Best Places to Work in Maine

10 B E S T P L A C E S TO W O R K 2 0 2 1 SMALL EMPLOYER (15 - 49 U.S. EMPLOYEES) NIC Maine Jeans to work and wellness activities N IC Maine, formerly known as Maine Information Network LLC, is proud to balance hard work with fun and a sense of purpose that many organizations just cannot deliver. Staff communications, team-building efforts and flexible telework policies are just a few ways of accomplishing this balance. NIC Maine al- lows staff to wear jeans to work, start their day at 6:30 a.m. so they can be at home by 2:30 p.m. or take a two- hour lunch break to teach a fitness class. A sense of well-being if fur- ther nurtured by perks such as quarterly wellness activi- ties that range from step challenges to increased water consumption challenges. Morning check-ins with staff, breaks provided on an as-needed basis and a Slack channel completely devoted to non-work staff announcements go a long way toward fostering connections. NIC has created a committee to ad- dress diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. The committee has repre- sentation from across the company and finds ways in which everyone can have a voice. Additionally, in 2020, NIC hired a Senior Diversity and Inclusion Spe- cialist to improve the company's com- mitment to being inclusive and to proactively imple- ment measures to enhance company culture. Ongoing diversity training helps reinforce that mission. Health care cov- erage is self-fund- ed and provides coverage through Cigna, one of the nation's largest insur- ance networks, at no cost to employees. In most cases, coverage for major pro- cedures, such as outpatient surgical procedures or the birth of a child, are covered at 90% or more. Additionally, the deductibles remain low compared to other companies. Looking toward retirement, NIC Maine offers a competitive 401(k) package that includes employer matches of 50%, up to 10% of the employee's income. Career development is important here. NIC Maine offers mentoring, job shad- owing, cross-training, and attendance at leadership workshops or other formal leadership education opportunities. And then there are some great perks, including gift cards, staff outings, din- ners, and picnics! NIC Maine 45 Commerce Drive, Suite 10 Augusta 04330 maine.gov Top local executive: Dan Andrews, President Number of Maine employees: 23 # 1 NIC Maine staff. Acadia Benefits New state-of-the-art office and Fun Fridays A cadia Benefits began in 1990 to support local businesses navigat- ing the world of employee benefits. That spirit of support carries over to employees. Treating people well is the foundation of Acadia Benefits — and it starts with making sure the business is a great place to work. Many employees have been with the firm for over 15 years and have referred their friends and family members to work there as well. The company fosters a culture centered on pro- fessionalism, open communication and collaboration, which has been successful in creating and sus- taining longstand- ing relationships. Acadia Benefits offers a new office location with a state-of-the-art environment and tech- nology, plus a beautiful view and free parking — a substantial plus in Portland. Benefits include a 4% retirement con- tribution calculated on an employee's gross earnings. Surprise days off and early office closures — along with good- ies such as logo items and L.L. Bean clothes, bags, hats and mugs — are always a great treat. Then there are the added perks, such as five-year-increment financial bonuses. There's social media and event recogni- tion for years of service and weekly cus- tomer kudos and a team member-to-team member appreciation board. Off-premise recognition outings promise a fun time. Diversity and in- clusion are impor- tant to the company culture. Toward that end, Acadia Benefits offers di- versity training, frequent seminars and workshops, and celebrations of cul- tural holidays. It also accommodates reduced schedules and provides adaptable workstations and sensitivity training. Acadia Benefits offers fully or par- tially paid parental leave for the birth or adoption of a child, lactation facilities for breastfeeding mothers, flexible hours to accommodate school and fam- ily needs, back-up child or elder care if an employee's regular caregiver is suddenly not available. It also offers employer-sponsored elder care assis- tance for employees with aging family members, such as transportation to medical appointments or meal delivery. Employees can also receive infor- mation about financial resources or counseling support for caregiver stress. Not to be overlooked, members of the immediate family are invited to corporate events. Free or discounted tickets are provided to local entertain- ment and sporting events. An employer-sponsored Employee Assistance Program is available to provide counseling for marital, pa- rental or financial problems, and/or assistance for specific conditions such as substance abuse, smoking cessation and gambling addiction. Also fun? Why, "Fun Friday," of course! Acadia Benefits 50 Portland Pier, Suite 301 Portland, ME 04101 acadiabenefits.com Top local executive: Scott McKee, Managing Partner Number of Maine employees: 18 # 2 Our team supporting the Make-A-Wish Walk. M A I N E

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