Hartford Business Journal

36 Hartford Business Journal • March 5, 2018 • www.HartfordBusiness.com 36 Hartford Business Journal • March 5, 2018 • www.HartfordBusiness.com BEST PLACES TO WORK IN CONNECTICUT Small/Medium Cos. 36 Hartford Business Journal • March 5, 2018 • www.HartfordBusiness.com BEST PLACES TO WORK IN CONNECTICUT Large Cos. Comcast Western New England Region C omcast's Western New Eng- land Region (WNER) is one of Comcast Cable's 15 regions nationally. The WNER extends from the Canadian border to Long Island Sound, and provides products and services to residential and business customers in more than 300 communities. Employee Benefits: Employees re- ceive free or discounted cable, internet and phone services. Also provides 100 percent employer match up to 6 percent on 401(k) contribution, an employee stock purchase plan and bonus pro- grams for non-commission employees. Fun & Relaxation: Company-spon- sored events throughout the year to reward employees and promote fun and collaboration in the workplace, includ- ing annual fall kick-off BBQ with food trucks, a dunk machine and high- end prizes Training: Suc- cession planning is done annually. All managers and above are dis- cussed for high-potential opportunities, including leadership development pro- grams like Executive Leadership Forum, a 12-month program that exposes lead- ers to operational strategic models. Healthy Living: The company has a fully equipped fitness center that can ac- commodate 300-plus employees in Com- cast's Enfield Customer Care Center. Community Service: During Comcast Cares Day more than 700 volunteers in Connecticut supported seven projects in Groton, Hartford, New Britain, New Haven, Stamford, Waterbury and West Hartford. Citrin Cooperman & Co. LLP C itrin Cooperman is a full- service accounting, tax and consulting firm serving companies and high-net-worth indi- viduals with offices throughout the Northeast. Employee Bo- nuses: Employees who pass the CPA exam earn a $1,500 bonus. There are also annual perfor- mance bonuses for manager-level po- sitions and above. Fun & Relax- ation: Allows Friday early dis- missals during the summer and offers Reiki and chair massages during tax busy season. Healthy Living: Conducts a holi- day weigh-in well- ness challenge. Training: Every professional is given a mentor to help guide him/her, be used as a resource and help with any questions or concerns. Community Service: Employees donate $5 or more one Friday each month and the money goes to various charities. The firm closes one day each year and employees volunteer in teams for the day. Barnum Financial Group B arnum Financial Group pro- vides a full range of invest- ment and risk-management products and services for individuals as well as small businesses, corpora- tions, government entities and not- for-profit organizations. Employee Bonuses: Administrative and management teams qualify for an annual bonus program, which awards and recognizes performance. Employee Recognition: Hosts an an- nual awards banquet that honors suc- cessful advisors and highlights adminis- trative associates who have gone above and beyond and have made significant contributions/impacts to the firm. Fun & Relaxation: Hosts various off-site events, including trips to amusement parks, adventure ropes course, escape room challenges, paint nights, go-karting and trampoline parks. Community Service: Annually gives away over 500 bikes to underprivileged children as part of the Bikes for Kids program throughout the state. Communication: CEO holds state of the firm quarterly meetings where he presents updates and allows an open forum for questions. Training: Leadership team takes part in leadership curriculum sponsored by Corp U. They have taken trainings in positive leadership and talent manage- ment. Also provides additional opportu- nities for junior leaders. Inspira Marketing Group I nspira Marketing is an experien- tial marketing agency that helps companies connect people with brands through live events, pop-up retail experiences, sampling, and social-media campaigns. Employee Bonuses: Each year, one staff member from the account team is presented with the Client Service Award. The recipient is selected based on feed- back from clients and co-workers. The winner typically receives a $1,000 bonus and a personal shopper experience. Employee Recognition: After five years with the agency, Inspira will fulfill an employee's personal passion by send- ing them on a two-week, company-fund- ed sabbatical to fulfill their personal pas- sion that involves "giving back." Fun & Relax- ation: Hosts holi- day and seasonal parties including a Halloween party, summer soi- ree and more. Inspira's office includes a fully stocked kitchen with snacks, coffee and bever- ages, massage chairs, pingpong table, outdoor patio, fitness facility on-site, and a wellness room. Community Service: Inspira actively supports Alex's Lemonade Stand Foun- dation, benefitting childhood cancer. Communication: Twice a year, the agency will implement a "Happiness at Work survey," which allows staff to freely express what they love about the agency and what they would change, in addition to a suggestion box that is available daily. Headquarters: Norwalk Industry: Advertising/Public Relations/Marketing Website: www.inspiramarketing.com Twitter: @Inspira_Mktg Top Executive: Jeff Snyder, Chief Inspiration Officer CT Headquarters: Norwalk Industry: Accounting Website: www.citrincooperman.com Twitter: @citrincooperman Top CT Executive: Mark Fagan, Managing Partner Headquarters: Shelton Industry: Financial Services Website: www.barnumfinancialgroup.com Twitter: NA Top Executive: Paul Blanco, Founder & CEO CT Headquarters: Berlin Industry: Telecommunications Website: www.corporate.comcast.com Twitter: @ComcastNewEng Top CT Executive: Michael Parker, Regional Senior Vice President RANKED 8 TH RANKED 10 TH RANKED 9 TH RANKED 11 TH

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