Employers of Choice

THE COURIERPAGE 2 MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2009www.wcfcourier.com

01Allen Health Systems

1825 Logan Ave., Waterloo (319) 235-3550

www.allenhospital.orgEmployees: 997What the company does: Health care

and health care education.

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How it stands out in its fi eld: Employ-ees say the hospital has an excellent work atmosphere, shows fl exibility, focuses on patient care.

Involvement in the community: Junior Achievement, American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, People’s Clinic and Phelps Youth Pavilion.

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By JIM OFFNER

[email protected]

WATERLOO — A hospital is only as good as the care it provides to its patients.

On that count, Allen Health Systems exceeds all expectations, according to Becky Dumler, a reg-istered nurse who has been with Allen Hospital in Waterloo hospital since 1968.

The hospital shows a multifac-eted commitment to its commu-nity, training medical personnel, conducting community outreach programs and focusing on its mis-sion, said Dumler, who was one of 20 Allen employees who nomi-nated the hospital as an Employer of Choice for 2009.

“I nominated them because I’m so impressed with the qual-ity of doctors we get here,” Dumler said. “They’re just leaders in their fi elds.”

But, there are other reasons, as well, Dumler said.

“I think our nursing program and I think it’s refl ective of our school of nursing here,” she said.

A number of employees noted that Allen’s management doesn’t overlook its employees.

“Allen is a very warm, friendly working environment,” said Sara,

Janssen, a buyer in the hospital’s gift shop who also coordinates special events for an auxiliary vol-unteer organization.

Janssen noted that even the highest-ranking executives at the hospital are approachable.

“A lot of times you’ll see them in the hall asking about how some-body’s kids are,” she said.

The other-focused attitude is a tradition that stems from the hos-pital’s founder, Henry Allen . He and wife Mary moved to Califor-

nia, but he donated 80 acres and $200,000 to the city of Waterloo to establish a hospital in Mary’s name after she died.

That focus on the community continues today, said Jim Water-bury, the hospital’s vice president of institutional advancement.

“A lot of our employees commute and take that same commitment to those small towns,” he said. “Every time I turn around, I fi nd some-body is involved in something, and we encourage that.”

EMPLOYERS OF CHOICE

By JIM OFFNER

[email protected]

Don’t let the rankings fool you. The Courier’s Employers of Choice are all champions, in the opinion of the workers who nominated them.

For the second consecutive year, The Courier employed a format that actively engaged the work force, from which nominations poured in heaping praise on their employers.

A panel of representatives from a cross-section of the regional busi-ness community sorted through and thoroughly discussed a veri-table mountain of nominations to determine the Cedar Valley’s top 20 places to work. The result is the

2009 Employers of Choice.The winners don’t fit any par-

ticular category or line of business. Some of the largest employers in the region came away with honors, in categories ranging from health care to financial institutions. A

couple of winners qualify as local-based mom-and-pop companies with local clientele.

The trait all of these firms share is a strong sense that teamwork, dedication and concern for the well-being of their workers is one

of the most important ingredients in their success. That their employ-ees pick up on that commitment to them was abundantly clear in the nomination essays submitted to The Courier.

Last year , nominees were cited for the concern they showed to employees who were affected by the floods of 2008.

This year, with a relatively quiet spring and summer, companies continued to show support for their workers .

Perhaps that was as telling as anything else about the winners and their attitudes toward their workers.

Employees at Allen Health Sys-tems, which took the top position

in this year’s Employers of Choice survey, noted employee recogni-tion and encouragement comes regularly from the top executives.

Other employers who made the top 20 in this year’s survey got similar positive marks from their workers, whether the employ-ers arranged flexible, work-from-home schedules or offered professional-development opportunities.

The Courier received nearly 250 nominations for this year’s honor. That’s certainly a testament to the dedication to duty that area com-panies large and small show not only to the customers they serve but the workers they employ who make that possible.

Employers of Choice seen as winners regardless of rank

Allen employees note hospital’s community, patient focus

1. Allen Health Systems2. CBE Group Inc.3. DISTek Integration Inc.4. W.W. Grainger Inc.5. Waverly Health Center6. Classic Kitchen & Bath7. Next Generation Wireless8. Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare9. Cedar Valley Hospice10. Grundy County Memorial

Hospital

11. Greenwood Drug12. Western Home Communities13. ME&V Advertising & Consulting14. B&R Quality Meats15. Tyson Prepared Foods16. Bill Colwell Ford17. Exceptional Persons Inc.18. Bergan, Paulsen & Co. P.C.19. Hawkeye Valley Area Agency on

Aging20. Landmark Commons

2009 Employers of Choice Rankings

MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor

Allyson McLaughlin, left, preps David Chilcote for a pharmacologic stress test at Allen Hospital.

THE COURIER PAGE 3MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2009 www.wcfcourier.com

CBE Group Inc. 131 Tower Park Drive, Suite 100, Waterloo

(319) 234-6686www.cbegroup.com

Employees: 533What the company does: CBE

specializes in third-party debt collections. In addition, CBE has two wholly owned subsidiar-ies based out of the corporate offi ce in Waterloo: Paragon Solutions, Inc. (PSI) and Student Loan Counseling Service, Inc. (SLCS).

How it stands out in its fi eld: CBE’s corporate philosophy is simply “Doing the Right Thing,” focusing on service and respect.

Involvement in the com-munity: CBE participates in the United Way campaign each year. In an average month, CBE em-ployees donate over $5,000 to a designated local charity.

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By TIM JAMISON

[email protected]

WATERLOO — Senada Sara-jlija believes it’s important for employers to understand the needs of their workers.

It’s what she found at The CBE Group, a debt collection agency based in Waterloo’s Tower Park offi ce complex .

“CBE supports employees who want to experience those special moments that may only happen once — your daughter’s fi rst recital or son’s state wres-tling match — with fl exibility that best fi ts our schedule,” said Sarajlija, one of many workers who nominated the company as one of the Cedar Valley’s best places to work.

“It’s not just a place where you get a paycheck,” Sarajlija added in her essay. “Rather, an envi-ronment where long-lasting

bonds are built, our hard work is appreciated and our knowledge is expanded every single day.”

CBE Group workers cited as positives the ability to get train-ing and education through the on-site “CBE University” and the awards and recognition pro-grams off ered .

“Employees are treated with courtesy and respect,” said Kathy Christensen, a 10-year CBE employee. “CBE is fl exible, and recently, when CBE lost a government client, they could have laid people off ; however, they did not. They found places for everyone.”

CBE President and CEO Tom Penaluna said its all part of the company’s “value service chain” business model.

“We believe that if we work very hard a making satisfi ed employees … they will be loyal to the company and we’ll have less

turnover,” he said. “They will, in turn, have satisfi ed clients who will be very loyal to us. We don’t lose very many clients.”

The company also encour-ages a commitment to the community.

