The TINYawards are back for 2020! I mean, c’mon, 2020 was that year. Organizations around the globe have been put through the wringer. A pandemic, ongoing social justice movements, and a divided election have tested the resiliency of companies and their employees.
That’s exactly the reason we brought our TINYawards back. To showcase and honor the companies who made the best of a challenging year. The 2020 winners didn’t shy away from addressing problems at hand. Rather, they leaned into them, listened to, and recognized their employees resulting in some of the happiest and most engaged teams in the world.
The 2020 TINYawards are comprised of the following categories: Happiest, Employee Recognition, Raising the Bar, and Wins. Each award means something a little different, but in essence they all mean this: these organizations listened to their employees’ feedback and made changes to improve their workplace culture.
We asked leaders how they achieved such great success by winning these awards. What are these companies doing exactly? They shared their top tips, advice, and best practices with us. Take a look below to find out more – how they are putting people first and building a solid company culture.
Organizations who have some of happiest and most recognized employees credited their overt communication as to why they won. Transparent and open communication builds trust among team members and creates a culture of honesty. Last year was rough, people’s health, safety, and jobs were constantly at risk. If there was ever a need to increase the lines of upfront and honest communication within an organization, it was 2020.
Here’s a selection of quotes from some of our winners:
– Ashely Carr, Managing Director at Neo PR - 2020 Employee Recognition Award Recipient
– Dakota Davisson, Human Resources Generalist at Insurance Management Group - 2020 Wins Award Recipient
– Rachel Payne, General Manager at Convergecom - Happiest, Raising the Bar, & Wins Award Recipient
– Michael Felder, Operations Director at The Summit Group - 2020 Happiest Award Recipient
– Bruce Moe, Executive Director of Missouri State Teachers Association - 2020 Happiest Award Recipient
– Louise Potts, People and Culture Manager Health & Safety at SolutionsPT - 2020 Happiest Award Recipient
By setting and defining your company's core values, you are creating a cultural roadmap for employees. From the get-go, everyone can lean on a shared belief system. Providing an outward facing list of shared beliefs and expectations of your employees fosters team bonding and cultivates a strong company culture. As an employer, you can align on values, hire from values, and even fire on values. Plus, this will facilitate driving purposeful work for your organization long term.
Here’s what some business leaders have to say about defining core values:
– Forrest Derr, President of Altaworx LLC - 2020 Happiest & Wins Award Recipient
– Bill Boncosky, Owner and President of Art to Remember - 2020 Happiest Award Recipient
– Jennifer Schissel, Director of Finance and People at Y Scouts - 2020 Employee Recognition Award Recipient
– Clay Harris, CEO of WorkSmart - 2020 Employee Recognition Award Recipient
– Steven Kapor, President of Fundriver, Inc. - 2020 Happiest Award Recipient
– Anthea Cohen, General Manager of GoFundraise - 2020 Employee Recognition Award Recipient
If you care about your employees, then you have to show them. Investing in your team can be done in numerous ways. Whether it’s expanding benefits, providing educational opportunities, or simply investing your time in them– your employees will take note. Make your employees feel like they have a stake in the company.
Here are some real-life examples of investments employers have made:
– William Schimmel, Executive Director and CEO of Pharmacy Technician Certification Board - 2020 Happiest & Employee Recognition Award Recipient
– Marya Khalil-Otto, CEO of VI Aesthetics - 2020 Happiest Award Recipient
Investing doesn’t have to have a dollar sign in front of it. Providing time, resources, care, and energy without even considering the fiscal implications doesn’t mean it’s the wrong thing to do. It’s exactly the right thing to do.
– Josh Weeks, President of Movemedical - 2020 Wins Award Recipient
– Skye Morgan, Director of Operations at globeo.com - 2020 Happiest, Recognition, & Wins Award Recipient
Who doesn’t like to be recognized for a job well done? A recognized team is an engaged team. Literally just saying “thank you for doing X task, I can see how it will affect Y” goes a long way. This also shouldn’t be a top-down program, rather peer-to-peer. Your employees will build morale, increase happiness, and foster stronger connections. Don’t forget to make it consistent and include how it makes you feel.
