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10 B E S T P L A C E S TO W O R K 2 0 2 0 SMALL EMPLOYER (15 - 49 U.S. EMPLOYEES) Acadia Benefits, Inc. Long tenure built by flex hours, assistance programs A cadia Benefits began 30 years ago to support local businesses in navigating the world of em- ployee benefits. That mission starts with its internal team and a culture centered on professionalism, open com- munication and teamwork. Many employees have been with the firm for over 10 years and have referred their friends and family members to work there as well. Taking care of people is the foun- dation that creates and sustains these long-standing relationships. Employees are excited about the company's flexible scheduling, which allows them to handle family needs such as attending school events or taking a family member to the doctor. That's complemented by employer- sponsored Eldercare Assistance. Designed for employees with aging family members, the program helps with the logistics of things like scheduling transportation to medical appointments or meal delivery; securing proper care and/or assistance facilities; and getting information about financial resources or counseling sup- port for caregiver stress. Additional assistance is pro- v i d e d t h r o u g h t h e e m p l o y e r- sponsored Em- ployee Assistance Program, which provides counsel- ing for marital, pa- rental or financial problems, and/or assistance for spe- cific conditions such as substance abuse, smoking and gambling. Also on tap are workshops, seminars or classes around topics such as produc- tivity and time management, personal development and/or stress management, and financial education. Team-building sessions are organized on a weekly basis. Acadia Benefits supports employee in- volvement in the community through paid time off, sponsorships and donations. And there are plenty of perks! Em- ployee birthday celebrations, summer outings and 'Fun Fridays' are a regu- lar feature. Immediate families are invited to corporate events, and free or discounted tickets are available to local family entertainment or sporting events. Meetings and staff-only events are limited to work hours only. Acadia Benefits logo items include clothes, bags and hats from that iconic Maine manufacturer – L.L. Bean. Each Thanks- giving, employees receive gift cards for turkey and, keeping it local, pie from a local bakery. Chair massages and complimentary food and beverages are a regular feature. Recognition through social media and company events are designed to honor years of service, while the annual holiday dinner is a special time to recognize employee milestones. But Acadia Benefits doesn't like to wait – kudos go out weekly to employees, and there are even surprise days off and early office closures. One of the best perks in busy Portland? Free parking! Acadia Benefits, Inc. 111 Commercial St 5th Fl., Portland, ME 04101 acadiabenefits.com Top local executive: Scott McKee, Managing Partner, Portland Year established: 1990 Number of Maine employees: 18 # 1 Kevin, Danielle, Scott and Conner head out to a Community Event. Maine Information Network, LLC Jeans at work? No problem A s the InforME network man- ager, Maine Information Net- work LLC provides the state of Maine with the Maine.gov website and 175 unique online services. While employees work every day on these services, MIN builds a work culture t h r o u g h t e a m - building exercis- es, flexible hours and telecommut- ing options, and a commitment to the community through quarterly charitable events. MIN cares about the environment provided to staff. T h e y c a n w e a r jeans to work and figure out their own schedule—starting their day at 6:30 a.m., if they want, so they can be at home by 2:30 p.m.; or even take a two-hour lunch break. Team members are allowed to take a day off without questions, putting family first and allowing them to watch their child perform a play, bring their parents to a doctor's appointment or celebrate a family member's birthday. In the same vein, breaks are provided on an as-needed basis: staff can go for a walk, browse the web, or go into the breakroom for pro- vided snacks and drinks. Monthly team- building commu- nity events range from collecting food for the Au- gusta Food Bank to honoring Earth Day by decreas- ing the amount of trash the staff produces. Quarterly wellness activities range from step challenges to a challenge to all staffers to increase their water consumption. Health benefit coverage is self-funded and provides coverage through Cigna, one of the nation's largest insurance networks, at no cost to employees. In most cases, coverage for major pro- cedures, such as out-patient surgical procedures, or the birth of a child, are covered at 90% or more. Additionally, the deductibles remain low compared to other companies, with the employee's out-of-pocket maximum being between $700 and $1,400 annually. Retirement programs are also gener- ous. MIN offers a competitive 401(k) package that includes an employer match of 50% up to 10% of the em- ployee's income. Additionally, stock in the company can be purchased at a discounted rate of the lowest price at two specific dates in the year. Birthday celebrations and monthly staff recog- nition events are always a reason to celebrate. But best of all? Knowing that the work MIN does makes a positive impact on the lives of all Mainers. Maine Information Network, LLC 45 Commerce Dr., Suite 10, Augusta, ME 04330 www.maine.gov/informe Top local executive: Dan Andrews, General Manager/President, Augusta Year established: 1997 Number of Maine employees: 22 # 2 Everyone enjoys a staff lunch at Cushnoc.