“Last year, during the fl oods, I was impressed that, even though our building suff ered no damage, our company closed its offi ce and suggested that employees help friends, neigh-bors and family by sandbagging or helping on other ways,” said Jean Merfeld, a 23-year CBE Group employee.

Penaluna said major corporate citizens have an obligation to help in times of need

“People all across the city helped each other throughout the whole fl ood situation,” he said. “It wasn’t just CBE, it was people all across this commu-nity at the same time.”

Satisfi ed workers lead to happy clients for CBE Group

BRANDON POLLOCK / Courier Staff Photographer

Team lead Kurt Heims works with consolidation specialist Tiffany Jones at CBE Group.

EMPLOYERS OF CHOICE


By MATTHEW WILDE

[email protected]

WATERLOO — Even environ-mentally friendly vehicles get preferential treatment at W.W. Grainger Inc.

Treating the world, employ-ees and, most importantly, cus-tomers with respect makes good business sense.

The philosophy must be work-ing. Grainger — even during a worldwide recession — increased sales by 6.25 percent in 2008 to $6.8 billion.

The Illinois-based industrial equipment and supply com-pany, with a customer service center in Waterloo, is No. 4 in The Courier’s second-annual Employers of Choice survey. Twenty Northeast Iowa busi-ness were selected based on employee nominations.

Grainger workers say the com-

pany does all the right things keep them happy, such as per-formance-based awards and putting family fi rst.

Even little things like giving employees with fuel-effi cient, low-emission cars prime parking

spots — which goes along with the company’s belief in saving the planet — is appreciated.

W.W. Grainger Inc.827 Fisher Drive, Waterloo

(319) 234-0243www.grainger.com

Employees: 200What the company does:

Handles call for technical support from Grainger customers. The company distributes maintenance repair and operational products .

How it stands out in its fi eld: Grainger is a Fortune 500 com-pany that did $6.9 billion in sales last year.

Involvement in the community: The company recently donated $10,000 to the Northeast Iowa Food Bank and thousands for di-saster assistance, and employees help others through volunteer projects.

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DISTek Integration Inc. 6612 Chancellor Dr., Suite 600

(319) 859-3600www.distek.com

Employees: 80What the company does: Cre-

ates software and automation de-signs for agricultural, aerospace, and factory automation systems.

How it stands out in its fi eld: The company works with large companies but maintains a small-fi rm atmosphere.

Involvement in the community: Raised money for the Red Cross following an EF5 tornado that struck the Cedar Valley; employ-ees were paid to volunteer during fl ooding in June 2008.

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By JOHN MOLSEED

[email protected]

CEDAR FALLS — A healthy ben-efi ts package in a nice community can be incentives to accept a job.

However, they don’t necessar-ily make the job itself more desir-able. At DISTek Integration inc. in Cedar Falls, employees say one of the best parts about working there is the job.

“There’s a lot of challenging things put in front of us on a daily basis,” said Nicholas Nichols, a DISTek employee.

“We demand their creativity,” said Bob Theisen, IT manager.

Engineers and software devel-opers thrive in jobs that tax their imagination and creativity, said Jeremy Yoder, vice president of engineering.

Although the company itself is small, with about 80 employees, it takes on projects from larger fi rms .

“That provides us access to a lot of neat technologies and stability, but at the same time we’re a small company, and that gives employ-ees a lot of voice,” he said.

Employees have tackled uncon-ventional jobs, including designing a drill system for extracting cal-cium samples from scallop shells for climate research.

Some employees spend time on the site of contracting companies. It breaks up daily routine and gives engineers and software develop-ers a chance to see systems they design implemented.

“The best part is seeing the soft-

ware applied and actually seeing the light come on or whatever,” said Josh Droegmiller, who splits his work week between the DISTek offi ce and the John Deere project engineering center.

Cindy Luchtenburg joined the company after working with DIS-Tek for years as its insurance rep-resentative. Earlier this year, she had used up her sick and vacation days but needed shoulder surgery. Company offi cials gave her the necessary extra paid time off .

The community itself is another aspect that makes the company an enticing workplace, said Ken Baxter, program development engineer.

“All these towns in the area are doing a good job in helping us recruit,” he said. “It helps to sit back and point to the trails.”

DISTek challenges employees


Joe Fuller, standing, teaches a software class at DISTek in Cedar Falls.

EMPLOYERS OF CHOICE

Grainger ranks for second straight year


Customer service supervisor Barb Craddick, right, observes customer service agent Sarah Siebel at the Grainger call center.

See GRAINGER, page 6


The faces of friendshipA family of 220 employees with 1,457 years of experience

serving a family of 675 residents

In appreciation of giving your best tomake Friendship Village the better place to live.

www.friendshipvillage.com

EMPLOYERS OF CHOICE


Waverly Health Center 312 Ninth St. SW, Waverly

(319) 352-4120www.waverlyhealthcenter.orgEmployees: 388What the company does:

Provides wide array of health care services to area residents.

How it stands out in its fi eld: Planetree Designated Patient-Cen-tered Hospital; leader in patient satisfaction at state and national levels.

Involvement in the community: Free monthly health education programming, child safety seat inspections, community health ac-tivities, Healthy Partners program in Waverly elementary schools, Bremer County SHIIP sponsor .

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By KAREN HEINSELMAN

[email protected]

WAVERLY — A simple thank you can go a long way.

Management at Waverly Health Center strive to hire individuals that believe in its mission — patient-centered care — and embody its values, including compassion, innova-tion and excellence.

Employees, however, say they appreciate it when the company takes time to acknowledge their hard work.

From the Spotlight on Values employee recognition program to the treat-dispensing perk patrol to feel-good apprecia-tion notes, staff appears to go out of their way to catch fellow employees making a diff erence. In addition to creating happier employees, the philosophy and practice has added benefi ts, said Michele Schultz, a social worker

at the hospital.“If the staff feels great and

appreciated for the job they do, then they pass that along to the patients and the families that they work with,” Schultz said.

Employees nominating the Waverly Health Center for the Courier’s second-annual Employers of Choice survey repeatedly commended their employer’s grateful and inclu-sive attitudes toward all levels of staff .

When managers and offi cials need to make a decision or want insight about new policies, improvements and procedures, a variety of staff members are tapped to off er up opinions and serve on committees and task forces.

“They involve employees from throughout the facility,” said Adam Hoff man, an emergency preparedness coordinator in the emergency room.

Employees partnered to help the Waverly Health Center make improvements needed to receive a Planetree Patient-Centered

“Competitive wages, excellent benefi ts, a new eco-friendly call center, and a focus on quality cus-tomer service is the reason I con-tinue to work here,” said Jonathan Leard on his nomination form.

Grainger moved into a new $10 million, 41,000-square-foot call center near the interchange of Ansborough Avenue and U.S. Highway 20 in April. More than 200 full-time employees man the center 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They handle 5,000 to 6,000 calls a day.

Employees say the move shows the company is committed to Waterloo and them.

