Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1342636
HartfordBusiness.com | February 22, 2021 | Hartford Business Journal 9 w " AAA Northeast is innovative, creative, and genuinely cares for each and every employee. With clear direction from our leadership team, we move forward every day!" — AAA Northeast employee 2021 AAA Northeast congratulates all the winners of Hartford Business Journal Best Places to Work Awards. TO ALL OF OUR AAA NORTHEAST EMPLOYEES You are the heart and soul of our organization, helping and serving our members and communities every day. It's because of YOU that AAA Northeast is a Hartford Business Journal Best Places to Work winner! Thank you COVID Response: Before anything was announced by the government in relation to sick time due to COVID, Charles IT gave all employees 14 COVID days to use to reduce the concern of missing time for getting sick. Employee Recognition: Continuing Education Rockstar Status (comes with incentives and perks for events). Fun & Relaxation: Beer, Kombucha and Nitro Brew Coffee on tap in the kitchen among other fun snacks. Healthy Living: Dogs allowed in the office. Trophy Case: Over the last five years awards have included being on the Inc 5000 list and HBJ Best Places to Work in CT. Charles IT IT Direct Dur-A-Flex, Inc. Charles IT CT Headquarters: Middletown Industry: Technology Website: www.charlesit.com Top CT Executive: Foster Charles IT Direct CT Headquarters: West Hartford Industry: Technology Website: www.gettingyouconnected.com Top CT Executive: Ari Santiago, CEO/President Dur-A-Flex, Inc. CT Headquarters: East Hartford Industry: Manufacturing Website: www.dur-a-flex.com Top CT Executive: Robert Smith, Owner/CEO C harles IT offers IT solutions for healthcare, manufacturing and nonprofit organizations. Employee Benefits: Hosts quarterly outings where the company is able to bring the whole team together outside of the day-to-day office life. In the past that included taking the office to Los Angeles, Vegas, Denver, Miami and New Orleans. Also offers concierge service (employer coordinates or offers services such as dry cleaning, meal catering, childcare arrangements or automobile services). D ur-A-Flex Inc. is a leader in manufacturing and distribution of high-quality and performance-based solutions. Employee Benefits: Dur-A-Flex annually offers flu, tetanus and hepatitis vaccination clinics, free of charge. COVID Response: Instead of its annual picnic, Dur-A-Flex did Friday raffles throughout the summer, which included trips, gift cards, prizes, etc. It also offered an extra week of paid time off. Employee Recognition: Offers the Mary Scacca Award named after one of the founding company RANKED 10 TH RANKED 12 TH RANKED 11 TH members who epitomized quality customer service. This is a coveted annual award whereby each employee nominates four peers who do an outstanding job every day. Fun & Relaxation: Team- building events include bowling, escape room, go-karting, paintball, pingpong table and billiard pool table. Healthy Living: Team exercise/ fitness activities: Boot camp (Crossfit) two times per week; yoga one hour per week; and morning stretch five times a week. Trophy Case: Harvard Business Review, Best Places to Work, 2014. I T Direct provides IT services to small and midsize organizations. Employee Benefits: Unlimited paid time off. COVID Response: Among other steps, the firm's annual Oktoberfest event pivoted to an Oktoberfest- themed basket delivery to all employees. Employee Recognition: Monthly "Caught Someone" is a peer recognition program to "catch" teammates who go beyond their normal duties and exhibit one or more of the firm's core values. An award goes to those who send out and receive the most "caughts." Fun & Relaxation: Late afternoon alcohol policy with well-stocked beer fridge and other drinks available matched with Friday afternoon movies. Healthy Living: The company takes part in the "Better Book Club," a program that promotes personal and professional growth through incentivized reading and shared learning. Trophy Case: HBJ Best Places to Work in CT (2017, 2018, 2019, 2020); Inc 5000 list by Inc Magazine (2013- 2020); MSP 501 by Channel Futures (2014-2020); Marcum Tech Top 40 by Marcum and the CT Technology Council (2014-2019); and Inc Magazine 50 Best Places to Work in the U.S. (2016). Small/Medium Cos. Small/Medium Cos.