Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/891247
B E S T P L A C E S TO W O R K 2 0 1 7 6 SMALL COMPANIES [ 15 - 49 employees ] The Maine Information Network, a wholly owned subsidiary of NIC Inc., manages the State of Maine's offi cial web portal, Maine. gov, as well as hun- dreds of digital govern- ment services. Since 1999, MIN has part- nered with agencies throughout Maine to provide technical infrastruc- ture, hosting, appli- cation development, mobile expansion, web design, payment pro- cessing, security, mar- keting, training and customer service. MIN appreciates when staff goes above and beyond and re- wards a job well done with gift cards, cards, or notes of thanks. For milestone anniversaries, staff members select items of their choosing as a thank you from the com- pany. For instance, staff members have received TVs from the company, BBQ grills or even patio sets. Employees can take advantage of fl exible hours to accommodate school events, taking a family member to the doctor, etc. MIN also provides a tele- commuting option. Immediate fami- lies are invited to corporate events. An employer-sponsored Employee Assistance Program can provide coun- seling for marital, pa- rental or fi nancial prob- lems, and/or assistance for specifi c conditions such as substance abuse, smoking and gambling. Maine Information Network participates in events such as team softball, dodgeball or even curling after-hours on a voluntary basis. Charity is an impor- tant part of the culture. Employees regularly participate in local 5Ks or walks for various chari- ties. Offi ce collections of goods are collected for local charities, such as warming centers and animal shel- ters. Returnables are donated to local school programs. Employees can walk on trails around the building. A gym in the offi ce build- ing is also available. MIN and NIC provide quarterly wellness challenges that offer prizes when employees get or stay active; for example, walking 10,000 steps each day got participants an entry into a drawing for a prize of gym memberships, Amazon giftcards or Fitbits. Employees can attend leadership education programs. Staff members can meet anytime with management or other staff. Monthly meetings al- low employees to speak with manag- ers about pain points and successes. Maine Information Network A culture of "thank you" Maine Information Net- work 45 Commerce Dr., Suite 10 Augusta, ME 04330 Top local executive: Dan Andrews, General Manager Year established: 1999 Maine employees: 19 Website: www.informe.org # 1 Members of the MIN team participated in the 2016 Miles for Mills 5K benefi ting the Travis Mills Foundation. SFX America Feeling valued in a great–and safe–atmosphere SFX America is a wholesale manu- facturer specializing in high-effi ciency production of secure critical documents and fulfi llment services. Customers receive high quality and quick turn- around, with 98% of the work shipped within 48 hours of receipt of data. Employees are treated fairly. Everyone knows their role and responsi- bilities, and teamwork and cross-training are highly encouraged. The company thrives on ex- cellent communication, a clean work environment, and priority No. 1: safety. What are employ- ees saying about SFX? Here's a sampling: "Managers always made you feel valued and are not afraid to pitch in and help complete the tasks at hand." "They just fl at out treat us very well." "Great sense of humor and atmosphere. " "The surprise gifts are a blast and the bonuses really appreciated." "Ice cream truck multiple times— who doesn't enjoy the ice cream truck, music and all?" This marks the third year SFX has been on the Maine's Best Places to Work list since 2014. The company also had its OSHA Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program award renewed for an- other three years. The program recognizes small businesses that have gone above and beyond basic safety practices and is the highest honor a busi- ness can earn. SFX is family-ori- ented, understanding everyday life and the challenges that occur. The company is always offering benefi ts, outings, and small gifts. At the end of 2016, em- ployees enjoyed a holiday party with signifi cant others at a local restaurant. Employees can earn a bonus based on individual and company performance. Education and communication are valued. SFX provides tuition reim- bursement for higher education, and hired a consultant to help employees learn about their communication style and how they interact with others. The management staff has an unlimited subscription to attend management seminars. Annual safety training/ sexual harassment/VDT training is offered, as well as extensive cross-training that allows employees to learn other jobs and functions in the company—pro- viding them with the opportunity to expand their skills and move into other roles. Not a day goes by than an employee doesn't hear a heartfelt "thankyou." Flexible hours accommodate fam- ily needs, and employer-sponsored Eldercare Assistance is provided for employees with aging family members. Other perks include free or discounted tickets to local events and on-site per- sonal development and/or stress man- agement workshops. SFX AMERICA 2301 Congress St. Portland, ME 04102 Top local executive: Ryan Jackson, CEO Year established: 2011 Maine employees: 29 Website: www.sfxamerica.com been on the Maine's Best Places to Work list since 2014. The company also had its OSHA Safety and Health # 2 SFX in Boston at the Duck Tours.