“I feel secure in my position and hope to grow in the company as well,” said Staci Groen, a custom-er service specialist from Grundy Center. “Grainger empowers me to make decisions without going to a supervisor. I enjoy my job.”

The company boasts good benefi ts, like profi t-sharing and competitive pay.

Even through rough economic

times, employees are grate-ful Grainger didn’t cut or freeze compensation like numerous other businesses.

Call center manager Tim Cuve-

lier said treating employees well inspires top-notch customer ser-vice, which helps the company.

“That’s what makes this a great place to work,” he said.

EMPLOYERS OF CHOICE

Waverly Health Center honors hard work Social services manager Michele Schultz, right, goes over charts with Alicia Post, a registered nurse, at the Waverly Health Center.


GRAINGERFrom page 4

See WAVERLY, page 7


Classic Kitchen & Bath220 E. Fourth St., Waterloo

(319) 233-8878www.classickitcheniowa.com

Employees: 5What the company does: Designs

kitchens, bathrooms and closets.How it stands out in its fi eld: The

company conducts cooking classes,

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which owner Melissa McKean says is unique among fi rms in that marketplace. Professional chefs are brought in to conduct the class in the company showroom’s working kitchen.

Involvement in the community: McKean serves as president of Main Street Waterloo and has a seat on the Home Builders Board.

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By JIM OFFNER

[email protected]

WATERLOO — The obligations of family and the requirements of business don’t have to clash.

In fact, accommodating employ-ees’ family duties can serve to boost their performance at work.

At least, that’s the philosophy at Classic Kitchen & Bath, a 6-year-old company that Melissa McKean runs in downtown Waterloo.

“What I do, and maybe I spoil them rotten, is off er fl ex time,” McKean said. “I have mostly women working for me, and that’s part of the nature of what we are. It has tended to be more female-oriented, and because of that, I cater more to the needs of women.

“I don’t mean that in a sexist way,” McKean said. “But our peo-ple are allowed to have some fl exi-bility in their hours, due to respon-sibilities they have at home.”

Four of the company’s fi ve employees — the fi fth is a new-comer — nominated the fi rm as an Employer of Choice .

All four noted McKean’s eager-ness to accommodate their indi-vidual circumstances.

“I have three kids, and you fi nd

you need to take them to doctor appointments, pick them up when they need to be picked up, and she works with my schedule at home,” said Jennifer Ferson, a designer who is allowed to do some of her work from home. “There’s fl ex-ibility of hours I work in the offi ce, and right there is enough to make her employer of the year.”

A “big heart” is the core of McK-ean’s fl exibility, Ferson said. “I’ve never been given an opportunity

like Melissa gave me. Melissa let me open the doors of creativity and just go with it. ”

Designer Kelsey Stokesbary has been with the company for about a year.

“Being at a small business, I think that it really does kind of create a family,” Stokesbary said.

McKean said her willingness to work with her employees fosters a loyalty that’s crucial to the com-pany’s success.

“It makes them feel they have a life and when they come to work, they’re not dreading it,” McK-

ean said. “Everybody gets along as a team. I try to build a team atmosphere.”

Hospital designation earlier this year.

Staff also off ered insight on touchy topics like parking lot assignments, health insurance and paid time off policies, said Mike Trachta, the health center’s chief executive offi cer.

Involving employees in deci-sion-making leads to more informed actions, increases employee satisfaction, decreases complaints and creates a sense of fairness, Trachta said.

Trachta largely attributes employee satisfaction to health center managers and employ-ee relationships with these managers.

“That really shows that we’ve done a lot of things here to build a great team,” Trachta said.

WAVERLYFrom page 6

EMPLOYERS OF CHOICE

Flexibility seen as the key to happiness at Classic Kitchen & Bath


Kitchen designer Jenny Ferson works on a project at Classic Kitchen & Bath in downtown Waterloo.


Wheaton Franciscan

Healthcare — Iowa3421 W. 9th St., Waterloo

(319) 272-2600www.covhealth.com

Employees: More than 2,700What the company does: Health

care provider in the Judeo-Chris-tian tradition.

How it stands out in its fi eld: Level II Trauma Center; National Center of Excellence for bariatric surgery; Level II Regional Neonatal intensive Care Unit .

Involvement in the community: The Life-line program for seniors; the Nurse On-Call program; the Care-A-Van program. Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare also pro-vided $33,292,000 in community benefi ts to the Cedar Valley .

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By NANCY JUSTIS

[email protected]

CEDAR FALLS — In today’s cut-throat corporate world and down economy, it’s rare to fi nd a job where management truly cares for the individual employee and the community in which it does busi-ness. Next Generation Wireless is such a company.

Kristi Eastman, NGW’s human resources and business manager, said, “When I started with NGW six years ago, it was so I could fi nd a better work/life balance with my growing family. Through my employment, the owner has allowed this to continue and has increasingly looked at ways to off er this choice to all associates.”

This is a primary theme through-out all associate comments. “We not only get to live a balanced life of work and personal time, but asso-ciates here believe that we have become a family due to the way we work everyday,” said Jennifer Wand. “I would never want to work anywhere else because I am family at Next Generation Wireless.”

Owner Bill Bradford works hard at creating such an environment.

“We truly care about our asso-ciates and want to make certain every associate has a good balance between work and family time. It’s not out of the question for an associate to get the afternoon off to attend their child’s school perfor-mance or parent-teacher confer-ence. As a parent, I understand the importance of being involved with your kids and their lives.”

Bradford also believes in each associate becoming involved within the community in which they live and work.

Many employees volunteered to help with sandbags during last year’s fl ooding and went to Park-ersburg to aid in cleanup following the tornado.

“Each month our retail stores are required to volunteer their time to one of their local organizations,” he said. “The same holds true for the corporate offi ce staff .”

Bradford consistently interacts personally with his staff .

“Simple things add up, and that means a lot to associates,” Wand said. “We receive a phone call

from Bill on special occasions in our lives. … Bill and the rest of the

senior leadership team take an active interest in everyone’s lives.”

215 Franklin St., Cedar Falls(319) 266-5070

www.ngwtoday.netEmployees: 50What the company does: Offers

cellular plans, telephones and wire-less accessories.

How it stands out in its fi eld:

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Provides its associates a balance between work and family and a fun work environment.

Involvement in the community: Retail staff is required monthly to volunteer time to local organizations. Company volunteers around 200 hours collectively.

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By EMILY CHRISTENSEN

[email protected]

WATERLOO — Working from home has never kept Jessica Reams from feeling like part of the Whea-ton Franciscan Healthcare team.

For seven years, Reams has been transcribing medical records for Covenant Medical Center from the comfort of her home. This year, she will return to school to become a registered nurse. Reams, who is also a full-time mom, said it would have been difficult to reach her new goal without the mental and financial support of her cur-rent employer. Some of her school tuition costs will be shouldered by Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare, an Employer of Choice.

