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B E S T P L A C E S TO W O R K 2 0 2 2 25 MEDIUM EMPLOYER (50 - 249 U.S. EMPLOYEES) Knickerbocker Group Knickerbocker Group employees like to practice their craft and have fun along the way. As a 100% employee-owned company, they strive for balance. KG offers flexible schedules and has a gen- erous benefits package. It covers 100% of employee health, dental, life and dis- ability insurance, and has terrific retirement plans including an ESOP, a 401(k) with a 3% contribution, and profit-sharing bonuses. KG recently launched Solu- tionBox, which allows their employees to share thoughts, ideas, celebrations, high-five handouts, and concerns (anon- ymously if desired). Outdoor ameni- ties – gardens, fireplace, rooftop deck, kitchen – with wifi encourage outdoor meetings or work time. KG also provides healthy snacks, sit-stand workstations, and showers to support employees who bike to work or exercise during breaks. knickerbockergroup.com Wings for Children and Families When asked why Wings is the best, employees said: "It's safe to work here & grow." "We really like one another!" Fun is critical to a successful culture. Vir- tual parties are a marvel of creativity and include a virtual escape room, talent show, prizes and a door-decorating contest. The wellness committee is also active. The benefits package is refined to match employee priorities. People look forward to early releases before holidays – even surprise days off prior to major holidays. Retention benefits include bonuses increasing with years of service and a bonus day off to celebrate "Wingsaversaries." Staff love the quar- terly incentive program. Celebrations of special occasions over the past year have included a baby shower and lunch. wingsinc.org Sweep and Slate Sweep & Slate prides itself on being a second-chance employer. They are proud to hire veterans, those overcoming mental health challenges, people who have made mistakes in their past and are ready to try again, and also those who just want a fresh start, a break from the corporate world, or who have stayed home with their children and are ready to get back to work. Sweep and Slate offers flex- ible hours to encourage a healthy work-life balance. Regular and timely appreciation is always on tap here, as are competitive pay, spot bo- nuses, annual bonuses, and gift cards. It's uncommon for an organization of its size (just over 50 employees) to offer a health care stipend – and yet it does! sweepandslate.com GWI GWI is an internet services provider based in Biddeford. Their B Corporation status means that it puts employees, customers, communities, and the planet on equal footing. As a certified B Corp., one of the tenets is treating employees as well as shareholders are treated. The cul- ture supports connections and transparency between employee and management, including the executive team. Those connections can be seen during social half-hours held every other week to talk about non-work topics. An activity committee plans events such as potluck lunches and cooking competitions. There is a robust time-off allowance as well as flexible hours to support a healthy work-life balance, and company culture supports the use of both. gwi.net # 12 # 13 # 14 # 15 100% E M P LOY E E- OW N E D Photo © Dave Dostie We are passionate and people-focused. As a 100% employee-owned company, we strive for balance. We value spending time with our families, being active in our communities, and celebrating ever y thing Maine has to of fer— all while producing collaborative, finely craf ted work. To our employee-owners who provide endless ingenuit y, passion, and dedication—thank you for all you do. We are honored to work alongside you.