These leaders know just how important recognition is:
– Morgan O’Hara, Managing Partner of The Hutong - 2020 Employee Recognition Award Recipient
– Patrick Anwandter, Managing Director & Financial Planner of Strategy First Financial Planning - 2020 Employee Recognition Award Recipient
– Alistair du Chatenier, Principal of Thorndon School - 2020 Happiest, Raising the Bar, Recognition, & Wins Award Recipient
– Scott Colenutt, Managing Director of SiteVisibility - 2020 Employee Recognition Award Recipient
– Stacey Levas, VP of Commercial Marketing at Prognos Health - 2020 Wins Award Recipient
– Marie Clarke, Sr Manager Customer Experience Programs at Holland America Group - Guest Programs - 2020 Employee Recognition and Wins Award Recipient
If you’re not listening to your employees, how will you know how they feel? How will you know what actions to take? The answer is simple. You won’t. Unless you’re actively listening, collecting feedback, and creating room for honest dialogue – you will not know how to address employee problems. Even better, make it anonymous. Some problems are hard to address. Fix that by paving the way for honest feedback.
These leaders have spoken, like I said, just listen:
– Neil Collins, CEO of Santa Clara County Association of Realtors - 2020 Wins Award Recipient
– Brandon Dufour, Founder and CEO of The Next Street - 2020 Happiest Award Recipient
– Laura Salvatore, Associate VP Human Capital at Centurion Asset Management Inc. - 2020 Happiest Award Recipient
–Judith Oleana-Ubaghs, Chief Happiness Officer of Profound Projects - 2020 Wins Award Recipient
– Lucas Robinson, CEO of WeatherSolve Structures - 2020 Happiest & Wins Award Recipient
– Kristin Olsen, Director of E-Commerce Portfolio Services at Alaska Airlines - 2020 Recognition & Wins Award Recipient
– Lynda Sagona, Group Chief Executive of United Welsh - 2020 Happiest Award Recipient
– Kersten Collins, Director of People & Culture at Treehouse - 2020 Employee Recognition Award Recipient
Well there you have it – advice from business leaders themselves on what it takes to foster employee happiness and company culture. If I haven’t made it clear yet, these all of these winners are all doing one thing – collecting employee feedback and refining their company culture. Every single winner is actively creating a better workplace for their teams.
Whether you’re communicating transparently, living and breathing through core values, investing in your employees, encouraging recognition and collecting employee feedback – you’re on the right track. Each one of these is a huge step forward. Taking a holistic approach is even better.
These aren’t end all, be all tactics. There’s so many ways you can cultivate a great culture of trust, honesty, and productivity. But, again, don’t take it from me. Take from the leaders who are prevailing and the best at it. Afterall, they won an award/s for just that.
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Alo Moves:Digital fitness company offering classes and content that promote movement and mindfulness. |
Minno:An online subscription-based streaming media provider specializing in Christian religious programming for children. |
Nintendo:A Japanese multinational consumer electronics and video game company headquartered in Kyoto. |
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3i International:IT Services provider specializing in disaster recovery, cloud computing, and document management. |
Navtech Radar Ltd.:A world-leading innovator, award-winning designer, and manufacturer of commercially deployed radar solutions. |
Thriveon:IT that imporoves operations and helps run a more profitable and scalable business.
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Fundriver, Inc:Non-profit endowment accounting software.
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TrainerRoad:Science-based cycling training system structured for indoor workouts & easy to use analysis tools. |
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DH Glabe & Associates:Construction and structural engineering firm focused on providing support for contractors and building owners. |
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Altek Supply:Second-generation family-owned distributor of DHV valve products in Canada.