“They have allowed me to split my work schedule to accommodate my class schedule, so I can type in

the morning, have class during the day and finish up my work when I

get home,” Reams said. More than 15 people nominat-

ed the health care system, which includes three hospitals and about 20 clinics, for this honor. Many of them said the administrators care about their employees and live up to the hospital’s mission.

“There aren’t any secrets; they treat us as a team so we work like one,” Dawn Henry wrote on a nomination form.

Vicki Parsons, vice president of human resources, the system has numerous programs designed to help employees in need. In addi-tion to the tuition assistance, the hospital also offers an employee assistance program that was heav-ily used during last year’s tornadoes and floods, an activity committee and a vacation donation program .

321 West 18th St. Waterloo

319-233-2669

ServingWaterloo87 Years

to all our loyalemployees for ajob well done.

EMPLOYERS OF CHOICE

Next Generation Wireless wired for workers

Wheaton provides personal, professional support


Eric Charlton, controller at Next Generation Wireless in Cedar Falls, gets some work done at his desk.

Next Generation Wireless

See WHEATON, page 12


By JENS MANUEL KROGSTAD

[email protected]

WATERLOO — Earl Smith sat on the edge of his bed expectantly and shrugged his shoulders at the question.

Rachel Johnson, a musical ther-apist with Cedar Valley Hospice, had asked him what song he would like to hear. With no request, she launched into the fi rst chords of Johnny Cash’s classic “I Walk the Line” on guitar.

A music therapy program start-ed three years ago at Cedar Valley Hospice with Johnson working a few hours a week. Since then, it has proved so popular that Cedar Valley Hospice now employs two music therapists.

“So many things in hospice, you don’t get to be in control. The disease gets to be in control of you,” Johnson said, explaining the power of music therapy. “Any patient that can make choices, especially as a hospice patient,

they start laughing, raising their eyebrows and clapping.”

As Smith listened to the song, he swayed ever so slightly. He wore a white construction hat he recent-ly received as a gift. When he was younger, Smith helped build

many schools in the area, includ-ing Waterloo West High School.

“I used to play one of those,” he said, pointing to the guitar.

Another program that goes beyond standard hospice care is the Eucalyptus Tree program. It

began in 1996 with two koalas who talk to children about illness, death and grief.

Stacy Baranowski, program coordinator, said children as old as 10 can have a hard time grasping the permanence of death, making a straightforward conversation about death crucial.

“Someone will say ‘Grandpa went to heaven,’ or ‘took a long trip’ or ‘went to sleep forever.’ Even ‘passed away’ can be con-fusing,” she said. “Even though we don’t like to use some words, and we think other explanations are more comforting, it leads a child to not understand.”

Baranowski said the program has recently expanded into schools, where volunteers mentor children through a six-step program. Stu-dents who participate have often suff ered sudden loss through a car accident, homicide or suicide.

She said people often assume they must have a loved one in the hospice to receive the grief ser-

vices, but they are free to anyone in the community.

“These are programs we are really proud of,” she said.

Cedar Valley Hospice2101 Kimball Ave., Waterloo

(319) 272-2002www.cvhospice.org

Employees: 88 What the company does: Cedar

Valley Hospice provides home care services , hospice services , grief support services , and case man-agement services for those living with HIV or AIDS .

How it stands out in its fi eld: Cedar Valley Hospice is the old-est hospice provider in the Cedar Valley. As a nonprofi t provider, persons are admitted regardless of age, diagnosis or ability to pay.

Involvement in the community: Employees volunteer in various community organizations and events including the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, the Alzheimer’s Asso-ciation and Partners in Education.

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201 East J Ave., Grundy Center(319) 824-5421

www.grundycountyhospital.orgEmployees: 188What the company does:

Health careHow it stands out in its fi eld:

GCMH is small in size but large in vision, seeking out opportu-nities to participate in system, state and national initiatives to

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challenge employees and pro-vide best practices to patients.

Involvement in the commu-nity: Partners with area schools and the YMCA to provide edu-cation and services , works with local emergency medical ser-vices providers, offers health and wellness presentations to area residents and leads sup-port groups.

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By MARY STEGMEIR

[email protected]

GRUNDY CENTER — Employ-ees don’t just welcome patients with a smile at Grun-dy County Memorial Hospi-tal — it’s how they greet one another.

From CEO Pamela Dela-gardelle on down, associates are on a first-name basis with their colleagues.

“It’s almost like a family,” said Jeanie Larson, who works in registration. “We truly care about every patient that walks in the door, and we truly care about each other.”

While the recession has forced other businesses to lay off employees or cut staff hours, Grundy County Memorial Hospital has added to its work force. This spring, the facility will unveil a new emergency room/acute care facility. Also in the works is an

office that will boast expand-ed medical services, including dialysis.

“We’re growing and every-one — on every level — is try-ing to get better every day,” said Becky Dirks, community outreach coordinator.

The hospital employs 188 full- and part-time work-ers and is a partner of Allen Hospital in Waterloo. Mid-level managers participate in quarterly retreats, while the entire staff meets with CEO Delagardelle four times a year. Each employee group, from physicians to the cleaning staff, has distinct goals and strives to improve continu-ously in those areas.

Responsibility fosters own-ership, said director of nursing Jennifer Havens. Ownership, in turn, fosters pride.

“Working with people who enjoy being here makes all the difference,” said Havens, who

joined the hospital in 2008 after spending 20 years work-ing in large medical facilities in Memphis.

Following last summer’s EF5 tornado, which struck Park-ersburg, New Hartford and Dunkerton, scores of employ-ees gathered at the hospital.

“It wasn’t just doctors and nurses; it was everyone,” reg-istration leader Larson said.

Larson, who spends the majority of her time in the

emergency room, is proud of her department’s quality ini-tiatives. Patients see a doctor or nurse within three minutes of checking in, and visitors are offered food and drink as they wait. The next day, work-ers phone patients to check on their condition, and ask whether they have any further questions.

“I can go home at night and feel good about how I spend my day,” Larson said.

EMPLOYERS OF CHOICE

Programs extend reach of Cedar Valley Hospice

JENS MANUEL KROGSTAD / Courier Staff Writer

Earl Smith, of Waterloo, listens to music therapist Rachel Johnson sing Johnny Cash’s classic song “I Walk the Line” at Cedar Valley Hospice.

Quality more than a catchphrase at Grundy hospital


Julie Eddy, top, a physical therapist, works with patient Shirlee Ahlberg last month at Grundy County Memorial Hospital.

Grundy County Memorial Hospital


Greenwood Drug224 Byron Ave., Waterloo 50702

(319) 234-1589Employees: 25What the company does: Fills pre-

scriptions, makes customized medica-tions and assists with paperwork.

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How it stands out in its fi eld: A small accessible business; provides delivery; supports education and other civic organizations.

Involvement in the community: Sup-ports organizations including West and Columbus High Schools, Cedar Valley Catholic Schools and Optimist Club .

