InfoWorks Inc. InfoWorks is a management and IT consulting firm founded in
1997 and headquartered in Nashville. Services include strategic planning, business process design,
project management, custom development, implementation, training, and long-term support.
InfoWorks partners with mid-size and large companies in a variety of industries including health
care, insurance, distribution, manufacturing, financial services, government, publishing and higher
education.
Corporate culture at the 40-person firm focuses on a progressive work-life balance. All consultants
are based in the Nashville area and create their own work schedule, and the company focuses on the
Middle Tennessee market. This flexible approach and local business concentration allows InfoWorks to
attract and maintain talented, experienced and motivated employees who enjoy challenging work and
understand the local business climate and community.
In 2005, InfoWorks became an employee-owned firm, fulfilling its goal of remaining an independent,
Middle Tennessee-based company. Employee ownership is both a benefit and a significant part of
company culture, by making employees invested in the company's success.
"We work hard to create an environment where employees are treated with trust and respect, an
environment in which employees are confident that InfoWorks will take care of them," says CEO Jim
Clayton. "This allows our employees to spend their time and efforts on responsive, dependable and
quality service for each client."
National Association of State Boards of Accountancy The National
Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) serves as a forum for the 55 boards that regulate
the accounting profession. Begun in 1907 as a volunteer-run organization, today NASBA has more than
175 full-time employees.
NASBA provides programs and services, identifies and researches current and emerging issues
affecting state boards of accountancy, maintains communications among state boards to facilitate the
exchange of ideas and opinions, and fosters relationships with organizations that impact the
regulation of public accounting.
NASBA sponsors a variety of programs and services for professional accountants. Company-paid
"Toastmaster" meetings are held onsite during work hours, and monthly "lunch & learn" sessions cover
topics of personal and professional interest. NASBA strongly supports employee community
involvement: charitable outreach ranges from Meals on Wheels to disaster relief efforts, and
employees are allowed to engage in community outreach activities on company time.
"There are many good places to work, but NASBA seeks to be the best place to work," says CEO David
Costello. "'Best' reflects NASBA's people, their passions, and their positioning according to their
gifts and abilities. Likewise, the best people must be complemented by the best approaches in
management, culture and leadership."
Kramer Rayson LLP Established in 1948, the law firm of Kramer
Rayson engages in general practice with concentrations in employment, tax, contractual, estate,
trust, health care and civil law.
Clients range from General Motors to the Knoxville Utilities Board to Tennessee Farmers Mutual
Insurance Co. The firm handles both transactional and litigation matters.
Kramer Rayson has 32 lawyers with offices in Knoxville and Oak Ridge. Associates hail from the law
schools of the University of Tennessee, the University of Memphis, Vanderbilt University, the
University of Kentucky, Seattle University, the University of Virginia, Southern Methodist
University, and the College of William and Mary. The firm recruits associates with a combination of
strong legal skills, integrity and collegiality.
"What makes Kramer Rayson a rewarding place to work is our clients, and our people," says Warren
Gooch, managing partner. "We are fortunate to have clients that provide challenging and interesting
work, which enables all of us to grow and continue building a great firm. Our people take that work
seriously, with diligent preparation and a commitment to those clients' interests. If you take care
of your clients' needs thoughtfully, the rewards naturally follow."
The firm has a strong tradition of community involvement and a commitment to the East Tennessee
area. "Kramer Rayson helps everyone balance their professional obligations with their civic roles,"
Gooch says. "We view it as a cost of doing business in the way we prefer business to be done. We
think this approach yields a stronger community with a depth and breadth of participation."
- Access America Transport
Access America Transport is a
third-party logistics company handling all modes of transportation, including supply chain
management, specialized transport and rail services for a diverse customer base throughout the
Southeast. Headquartered in Chattanooga, Tenn., the company has additional locations in Birmingham,
Ala.; Nashville; Minneapolis, Minn.; Knoxville; Columbus, Ohio; and Eufaula, Ala.