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Embrace Pet Insurance:Personalized accident and illness pet insurance policies for all budgets based in Ohio.
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WeatherSolve Structures:Designer and manufacturer of structures to modify the weather for industry, recreation, and agriculture. |
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Earnest Machine:Industrial distributor of large diameter and specialty fasteners for the heavy truck, agricultural, heavy construction, manufacturing and mining markets. |
Late Model Restoration:An industry leader in supplying restoration performance, and maintenance parts for late model Mustangs.
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VI Aesthetics:Award winning makers of skincare and chemical peels based in Hollywood, CA.
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AVID Center:Nonprofit professional learning provider for educators who help high school and middle school students get read for college. |
The Next Street:Locally owned and operated driving school in Connecticut.
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Thorndon School: Te Kura o Pipitea:Educational school based in Wellington, New Zealand.
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Centurion Asset Management Inc:Ontario-based asset management, financial planning, and investment consulting. |
Connecticut Wealth Management:Financial planning and advisory firm for individuals, families, business owners, and executives. |
Cordant Wealth:Comprehensive wealth management for employees and executives in the technology industry. |
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Missouri State Teachers Association:A grassroots independent professional org committed to educating children by protecting, supporting, and educating over 47,000 Missouri educators and other professionals. |
Pharmacy Technician Certification Board:A pharmacy technician credentialing organization based in Washington, DC.
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United Welsh:Award winning housing association and leading developer of homes.
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OnPoint Hospitality:A rental property management company that supports Airbnb, VRBO, HomeAway and TripAdvisor. |
Synergy Franchising:Master franchisee and developer for Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen in Northern Alberta, Canada. |
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Boost:Software development company providing digital experiences and Agile consulting, helping their clients deliver positive and lasting impacts.
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Integrity Technology Solutions:IT firm providing managed IT support, security, cloud & network infrastructure services, and technology planning & consulting solutions.
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SolutionsPT:Industrial software, hardware, and services for manufacturing and infrastructure in the UK and Ireland.
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Art to Remember:25+ year provider of fundraising programs for school arts education.
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Plus Packaging LTD:Family company that provides solutions for high volume, bespoke transit packaging.
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Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co:Largest metals service center operator in North America based in Los Angeles, CA. |
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Conversion Rate Experts:International consultancy specializing in science-based optimization of business websites. |
Marketsoft:Helps businesses make the most of their data assets, and execute on it through effective marketing. |
Sammis & Ochoa:Full service public relations agency based in San Antonio, TX, serving clients of a variety of industries. |
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Echo Health Ventures:A strategic venture capital and growth equity firm focused on health care transformation.
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eMindful Inc:A leading provider of purpose-driven mindfulness solutions that improve health and productivity of employees. |
Octapharma Canada:The largest privately owned and independent company dedicated to the research and development of life saving or life altering therapies. |
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CORE GROUP:Provides small businesses with financial services and tax consultative strategies. |
Salt Lake City Bookkeeping:Builds customized bookkeeping systems that empower business owners to make better informed strategic decisions. |
TalenTrust:Outsourced strategic recruiting and human capital consulting for middle-market companies. |
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Leedsafe:A NZ based public safety company providing an extensive range of safety clothing, footwear, PPE and equipment. |
Tyremax:Tire supplier since 1972, committed to supporting tire dealers across New Zealand.
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Vanguard Group:Assisting organizations to improve the traffic and pedestrian safety on their sites.
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Altaworx LLC:B2B provider of enterprise class hosted PBX and unified communications.
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Convergecom:North Strathfield, Australia based provider of phone systems for small and medium businesses.
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The Summit Group:Melbourne, Australia based internet and voice service company that loves enables businesses with technology. |
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globeo.com:Full-service lodging resource company for mobile workforces.