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EPI

Exce

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nal Per

sons

, In

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experience | matters(319) 232-6671 | www.episervice.org

760 Ansborough Ave | Waterloo, IA 50701

Want to work somewhere great? Joinour team. Apply at www.episervice.org today.

Than

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,

EPI Staff, f

or the dedica

tion & passion

you bring everyday.

EMPLOYERS OF CHOICE


Jill Stegall, left, and Brandi Grovo fi ll prescriptions at Greenwood Drug.

By CLARA HUDSON

[email protected]

WATERLOO — “I can’t say enough good about Bob. He is an excep-tional man.”

A 20-year employee at Green-wood Drug, Dixie Billings gave voice to the admiration and respect Bob Greenwood’s staff feels for him. She is one of the employees who nominated Greenwood for the Courier’s Employers of Choice, citing the sensitive and respectful treat-ment he gives to clients and employees alike.

“He is a very caring, under-standing man. He treats his cus-tomers with the utmost respect,” Billings said. “He takes as much time as necessary helping cus-tomers with their medications and getting them enrolled in the right insurance program.”

Employees say they also are privileged to receive the same kind of treatment from Greenwood.

“He has helped me with medical issues, giving me time off when needed, counseling me with per-sonal problems and always being available,” Billings said.

Greenwood has been known

to give time off to employees with children in school to attend events.

Quality fl ows from the top at Greenwood Drug

See GREENWOOD, page 12


www.covhealth.com

Thank You Associates!

For your support and for recognizing Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare as an Employer of Choice in the

Cedar Valley. We are thankful for our associates who provide excellent and compassionate health care

for your family and for ours.

EMPLOYERS OF CHOICE


Western Home

Communities420 E. 11th St., Cedar Falls

(319) 277-2141www.westernhomecommunities.org

Employees: 467 What the company does: Western

Home Communities has evolved into a continuing care retirement com-munity care.

How it stands out in its fi eld: The organization has won numerous national and state awards.

Involvement in the community: All senior staff are encouraged to serve on community-focused boards .

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By JIM OFFNER

[email protected]

CEDAR FALLS — Service is a major focus of Western Home Commu-nities, whether the organization’s nearly 500 employees are working with any of its nearly 800 clients or contributing to the community.

And, employees say, it all starts at the top.

Staffers heap much credit on their bosses, President Jerry Harris and Vice President Kris Hansen, for having instilled a sense of altruism.

“Jerry Harris and Kris Hansen are always there for all of the employ-ees; it doesn’t matter the positions,” Kim Schilling, director of human resources, said in the Employer of Choice nomination. “WHC is notorious for sending people on to more school and helping pay for it.”

Judy Staff, director of home health for independent living, said management’s obvious care for staffers is transferred to clients.

“I believe that’s the case, and we do it every day,” Staff said. “The whole point of being in WHC is, we have different levels of care and are always working with residents to make sure they’re appropriately cared for. It’s a fluid situation, and we’re always there to help.”

Harris is an adept planner and organizer, Staff noted.

“He likes to think things over and make the best choices,” Staff said.

Western Home Communities encourages professional develop-ment, and the organization is there to reward the extra education, Har-ris said.

“Even though we have 467 employees, we try to get to know each of their first names,” Harris said. “We’re human beings taking care of human beings. Our philoso-phy is if we aren’t taking care of employees through educational or pay grades that are the highest in the Cedar Valley, they’re going to have a tough time taking care of our residents.”

Western Home Communities

residents bring a variety of needs, which the organization services on two Cedar Falls campuses and by visiting clients in their own homes.

“We’re about dignity and respect,” Harris said. “These are some of the toughest jobs you’ll find. They can be, because of the emotions of residents who are declining and even dying.”

Staffers are coaches, mentors, listeners, Harris noted. “Hopefully, we do a good job of respecting, rec-ognizing and rewarding folks for their dedication.”

Jill Wellborn, a nutrition ser-vices supervisor, was the recipi-ent of many donated vacation hours when her twin sons were born three months premature and again when one of the boys need-ed a liver transplant — from her.

Many of the donated hours came from other Covenant employees she had never met, despite work-ing their for 14 years.

“I had to call payroll to ask who these people were so I could thank them personally,” she said.

Parsons said many people donate hours to other employees they haven’t met, but whose story touched them.

“I think it speaks to our value of respect and caring and the mis-

sion of our organization,” she said.

68

EMPLOYERS OF CHOICE

Greenwood Drug is a commu-nity retail pharmacy that makes customized medications and fi lls prescriptions for patients. Over-the-counter medica-tions are also available, along with vitamins and other types of pharmacy products.

“Greenwood Drug stands out

in the community because of our high level of service — we employ four full-time pharma-cists at this store — and we cater to people who are elderly espe-cially those with complicated medicine regimens or who need help assessing which medi-cal programs would be best for them, ” Greenwood said.

“We have a very professional staff ; most of them are college educated.”

GREENWOODFrom page 10


Jessica Reams is using Wheaton Franciscan’s tuition reimbursement program to help defray her tuition costs at Hawkeye Community College.

WHEATONFrom page 8

Western Home bosses set tone

RICK TIBBOTT / Courier Staff Photographer

From left, Renee Timion, Pat Neisen and Berniece Williams pet Torbin, the resident boxer, at the Western Home Communities in Cedar Falls.


ME&V Advertising

& Consulting6711 Chancellor Drive, Cedar Falls

(319) 268-9151www.meandv.com

Employees: 50What the company does: ME&V

is a specialized, full-service adver-tising and fundraising consultancy . ME&V offers a wide spectrum of in-house, creative marketing services .

How it stands out in its fi eld: An award-winning agency known for excellence in its specialty divisions: health care marketing, fundraising advisers, nonprofi t marketing, education marketing, advertising and consulting.

Involvement in the community: ME&V employees serve on more than 40 boards and committees and volunteer more than 2,500 community hours each year. ME&V’s Quadro Crew volunteer team was launched in 2008.

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By META HEMENWAY-FORBES

[email protected]

CEDAR FALLS — The ME&V volunteer group “Quadro Crew” assembles for a group photo in the lobby. There is playful banter between employees as they jock-ey for position next to “Quadro Man,” a cartoon sculpture of the company logo, complete with purple sneakers.

Partner Dee Vandeventer strolls in. “We have a new client,” she says, slapping a high fi ve to ME&V Advertising & Consulting partner Bryan Earnest.

It’s the end of the week and the Friday vibe is strong. But for employees of the marketing and advertising fi rm, every day at ME&V is like Friday.

“This is a building of high-energy, enthusiastic people,” Earnest said. “We look for employees who are looking for the most out of life. We’re a suc-cessful company if employees are well-rounded and full of life.”

In return for staff ers’ energy and talents, ME&V provides an enjoyable work environment and a promise to stay sensitive

to employees’ needs outside the offi ce. Regional account execu-tive and new mom Laura Caha-lan nominated ME&V for the Employers of Choice honor.

