washington business
Employer of the Year
Recognizing an employer who has implemented innovative job retention , creation , benefits and / or compensation plans that foster a thriving work environment . winner of the employer of the year award
Energy Northwest , Richland Founded : 1957 Number of employees : Approximately 1,100 , all in Washington
Embodying the award ( Employer of the Year ): Energy Northwest is committed to excellence in performance fostered by strong community partnerships to select and retain the right people . In its pursuit to achieve and sustain excellence in performance , Energy Northwest adopted an Excellence Model as a foundation for how it does business .
Selecting and retaining the right people not only ensures that each employee has the right skills , knowledge and attributes required for their job , but it also builds appreciation for workforce diversity . Energy Northwest has established lasting partnerships with multiple community organizations to support this principal for the organization .
About the company : Formed by the Washington State Legislature , Energy Northwest is a joint action agency representing the convergence of small and big public power . Its consortium of 27 public utility districts and municipalities across Washington takes advantage of economies of scale and shared services to boost efficiency and effectiveness , all to the greater cost benefit of more than 1.5 million public power customers . The agency directly owns and operates the Columbia Generating Station nuclear power plant , Nine Canyon Wind Project , Packwood Lake Hydroelectric Project , and White Bluffs Solar Station , all of which produce clean-air , at-cost energy for the Northwest .
Notable contributions to your community and the state : In 2016 , the Bonneville Power Administration credited Energy Northwest ’ s cost and budget reductions for directly contributing to downward pressure on customer electricity rates . Regional debt cooperation with Bonneville , combined with industry-low-cost nuclear fuel purchases and reduced operations and maintenance budgets , will contribute more than $ 2.2 billion in regional energy savings between 2012 and 2023 . This is all within the context of $ 4.4 million paid in privilege taxes this year to the state of Washington — money that goes directly toward supporting our schools , fire and library districts , and other city and county services .
Energy Northwest employees directly support programs designed to improve the health and welfare of their surrounding communities , to include the Benton and Franklin Head Start for children of low-income families , March of Dimes , United Way , Special Olympics , the American Cancer Society , the Red Cross ,
Junior Achievement , Columbia Basin College ’ s Math , Engineering & Service Achievement program , in addition to many other civic and community contributions .
What the judges said : “ Very specialized field . They know they have to be part of the solution to ‘ closing the gap ,’ partnering with others to achieve results ... A very innovative , comprehensive commitment to the military and to veterans for talent recruitment and retention ... Excellent employee benefits .”
Quote : “ This award reflects the very hard work accomplished by our multi-disciplined employee engagement team , our Human Resources department , and at ground level , every one of our employees who make Energy Northwest a fulfilling place to work . Providing value for the region is itself rewarding , but when you can do so as part of a team that recognizes your contributions through a diversity of employeefocused programs , that ’ s even better .” — Brent Ridge , vice president for Corporate Services and CFO , Energy Northwest
Website : www . energy-northwest . com
other finalists for Employer of the Year
Phillips 66 , Ferndale
While its employee benefits are comprehensive , Phillips 66 goes beyond that to provide generous support to its employees . Phillips 66 facilitates on-the-job mentoring and pays up to $ 8,500 per year for employees to pursue higher education . It matches employee charitable donations dollar-for-dollar up to $ 15,000 a year . Its refinery has an on-site clinic , 24-hour fitness facility and employee garden for veggies and flowers .
Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories , Pullman
After listening to the needs of its employee-owners , the SEL Family Center was born . It has a free full-service medical clinic , a free workout facility with personal trainers , and an on-site childcare center . That ’ s just one benefit of working at a 100 percent employee-owned company , where employees receive , at no cost , an allocation of SEL stock . SEL is regularly listed among America ’ s best workplaces .
40 association of washington business