwind


From left, Derek Beruen, James Barry and Jen Aiello work together at Far Reach Technologies in Cedar Falls.See FAR REACH, page 20


Thank You Pioneer Employees!

WO-090511016


“I think we’re pretty competi-tive,” Nissan said, noting the com-pany tries to cover a good portion of the insurance costs for workers.

Nissen said the company’s core values include challeng-ing employees and giving them opportunities to learn something new as part of their job.

Keeping work balanced with family is also one of the core values.

“They are incredibly supportive of our house lives,” Aiello said. “We

can work from home or take time off on short notice if something comes up.”

The work is also interesting, said Aiello.

“Whenever I tell my friends

about something we’re doing, they ask if they are hiring,” Aiello said.

The company also hosts after-hours get-togethers like movie nights and the annual Sturgis Falls festival.

FAR REACHFrom page 19

By JOHN MOLSEED

[email protected]

WATERLOO — Recognizing employee eff orts is a popu-lar business trend. Hy-Vee has been ahead of the trend by a few decades.

The Hy-Vee service award program began in 1960.

Employee recognition is one reason why Hy-Vee was nomi-nated as a Cedar Valley Employ-er of Choice.

The company’s stated goal is to help people live easier, health-ier and happier lives, but that extends beyond the customers.

“We apply that to our employ-ees as well,” said Ruth Comer, Hy-Vee assistant vice president of media relations.

The Hy-Vee service awards recognize employees at ban-quets in the eight states in which the grocery chain operates.

“We have families of employ-ees attend these each year,” Comer said. “Guests are always impressed with the high esteem their loved one is held.”

Recognition of the lives of employees outside of work is another major reason the com-pany was nominated.

“They work with us to spend time with family,” Ray Kelly Sr., an employee at the Crossroads Hy-Vee in Waterloo, wrote in his nomination.

Comer said the company

works with employees to work around family schedules, add-ing that the nature of the chain makes it possible.

“It’s a little easier for us because we’re open 24 hours day,” Comer said.

Hy-Vee also has a dietician to help advise customers making healthy food choices. That same resource is available to employ-ees of the grocery store chain.

The company also off ers train-ing programs to help employees advance within the company. A tuition reimbursement pro-

gram helps management-level employees get an education but continue on a career track with the company.

“We’ve found this is a good way to keep career-minded indi-viduals and allow them to get a college degree as well,” Comer said. “That way they can have both.”

A new award recognizes Hy-Vee employees for the good they do outside the store. The Ronald D. Pearson Citizenship award honors employees who have put 250 or more hours of service into

their community. So far, nearly 30 employees have received the honor.

Hy-Vee has locations in Water-loo at 2181 Logan Ave., under store director Sailu Timbo; 306 Byron Ave., Dave Bowling; and 1422 Flammang Drive, where

Tony Morrow is store director.The store at 4000 Univer-

sity Ave., is managed by Jeff Suchomel.

In Cedar Falls, the College Square Hy-Vee at 6301 Univer-sity Ave. is managed by store director Jeff Sesker.

HY-VEE INC.NO. 20ADDRESS: 5820 Westown Park-

way, West Des Moines.PHONE: (515) 267-2800.WEBSITE: www.hy-vee.com.NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES:

56,000.WHAT THE COMPANY DOES:

Retail grocery store chain with 220 stores in the Midwest.

HOW IT STANDS OUT IN ITS FIELD: Employee-owned company based in Iowa that regularly recogniz-es employee achievements. Hy-Vee ranks among the top 20 supermarket chains and the top 50 private compa-nies in the U.S.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Partnership in Iowa’s Healthiest State Initiative; scholarships; dieticians on staff to offer nutritional advice to cus-tomers; Ronald D. Pearson Citizenship award honors employees who have put 250 or more hours of service into their community.

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Hy-Vee recognizes employees for efforts in community


Marv Boehmer, assistant manager at the Crossroads Hy-Vee store, chats with Mary Lou Wrage of Hudson while her husband, Les, checks out.

FAR REACH TECHNOLOGIESNO. 19ADDRESS: 208A Main St., Cedar

Falls.PHONE: 273-8060.WEBSITE: www.farreachinc.com.NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 13.WHAT THE COMPANY DOES:

Custom software development for the Web and mobile devices and consulting services.

HOW IT STANDS OUT IN ITS FIELD:

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Willingness to truly understand clients’ needs and ability to bring forward new and innovative ideas to solving problems.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Volunteering for local charities, serving on the board of nonprofi t organizations and sponsoring community events and activities including, Sturgis Falls, DON’T Golf Tournament and Shop with a Cop.

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employers of choice 2011

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