“Being a new mom who has just returned to work, ME&V’s fl ex-ibility and family-centered focus has made the transition much easier,” she wrote.

“ME&V truly is one big fam-ily, and the commitment that the partners and the employees all have to their work and each other

makes for a positive and enjoy-able place.”

When ME&V Web producer Jessica Mortvedt’s husband was diagnosed with cancer, she learned just how dedicated the company is to its staff .

Mortvedt took time off to care for her ailing husband as well as their toddler daughter. The ME&V family stepped in to help.

“It was straight from top down,” said Mortvedt, who also nominated the company for the

EOC honor. “While I was gone, a couple of the partners gave me a call and reinforced that I didn’t need to worry about work. To have the partners of the fi rm call, I’d only been here eight months. Dee told me if there’s anything I needed, meals of anything, she’d bring it right over.”

“We have a pledge to do what’s right,” Earnest said.

“Employees have to be in the right frame of mind to do their best. If the other challenges in life are taken care of, then they can be on their game here. And on a human level, it’s just the right thing to do.”

EMPLOYERS OF CHOICE


Jennifer Miller transfers a family photograph to tracing paper at ME&V Advertising & Consulting in Cedar Falls.

ME&V treats enthusiastic employees with family attitude


By AMIE STEFFEN

[email protected]

WATERLOO — If you’re not already in the neighborhood and you didn’t know it was there, you might miss it.

But you’d be missing something special.

Nestled between residences on Park Road near Longfellow Elemen-tary School, B&R Quality Meats has been quietly and steadily processing and supplying beef, pork, poultry, lamb and veal to some of the biggest meat distributors in the area, includ-ing Martin Brothers and Iowa Family Farms.

They also run a small retail shop, off ering those meats and other spe-cialty meat products like seafood, pig’s ears and oxtails — things you might not fi nd at too many places.

“We’re making sure we put out a quality product every day — some-thing we would put on our plates — and try to do it for a fair price,” said

Dennis Brennan, the “B” behind B&R.There’s also the casual, familiar work

environment B&R’s employees con-tinually boast about that keeps turn-over low and employees working there for years. Even part-time employee Austin McGrane, who left to enroll at Kirkwood Community College this fall, worked there for four years.

“It’s like a second family,” McGrane said. “Everybody’s real close.”

Co-owners Brennan and Mark Rat-kovich off er time off for holidays, health insurance and a profi t-sharing plan similar to a 401(k).

They also provide cakes and gifts on birthdays, fi xed Patty Ribble’s lawn-mower and fi lled a gravel driveway for Wendy Foster, who nominated B&R for this honor.

Foster and others say they appreciate the owners’ help, as several are single parents.

“They know we don’t have anybody to help us out, so they help us out,” said Ribble. “They do take care of us

in that respect, so we basically do the same back to them. They work just as hard as us.”

When someone is gone, the close-knit group helps out, taking over job duties and rallying together. When mistakes happen, they’re dealt with quickly and professionally by man-agement, said Foster.

“They’re hard, but yet understand-ing,” she said. “You’re not scared to go up and ask (Brennan or Ratkovich) a question.”

B&R Quality Meats Inc.200 Park Road, Waterloo

(319) 232-6328www.b-rqualitymeats.com

Employees: 8 What the company does: Meat pro-

cessor, retailer and wholesaler .How it stands out in its fi eld: Small

company lends itself to familiar work-ing atmosphere with low turnover.

Involvement in the community: Lo-cally owned and operated since 1980.

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A difference you can feel…

Waverly Health Center appreciates our staff for providing high quality,

patient-focused health care.

Thank you for your part in making us an employer

of choice!

…a feeling you can see.

EMPLOYERS OF CHOICE

B&R creates family atmosphere


Mark Ratkovich, co-owner of B&R Quality Meats, cuts a steak at the store in Waterloo.


By JON ERICSON

[email protected]

HUDSON — Bill Colwell holds onto a piece of business advice he received long ago. He no longer recalls the sage that granted him the wisdom, but the lesson remains.

“Somebody told me a long time ago, watch how your employees treat each other, that’s how they will treat your customers,” Colwell said. In building his Hudson car dealership, Colwell also has built a family.

“I try to treat everybody the same,” he said. “We need to treat customers and each other like we want to be treated back.”

Ernie Doeden owned Goodyear stores for 15 years before he decided he wanted to work for someone else and have more time for his family.

He looked for a job at Colwell, in part, because he had worked with the company for years.

“Most dealerships have a lot of turnover,” said Doeden, who has

now been with the dealership for eight years. “I’ve seen how we don’t have turnover here.”

Colwell bought the dealership in 1984, when it had six employees. Now Bill Colwell Ford has 36.

Bill Colwell Ford238 Waterloo Road, Hudson

(319) 988-4153www.billcolwellford.com

Employees: 36What the company does: Ford

and Isuzu dealershipHow it stands out in its fi eld:

Retains sales staff and treats employees and customers alike as family.

Involvement in the community: Sponsors Bill Colwell Waterloo Open tennis tournament, area ten-nis, a fall golf outing with proceeds going toward hospice, University of Northern Iowa athletics and Hud-son community projects, among other involvements.

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By TINA HINZ

[email protected]

WATERLOO — When Mirala Kajtazovic was visiting her par-ents in Bosnia, she got homesick for her job.

“I missed the people here so much,” said Kajtazovic, a four-year employee at Tyson Prepared Foods. “We’re laughing all the time.”

Her fl oater position is the fourth and “best job” she’s had since immigrating to the United States fi ve years ago. She quit a year ago to pursue a nursing degree but returned to Tyson about a month later.

Like Kajtazovic, nine-year employee Edita Muheljic, who packages pizza toppings, spoke little English when she came to the states from Bosnia. Tyson has a translator to help workers transition and understand their

duties.“Older ladies, it’s hard for them,”

she said. “My mom knows some words, but she doesn’t speak like me. I learned a lot of words here at Tyson.”

Many employees start on second or third shift but can move around as openings are posted. In her 11 years with the company, Tasha Perry has worked every shift to spend time with her daughter .

“During school time, I had to get on fi rst (shift),” Perry said of her current position on the produc-tion line. “Anytime I need vaca-tion or time off , just put in an application and majority of the time they’ll let me have it off .”

Employees also have the day off for their birthday.

Safety is addressed through weekly and monthly meetings. Each quarter, employees with no safety violations earn $100 each. The plant recently earned out-standing safety achievement for one year with no lost-time acci-dents, and employees celebrated with a steak dinner.

“Sometimes I think maybe it’s a little bit too much, but when it’s safety, it’s safety,” Kajtazovic said.

Also at meetings, employees get updates on how the plant is producing, what to expect for the coming weeks and information about new products.