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IMI:Transportation company focused on creating tire, wheel, and fuel preserving solutions for commercial fleets. |
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Nintendo:A Japanese multinational consumer electronics and video game company headquartered in Kyoto. |
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Navtech Radar Ltd:A world-leading innovator, award-winning designer, and manufacturer of commercially deployed radar solutions. |
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Evia:Digital events provider specializing in the creation of meaningful virtual experiences for mid to large size organizations.
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PQ Systems:Helps organizations implement quality improvement programs and demonstrate proof of their quality performance.
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Promet Source:Agency offering custom designs, implementations, private and public instructor lead training, web accessibility compliance, content development and more. |
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Peanut Butter & Co:A food company specializes in peanut butter spreads. |
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Late Model Restoration:An industry leader in supplying restoration performance, and maintenance parts for late model Mustangs. |
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Thorndon School: Te Kura o Pipitea:Educational school based in Wellington, New Zealand. |
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Sunbelt Medical International:Global revenue cycle specialist in healthcare helping accelerate payments and optimize reimbursements. |
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Good360:Nonprofit company providing sourcing and distribution of physical goods in order to support people in need. |
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OnPoint Hospitality:A rental property management company that supports Airbnb, VRBO, HomeAway and TripAdvisor. |
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Netstar:IT Support and technology advisory services that help transform businesses. |
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Concept Systems Inc:20+ year provider of industrial automation solutions in Albany, OR. |
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Core Creative:Full service advertising and branding agency in Milwaukee. |
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UPIC Health, LLC:Women owned and empowered patient communications, revenue cycle management, and whole person care. |
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COSATTO LTD:UK-based retailer of colorful baby gear and furniture. |
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Convergecom:North Strathfield, Australia based provider of phone systems for small and medium businesses. |
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Alo Moves:Digital fitness company offering classes and content that promote movement and mindfulness. |
Nintendo:A Japanese multinational consumer electronics and video game company headquartered in Kyoto. |
UP/Aspire:Positive programming and entertainment for passionate and diverse audiences. |
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3i International:IT services provider specializing in disaster recovery, cloud computing, and document management.
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Information Network of Arkansas:A public-private partnership built to deliver more efficient public services for the state of Arkansas through technology. |
Thriveon:IT that imporoves operations and helps run a more profitable and scalable business.
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GoFundraise:Fundraising platform aimed at helping individuals or groups raise funds while reducing extraneous costs and resources. |
SPLICE Software:Supports businesses in creating the best communication programs and strategies. |
Tableau Software - Technical Operations:End-to-end analytics platform for data management and faster discoveries. |
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Greenleaf:Management firm providing property and asset services for multi-family and commercial real estate.
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Ideal Building Solutions:A full-service commercial roofing company servicing the Atlanta area and greater Southeast.
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Mack Boring and Parts Company:The supplier of Diesel Engines and Power Products for Industrial Markets and to Commercial and Pleasure-boat Marine users. |
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Tricap Residential Group:Real estate execution firm rooted in the fusion of great people and disciplines processes. |
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Altek Supply:Second-generation family-owned distributor of DHV valve products in Canada. |
Office Sign Company:Professional office signs, conference room signs & corporate door signs with free logos and free text. |
Treehouse:Affordable online education to diversify and bridge the gap between the learner and employer. |
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Alaska Airlines:The fifth largest American airline with over 16,000 employees. |
HomeLight:Real estate referral company aimed at connecting people with local real estate agents in order to sell their homes faster. |
One Click Ventures:E-tailer that owns and operates three eyewear brands: Readers.com, SunglassWarehouse.com, and felix + iris. |
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AVID Center:Nonprofit professional learning provider for educators who help high school and middle school students get read for college.
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KMUTT ETS:A learning system specially designed to provide a comprehensive online teaching environment that augments traditional learning for engineering. |
The Hutong:Educational programs throughout China that fosters growth and exchanging culture.
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Thorndon School: Te Kura o Pipitea:Educational school based in Wellington, New Zealand. |
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Covington Water District:Water utility company based in Covington, Washington
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Guernsey Water:Water and wastewater services company based in Guernsey, Channel Islands.
