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B E S T P L A C E S TO W O R K 2 0 1 6 24 MEDIUM COMPANIES [ 50 - 249 employees ] At Allagash Brewing Company, everyone is treated like extended family. "We know that happy, fulfi lled employees create an authentic workplace vibe that customers are drawn to, and that attracts other top talent," said Founder/President Rob Tod. The company works hard to put that core value into practice. "The more visible we make our core values in the day-to-day operation of our organization, the more they mean to every employee," said Tod. To that end, employees feel like they're "in it" together. A big part of that philosophy is profi t- sharing among all. And any employee is welcome to brew a new beer recipe— regardless of experience or time with the organization. "This not only helps us innovate but helps us maintain high engagement and employee satisfaction," said Tod. "People love being included in the brewing process." This inclusive approach energizes the entire company and helps employees from different departments not only connect p r o f e s s i o n a l l y, but spend fun time together. Throughout the year, the company o r g a n i z e s activities such as a bowling team, pig roasts, lobster bakes, and paid group volunteer activities, to name a few. Employees can gather at the end of the day in the "Great Room" for a drink, snacks, or ping-pong. The company also built a free fi tness studio and yoga room, with classes and massages, to make it convenient for, and encourage, employees to prioritize a healthy lifestyle. And the company recently purchased a couple of surfboards, stand-up paddleboards and canoes for people to sign out. For twice-yearly all-staff meetings, operations are shut down to enable everyone to catch up, present updates, and celebrate accomplishments. "Not only does this validate the hard work going on all over our company, it gives us all insight into what the future holds for Allagash," said Tod. Afterward, there's a get-together in a special setting—like a Peaks Island lobster bake, holiday bash at Port City Music Hall, or a harvest event at the farm of one of the employees. Then there's the four-day workweek for several departments, four-week paid sabbatical every decade, and annual all-expenses-paid trip to Belgium, to sample brews and see the Belgian brewing process fi rst-hand, and celebrate employees who have reached the fi ve-year mark at the company. "We have a passionate, engaged crew," said Tod. "They care deeply about Allagash and go the extra mile." Allagash Brewing Company Employees are an extended family Allagash Brewing Company 50 Industrial Way, Portland 04103 Top local executive: Rob Tod, brewer/founder Year established: 1995 Maine employees: 110 Website: allagash.com Human resources contact: Celine Frueh 207-878-5385 cfrueh@allagash.com # 8 Abby and Jason paddle through the rapids on the Allagash River.