“They always try to keep so we know ahead before it just dumps in front of us,” said 25-year employee David Schnepf, a fork-lift operator .

Tyson Prepared

Foods Inc.501 N. Elk Run Road, Waterloo

(319) 236-2636www.tyson.com

Employees: 200What the company does: Tyson

is a leader in pork, beef and chicken protein products .

How it stands out in its fi eld: Products enhance the quality of dining out and enable households to keep pace with a fast-paced society.

Involvement in the community: Team members and the company contribute to many organizations, in-cluding United Way, March of Dimes, Northeast Iowa Food Bank, Salvation Army, Feed the Children, schools, churches and other nonprofi ts .

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EMPLOYERS OF CHOICE

Workers at Tyson Prepared Foods note quality goes beyond work


Workers load sausage used for frozen pizza in bins at Tyson Prepared Foods in Waterloo.

Bill Colwell Ford employees are treated like customers

See COLWELL, page 17


By CLARA HUDSON

[email protected]

WATERLOO — “EPI feels that everyone is entitled to a high qual-ity of life that is fi lled with the opportunity to make choices that will allow for success, but what people may not know is that EPI feels this way about its employ-ees as well as its clients,” Melissa Ellis wrote in her nomination for Exceptional Persons Inc.’s inclu-sion in Employers of Choice.

She goes on to compliment EPI’s executive director and his admin-istration for their eff orts and feed-back. “Our executive director is very approachable and adminis-tration provides daily feedback.

“There is always someone in administration that is available to talk, and listen, in regard to any family issues or events that unfold. They even have counseling available to all staff if family issues

become overwhelming.”EPI is a human services organi-

zation which has multiple entities . According to the nomination

forms sent by many EPI employ-

ees, the company not only pro-vides services to their clients and families but makes it a good place to work as well. Employees cited many aspects of their employ-

ment to support their opinions, including training, opportunities for advancement, high standards, recognition, benefits and job security, a feeling of pride in EPI’s presence in the community and the camaraderie among staff .

Many staff members mentioned the benefi ts but combined that with the appreciation of positive feedback, the feeling of being val-ued and the feeling of pride they derive from their work.

Pamela Craft, a 15-year employ-ee said, “We have a great benefi t package, and have training avail-able that allows for advancement. There is an employee recognition program where we can earn points for living and sharing our values.”

Executive director Chris Sparks expressed appreciation of EPI employees and underscored EPI’s goals for the present and future.

“Our staff are vital to our success as a human service organization,

and we are excited that they con-sider us worthy of recognition as an Employer of Choice.”

Exceptional

Persons Inc.700 Ansborough Ave., Waterloo

(319) 232-6671www.episervice.org

Employees: 319What the company does: EPI

has several missions to help persons with disabilities, enhance child care and strengthen families through residential programs, em-ployment, day habilitation, hourly services and respite.

How it stands out in its fi eld: It provides many services for per-sons with disabilities.

Involvement in the community: It participates in community ac-tivities like My Waterloo Days and supports families of exceptional persons so they can be involved in their community.

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We Appreciate Our Team Members!We were Yum(Pizza Hut, KFC and Taco Bell) Supplier of the YearAll 180 employees have given us a stellar year of record volume!!!They have recently completed 1 year with no lost time accidents

EMPLOYERS OF CHOICE

EPI employees say quality-of-life mission extends to them


Judy Townsend works with Travis Larson, left, Luke George and others in the exercise room at the Exceptional Persons facility.


“BEST OUTCOME, EVERY PATIENT, EVERY TIME”Thank you to our spectacular team for nominating us for this honor.

You Make Our Vision Possible.

We offer a dynamic benefits package that includes: health, dental, vision, disability, life, 401k, paid time off, and more!

Apply online at www.grundycountyhospital.org or send a resume to [email protected]

For more information call(319) 824-5421 ext. 244 GRUNDY COUNTY

MEMORIAL HOSPTIALA PARTNER OF ALLEN HOSPITAL

“BEST OUTCOME, EVERY PATIENT, EVERY TIME”Thank you to our spectacular team for nominating us for this honor.

You Make Our Vision Possible.

We offer a dynamic benefits package that includes: health, dental, vision, disability, life, 401k, paid time off, and more!

Apply online at www.grundycountyhospital.org or send a resume to [email protected]

For more information call(319) 824-5421 ext. 244 GRUNDY COUNTY

MEMORIAL HOSPTIALA PARTNER OF ALLEN HOSPITAL

Three of those original employees are still there. Colwell finds those long-time employees invaluable.

“You spend 20 years learning the business, how do you replace that?” Colwell said.

Doeden has found the flexibility at Colwell invaluable.

“As a salesperson, if your kid is in sports or a band concert at night, Bill supports going to the event and coming back when it’s over if there’s time,” Doeden said. “Bill is very flexible because he believes

family comes first. ”That benefit hasn’t always been

the case. It’s a sign of the times.“When I started in the car busi-

ness years ago, they didn’t do this. But things have changed,” Colwell said. “When my kids were growing up I wanted to go to the events, and it occurred to me they would want that, too.”

In nominating Colwell for Employers of Choice, Doeden made note of how Colwell has sup-ported employees as they worked through personal problems.

“Families all have challenges and trying times, and we do, too,” Col-well said.


Ray Levendusky performs a safety inspection on a vehicle at Bill Colwell Ford in Hudson.

COLWELLFrom page 15

EMPLOYERS OF CHOICE


By JOSH NELSON

[email protected]

WATERLOO — Hardships have a way of pulling family closer.

That rang true for the employ-ees at Bergan, Paulsen & Co. after the floods in June 2008, when the Cedar River inundated several employees’ homes and corpo-rate offices around the state. The company pooled its resources and helped the victims, like Cori Power, the company’s human resources director, when the Cedar River claimed her Waverly home.

“Everyone was really accepting and understood we were living in an RV in our backyard,” Power said.

That helping hand has been the norm for Bergan, Paulsen & Co., an accounting and tax consulta-tion firm .

Dave Happel, a managing part-ner, said the company has focused a lot of effort on building a team environment for the 70 employees.

That includes a flexible schedule for them, providing plenty of train-ing and support and instituting an

open-door philosophy.Inherent in those key points is an

effort to keep the staff happy, Hap-

pel said. The company often will hold wedding showers for employ-ees, encourage staff to be involved in the community or provide fit-ness training to reduce stress.

“We still try to remember the little things that were important to them (employees) when we were smaller,” Happel said.

Those small things can matter a lot when the tough times come. Every year, Bergan gets hit hard during the tax season. Stress and workloads spike, but it doesn’t always lead to sour moods, said Carrie Moorman, an audit senior in the Waterloo office. The flexible hours means Moorman and her husband, who also works at Ber-gan, can still tend to their family and take breaks when needed.

“It works out that we have oppo-site busy seasons, and we can come and go,” Moorman said.