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Parker Water & Sanitation District:An institution based in Colorado that provides residents with a secure and long-term, high-quality water service. |
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Citizens State Bank:Community bank with four locations in Wisconsin.
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Gold Medal Waters:Financial planning firm focused on supporting physicians and others with high current income, high earnings potential, or substantial assets. |
Strategy First Financial Planning Pty Ltd:Privately owned financial planning serviced from design to implementation. |
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Pharmacy Technician Certification Board:A pharmacy technician credentialing organization based in Washington, DC. |
San Mateo County Libraries:Local library branch in San Mateo County, CA.
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Step Up For Students:Non-profit scholarship funding organization that helps administer scholars for Florida school children. |
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Holland America Group - Guest Programs:Cruise line aimed at providing once-in-a-lifetime experiences for guests. |
OnPoint Hospitality:A rental property management company that supports Airbnb, VRBO, HomeAway and TripAdvisor. |
Synergy Franchising:Master franchisee and developer for Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen in Northern Alberta, Canada. |
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Arkatechture:Data and analytics consulting firm in Portland, ME.
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Centrix Solutions:Software solutions for fraud detection, risk management, and compliance.
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WorkSmart:IT management and support provider for businesses and organizations throughout North Carolina and the Mid-Atlantic region. |
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American Thermal Instruments, Inc./Microtek Laboratories, Inc:Custom temperature monitoring solutions for pharmaceutical, medical, F&B, and industrial applications. |
COLGATE-PALMOLIVE (VIETNAM) CO.,LTD - MY PHUOC BRANCH:Vietnam branch of the multinational provider of household, healthcare, personal care, and veterinary products. |
Plus Packaging LTD:Family company that provides solutions for high volume, bespoke transit packaging. |
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Conversion Rate Experts:International consultancy specializing in science-based optimization of business websites. |
Gravitational Marketing:Media agency specializing in paid search marketing, paid social advertising, and programmatic ad buying. |
SiteVisibility:Full service digital marketing agency with a heritage in SEO.
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Anytime Fitness - IN:Fitness franchise with gym facilities open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
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eMindful Inc:A leading provider of purpose-driven mindfulness solutions that improve health and productivity of employees. |
Tangelo Manual Therapy + Movement:Customized physical therapy treatment plans for every bodily injury.
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Alkemist Labs:Family-owned botanical plant testing lab in the dietary supplement industry. |
Neo PR:B2B technology public relations in a digital age specializing in the technology sector. |
TalenTrust:Outsourced strategic recruiting and human capital consulting for middle-market companies. |
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Y Scouts:Retained executive search firm serving high-growth U.S. & Canada based health wellness, cannabis, and SaaS companies. |
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Leedsafe:A NZ based public safety company providing an extensive range of safety clothing, footwear, PPE and equipment. |
New Castle Title:The provider of title insurance that helps clients from accepting an offer through closing the transaction. |
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Telefluent:Full service window-replacement division 115 year old Andersen Corporation. |
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globeo.com:Full-service lodging resource company for mobile workforces.
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IMI:Transportation company focused on creating tire, wheel, and fuel preserving solutions for commercial fleets. |
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Nintendo:A Japanese multinational consumer electronics and video game company headquartered in Kyoto. |
UP/Aspire:Positive programming and entertainment for passionate and diverse audiences. |
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Information Network of Arkansas:A public-private partnership built to deliver more efficient public services for the state of Arkansas through technology. |
Navtech Radar Ltd:A world-leading innovator, award-winning designer, and manufacturer of commercially deployed radar solutions. |
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Experian Data Quality - Bulgaria:Leader in data management, address verification, email verification, and data enhancement services. |
Movemedical:Helps medical device companies increase sales force effectiveness and inventory optimization while reducing operational risk. |
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BuildingGreen, Inc:Consulting, training, and resources for architects and designers to create green projects.
