Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1543749
HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | MARCH 9, 2026 B9 (15 TO 199 U.S. EMPLOYEES) SMALL/MEDIUM EMPLOYER CATEGORY | BEST PLACES TO WORK mintz-hoke.com Advertising | Media | Digital | Branding | PR CONGRATS TO OUR TOTALLY RAD TEAM ON OUR 11TH BEST PLACES TO WORK WIN. 13 ADVANCECT HEADQUARTERS: New Haven INDUSTRY: Nonprofit WEBSITE: www.advancect.org TOP EXECUTIVE: John Bourdeaux, President & CEO A dvanceCT is an economic devel- opment organization founded in 2019 that works to drive job creation and new capital investment in Connecticut through business attraction, retention and expansion. Good Times: Employees celebrate Halloween with pumpkin-decorat- ing contests, a potluck lunch and costumes. e company also has held staff meetings at the Lost in New Ha- ven museum, and the team takes part in outings such as picnics and hikes. Employee Recognition: e com- pany uses an "All Staff " channel on Microsoft Teams to recognize employees with shoutouts for excep- tional work. Recruit & Retain: In addition to re- cruiting a racially diverse workforce, AdvanceCT said its employees range in age from recent college graduates to retirees who have returned to the workforce. Staying Connected: Employees may work remotely two days per week. rough a digital nomad program, staff can also work remotely from other countries or locations for up to three consecutive weeks. F ounded in 1971, Mintz + Hoke is an advertising agency across business-to-business and busi- ness-to-consumer industries with an affinity for the social services sector. Good Health: e agency runs health-related campaigns each year to enhance employees' energy levels, cogni- tive function as well as reduce stress and anxiety. Four walking pads and standing desks were purchased so employees can book 30-to-60-minute time slots. Employee Benefits: Firm absorbs 70% of medical, dental and vision insur- ance for employees and dependents. Giving Back: Employees participate in the Healing Meals Cook-a-thon and Dinner for Love to support Healing Meals, a nonprofit that prepares and delivers organic meals to individuals and families facing a health crisis. Good Times: e company offers season tickets for employees to Hart- ford Yard Goats and Connecticut Sun games, as well as Connecticut Forum events. It also has a book club. SUPPORTING SPONSOR NOMINATE TODAY! MAJOR SPONSOR SCAN HERE FOR NOMINATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION OR VISIT: HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM/HBJ-EVENTS WHO WILL LEAD THE WAY IN 2026? NOMINATE A STANDOUT EXECUTIVE FOR THE 2026 C-SUITE AND LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS! THIS PRESTIGIOUS AWARD RECOGNIZES CONNECTICUT'S TOP C-SUITE LEADERS FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THEIR ORGANIZATIONS AND THE COMMUNITY. DON'T MISS THE CHANCE TO ELEVATE A DESERVING LEADER! NOMINATION DEADLINE: AUGUST 7, 2026 14 MINTZ + HOKE HEADQUARTERS: Avon INDUSTRY: Advertising WEBSITE: www.mintz-hoke.com TOP EXECUTIVE: Ron Perine, Managing Principal & CEO