That employee-first focus also tends to reduce the amount of turnover. The company tends to

find advancement opportunities for employees, which means Power, the human resources director, doesn’t do a lot of exit interviews. She thinks it’s because people feel comfortable at Bergan.

“I just want it to feel like another home and that’s what it really is,” she said.

Bergan, Paulsen & Co.531 Commercial St., Waterloo

(319) 234-6885www.bpccpa.com


Certifi ed public accounting and consulting.

How it stands out in its fi eld: Family-like atmosphere and close relationships with clients foster good business relationships.

Involvement in the community: Company compensates employees for time spent in community orga-nizations as a way to encourage involvement.

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238 Waterloo Road • Hudson10 minutes from Waterloo and Cedar Falls

1-800-300-6950 1-319-988-4153 www.BillColwellFord.com

MikeMikesh

BetsyHaht

LaverneTradel

Chris McCulley

JeffBaker

ErnieDoeden

Chad Du Four

RussMcGlaughlin

Darrell Schipper

Al Shepard

Mike Stark

Travis Reid

Kristine Glass

DaleKnoblock

BillColwell

Carl Lorenz

Chet Vaughn

Craig Sebekow

Dave Engel

JimTogersen

JoelPetersen

Kim Johnson

Kurt Kienitz

Ray Levendusky

RJ Beyer

Terry Reams

Blake Colwell

Tom King

Scott Harlan

Chuck Adams

JulieTrebon

SherryHarmsen

Gene Hinders

Thank Youto all our employees for making Bill Colwell

Ford • Isuzu a Cedar Valley Employer of Choice.Great people make great companies!

A Trusted Name in Automotive For 25 Years!

Bob Fuller

DallasPowell

Rob Burnell

JohnSchaefer

EMPLOYERS OF CHOICE

Employee-fi rst focus makes Bergan, Paulsen & Co. feel like second home

TIFFANY RUSHING / Courier Staff Photographer

Cori Power, human resources director at Bergan, Paulsen & Co., said her employers came to her rescue after fl oodwaters swamped her home.


By JEFF REINITZ

[email protected]

WATERLOO — Helping senior citizens maintain independence is a great experience.

It is also one of the things that makes working for Hawkeye Val-ley Area Agency on Aging a joy, according to employees there.

“It’s very rewarding, and that’s why we come to work every day, and that’s why we do what we do,” said Patty Esch, associate director for case management for Hawk-eye Valley.

Esch, who has a nursing back-ground, started working at the agency 21 years ago.

She oversees 20-some social workers and nurses who assist seniors coordinate their services in a 10-county area. She’s also in charge of the elder abuse program that helps at-risk seniors.

Beyond the mission, manage-ment at Hawkeye Valley always lets employees know they are appreciated.

“Every two weeks when we get paid, we get thanked for what we do, which I thought was really rare,” said Vicki Hyke, the agen-cy’s communications coordina-tor, who started there earlier this year.

Hyke said the company is also family-friendly, allowing employ-ees to be fl exible in the event of ill-ness or other family matters.

Esch said one of the reasons she has stayed at Hawkeye Valley for more than two decades is the fact the assignment is always evolving.

“I have that opportunity for creating new programs. There are parameters and guidelines, but we can think outside of our box here, so we are always being creative,” Esch said.

For instance, a idea of the case management program Esch is in charge of came from a conference she attended in Minnesota.

“At the time, Iowa was only dab-bling in case management for the frail elderly. So we wrote a grant, and things just began to move for-ward,” Esch said.

The agency provides nutrition-al services, case management, transportation, day programing and other assistance.

Hawkeye Valley Area

Agency on Aging2101 Kimball Ave, Waterloo

(319) 272-2244www.hvaaa.org

Employees: 53What the organization does:

Hawkeye Valley is a nonprofi t corporation serving elders in 10 counties in Northeast Iowa. It coordinates services for people ages 60 and older to maintain the independence they desire.

How it stands out in its fi eld: HVAAA keeps customers fi rst and foremost in any decision they make as an agency.

Involvement in the community: The company is involved with the Chamber of Commerce and Cedar Valley United Way and has agree-ments with more than 100 other organizations that provide services to seniors.

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Landmark Commons 1400 Maxhelen Blvd., Waterloo

(319) 296-7100www.friendshipvillageiowa.com


Landmark Commons provides a safe, secure and worry-free environment for those 55 and older. The facility houses ap-proximately 150 residents in 90 independent-living apartments.

How it stands out in its fi eld: Landmark Commons is one of the Cedar Valley’s newest retirement living option for residents 55 years and older. An on-site spa, climate-con-trolled parking, access to health care and a friendly staff are all perks of residing at Landmark Commons.

Involvement in the com-munity: Partners in Educa-tion, Alzheimer’s Association fundraising and programming, community groups, organiza-tions and advisory boards.

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EMPLOYERS OF CHOICE

Helping seniors makes job rewarding

By BETHANY PINT

[email protected]

WATERLOO — When Martin Vollmer came to the United States in 1968, he was a college student from Germany looking for experi-ence in the culinary industry.

He worked in Des Moines and Ames and owned a restaurant in Waverly. When the restaurant closed last year, Vollmer needed to fi nd a job to pay the bills.

He answered a help wanted advertisement in The Courier and was hired as a chef at Landmark Commons, a retirement home for men and women 55 years and older.

“It is amazing how smooth life — both professional and personal — can be when you’re in a great, productive work environment,” Vollmer wrote in the nomination form.

Landmark Commons is home to about 150 residents in its 90 over-sized apartment homes.

Amber Jedlicka, director at Landmark Commons, said Land-mark Commons provides an “environment in which you feel like you can spread your wings.”

Dane Anderson, an assistant

chef at Landmark Commons, is going to take advantage of the tuition reimbursement program this fall.

“When I told them I came to that decision, they were really sup-portive of that,” Anderson said.

Anderson will commute to Kirkwood Community College to attend classes for a culinary arts degree.

“We have a staff out here that works together and cares about each other and looks out for each other,” said Dominick Hudson, facility management and main-tenance head for Landmark Commons.

Kelli Manfull, an assistant man-ager at Landmark Commons, witnessed the caring nature of her co-workers when her home fell victim to last summer’s fl ooding. Landmark Commons off ered Kelli and her husband, Kim, a place to stay.

“They didn’t even think twice about it,” Kelli said.

The Manfulls moved into Land-mark Commons until volunteers, including co-workers, helped remodel their home on Cottage Row.

“It’s absolutely amazing, and I enjoy coming to work every single day,” she said.

Care evident at Landmark Commons


From left, Heidi Alig, with Hawkeye Valley Agency on Aging, and interpreter Fikret Kudic talk with Ferhat and Cetiba Ferhatovic at their home in Waterloo during a quarterly home visit.

DAWN J. SAGERT / Courier Staff Photographer

Adela Ademovic, center, serves Jean Stevens, left, and Micki Tarr dinner at Landmark Commons retirement community.

Employers of Choice

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