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DA Sullivan & Sons, Inc:Mid-sized general contracting, construction management, and owner's project management firm. |
Ideal Building Solutions:A full-service commercial roofing company servicing the Atlanta area and greater Southeast. |
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RGBS Enterprises Inc:Energy management, energy conservation, and building automation system services. |
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Piaggio Fast Forward:Boston-based company that creates innovative tech products for easier, smarter, and more enjoyable local living.
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The Healthy Place:Wellness supplement company that inspires customers to make healthy changes for life.
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WeatherSolve Structures:Designer and manufacturer of structures to modify the weather for industry, recreation, and agriculture. |
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WebCE:Professional continuation education provider specializing in high quality, affordable education products and services. |
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Alaska Airlines:The fifth largest American airline with over 16,000 employees.
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Lulu Press, Inc:An online print-on-demand, self-publishing, and distribution platform based in Morrisville, NC. |
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Colorado State University:Flagship university of the Colorado State University system and renowned research institution. |
Digital Experts Academy:An entrepreneurship incubator aiming to help its members become financially self sufficient as digital entrepreneurs. |
Thorndon School: Te Kura o Pipitea:Educational school based in Wellington, New Zealand.
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Guernsey Water:Water and wastewater services company based in Guernsey, Channel Islands. |
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HQLAᵡ:Financial tech firm focused on accelerating the financial ecosystem’s transition towards frictionless ownership transfers of assets. |
Insurance Management Group:An all-risk insurance agency specializing in Home, Auto, Business Insurance, Individual Life & Health, and Employee Benefits. |
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City of Austin, Office of the City Auditor:City Auditor's Office for the City of Austin, TX.
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KUOW PUGET SOUND PUBLIC RADIO:An independent, nonprofit broadcast media station based in the Puget Sound region of Washington state. |
Lighthouse:Direct service program providing food, shelter, clothing rental, utility, other financial services to support self-sufficiency. |
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Holland America Group - Guest Programs:Cruise line aimed at providing once-in-a-lifetime experiences for guests. |
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Arkatechture:Data and analytics consulting firm in Portland, ME.
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Celerity Associates:Business and tech consulting firm specializing in efficient change management and operational efficiency. |
Centrix Solutions:Software solutions for fraud detection, risk management, and compliance.
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Hansa Chippers:Design and manufacturing company focused on creating high quality chipping and shredding equipment. |
Plus Packaging LTD:Family company that provides solutions for high volume, bespoke transit packaging.
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Visual Communications Company:Global leader in HMI components and electronics manufacturing services. |
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Profound Projects:Profound is a leading creative digital agency that helps companies digitize their services. |
SE2:Colorado-based integrated communications and creative agency focused on changing policy & opinion. |
Vujà Dé Digital:Digital consulting firm providing performance-based digital media and analytics. |
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Anytime Fitness - IN:Fitness franchise with gym facilities open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
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Brant County Health Unit:Lead Public Health Agency for Brant County, Ontario.
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Prognos:Suite of patient centric software applications that address HEOR, RWE, and commercial needs. |
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Alkemist Labs:Family-owned botanical plant testing lab in the dietary supplement industry.
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Chasm Partners:Retained executive search firm and talent development firm specializing in healthcare.
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Santa Clara County Association of Realtors:Provides an avenue for organized real estate to collect funds and offer direct assistance where it is most needed. |
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The Management Center:Helping social justice leaders learn how to build and run effective, equitable, and sustainable organizations. |
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Booksource:Provider of educational materials for school districts, classroom teachers, and libraries. |
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Altaworx LLC:B2B provider of enterprise class hosted PBX and unified communications. |
Convergecom:North Strathfield, Australia based provider of phone systems for small and medium businesses. |
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globeo.com:Full-service lodging resource company for mobile workforces.
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IMI:Transportation company focused on creating tire, wheel, and fuel preserving solutions for commercial fleets. |
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