Hartford Business Journal

24 Hartford Business Journal • March 4, 2019 • www.HartfordBusiness.com 24 Hartford Business Journal • March 4, 2019 • www.HartfordBusiness.com BEST PLACES TO WORK IN CONNECTICUT Small/Medium Cos. Preferred Brands International Inc. P referred Brands In- ternational is a food company that manufac- tures and mar- kets Tasty Bite and a range of natural, convenient and specialty foods. Employee Benefits: Company pays 100 percent of employee health insur- ance premiums. Employee Recognition: Most Valu- able Player Award of the Year is given to only one employee for outstanding contribution. The Spot Award is given to employees for demonstrating in- novation, creating new opportunities for teamwork and breakthrough solu- tions, contributing to fun and high energy at the workplace, and initiat- ing activities that enhance employee knowledge and capabilities. Fun & Relaxation: Hosted a summer outing at Chelsea Piers and celebrated National Ice Cream Day. Employees can also enjoy a game of darts. Healthy Living: Has an Employee Assistance Program that provides counseling for marital, parental or financial problems, and/or assistance for specific conditions such as sub- stance abuse, smoking and gambling. Community Service: Employees get paid time off for volunteering. Also sup- ports the United Way Day of Action. Hartford Area Habitat for Humanity H artford Area Habitat for Human- ity is part of a global nonprofit that focuses on increasing homeownership opportunities. It helps build, reno- vate and preserve homes and accel- erate and broaden access to afford- able housing. Employee Ben- efits: Covers 100 percent of health benefits for employees. Recognition: Birthdays are ac- knowledged at each quarterly meet- ing and at department meetings. Employees receive a birthday card along with a gift card and/or cake at the quarterly meeting. Work-life Bal- ance: The motto at Hartford Habi- tat is family first. Management is flexible when it comes to making sure employ- ees take care of themselves or a family member. Fun & Relaxation: Hosted recent vis- its to Lyman Orchards for a picnic and chill time, and paint party in June 2018. Trophy Case: HBJ Best Places to Work 2016, 2017, 2018. IT Direct I T Direct is an information technology managed-service company that serves small and mid-size organi- zations. Employee Bonuses: Offers monthly awards to employees who hit their key per- formance indica- tors, and annual rewards that in- clude gift cards from a menu of stores, websites, restaurants and more. Offers employees unlimited paid time off. Employee Recognition: Has a "Caught Someone" program where all staff are acknowledged and appreci- ated for their efforts and financially rewarded for doing so. Fun & Relaxation: Has a kegerator and open alcohol policy for end-of- the-day camara- derie and winding down. Catered employee lunches for holidays, special occasions, and new employee welcomes. Commu- nity Service: The company hosts charity month in November with fun events to promote donating to a chosen charity. Training: Has on-site personal de- velopment and/or stress management workshops, seminars or classes. Trophy Case: IT Direct has also been named an INC Magazine Best Places to Work. Connecticut Wealth Management LLC C onnecticut Wealth Manage- ment offers fi- nancial planning and asset man- agement services to individuals and families. Employee Bo- nuses: Employees are eligible for longevity benefits on each five-year anniversary date. Every five years worked leads to a higher bonus with extra vacation time. Employee Recognition: The Rubber Ducky Award is given to a team member who goes above and beyond to help a cli- ent or other team member, or improves/ makes a difference in the company. Fun & Relaxation: Hosts team lunches, fresh fruit Friday, cookouts, karting and snacks. Also built a lounge with couches, bar stools and cable TV where employees can relax or work. Work-Life Balance: Employees are eligible for one additional paid vacation day on their birthday. Employees are also eligible for an extra week of vacation when they get married and three weeks when they have a new child. The company also of- fers paid sabbaticals. Headquarters: Farmington Industry: Financial services Website: www.CTWealthMgmt.com Twitter: @CTWEALTH Top Executive: Kevin C. Leahy, President & CEO Headquarters: West Hartford Industry: Technology Website: www.gettingyouconnected. com Twitter: @ITDtech Top Executive: Ari Santiago, President & CEO Headquarters: Hartford Industry: Nonprofit Website: www.hartfordhabitat.org Twitter: @hartfordhabitat Top Executive: Karraine Moody, Executive Director Headquarters: Stamford Industry: Food sales and marketing Website: www.tastybite.com Twitter: @TastyBite Top Executive: David Dusaugh, General Manager RANKED 4 TH RANKED 5 TH RANKED 6 TH RANKED 7 TH

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