AAT was founded in 2002 as a flatbed trucking company, originally an outgrowth of Key James Brick,
one of Tennessee's largest brick suppliers. Today, it is a nearly $20 million company with 29
employees and access to a fleet of more than 200,000 trucks. AAT handles less-than-truckload (LTL),
truckload and rail/specialized shipments.
Soon after its founding, AAT diversified into refrigerated and van freight, then rail service.
Through a 2005 partnership with the Department of Defense, the company now hauls equipment ranging
from M1 Abrams tanks to UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters.
- The North Highland Co.
North Highland is a business and
technology consulting company that works with mid-size and large employers to help develop business
strategies, identify operating efficiencies and provide project management for small- and
large-scale programs ranging from new software applications to business reengineering.
The company offers a collegial culture with a strong work-life balance. Employees play an integral
part in determining the projects they work on, specialization areas, and desired
training/development. In addition to formal training, mentoring is a company stronghold. A
close-knit environment fosters relationships with company leaders and colleagues that last after
mutual project work ends, which plays a key role in employee retention.
North Highland's service area network allows different offices to share approaches and successful
models with other locations.
Through the Highland WorldWide Partnership, North Highland has developed partnerships with more than
600 consultants across Europe with a very similar business model and market concentration. "Similar
to North Highland, our European partners concentrate their efforts in the area where they live and
work," says Doug Condidorio, senior vice president. "Our model forces all of our consultants to have
skin in the game. To top it off, we guarantee our final work product. The companies we serve are
long-term clients because we know their operations, culture and needs so well."
"What truly makes North Highland unique is the experience level of our consulting teams," Condidorio
says. "Typically, the larger management consulting firms have a leveraged, pyramid approach, led by
a senior partner and supported by junior level staff with one to three years of experience. Our
teams are made up of smaller, more focused and seasoned teams with 15-25 years of consulting
experience, allowing us to quickly implement strategic solutions. Our clients tell us that we tend
to take work off of their desks instead of adding tasks to their already intense work load."
- Thompson Dunavant PLC
Thompson Dunavant is the largest locally owned tax, consulting and assurances service firm in the
Midsouth. Practice areas include state and local tax, international tax, employee benefit plans,
SOX-404 assistance, and outsourced internal audit. The firm advises and consults on internal control
studies, business process reviews, mergers and acquisitions, sales and exchanges, business
spin-offs, sales and use tax studies, and deferred compensation plans.
With more than 75 associates and 100 staff members, the firm's strong suit is experienced front-line
employees. A culture that encourages relationship-building and good rapport among employees on and
off the clock encourages employee retention and high morale—as well as consistency and
continuity in customer service.
An employee-run Social Activity Committee organizes events ranging from family picnics to mini-golf
to a holiday party at Graceland. The company offers a generous benefit package, including an
employee assistance program paid 100% by the firm, available to employees and all family
members.
Local ownership keeps the firm attuned to client needs, and associates bring experience from
national and international tax firms. This combination of up-front-and-personal knowledge of clients
and worldwide resources differentiates Thompson Dunavant as a winning alternative to Big 4
firms.
"We are especially honored to be named one of Tennessee's Best Employers for the second year in a
row because it validates the fact that we truly appreciate our employees and that they recognize
these efforts. Our people are fundamental to the growth we have achieved, and we recognize that they
are vital to our vision to become a nationally recognized firm," says N. Gordon Thompson, managing
member. "As we enter our second decade in business, we realize the constant need to rededicate
ourselves to providing a stimulating environment for our employees to grow, learn and
interact."
- MidSouth Bank
Founded in 2004, MidSouth Bank is a state-chartered offering a wide range of services: checking,
savings, money market accounts, certificate of deposits, commercial and consumer loans, and wealth
management.
The bank was established to fill the need for another locally owned bank in the Murfreesboro area,
with experienced successful bankers engaged in the local community. MidSouth was the highest
capitalized new bank in the state's history: with commitments of over $30 million in stock in less
than five months from the initial subscription date. The bank's commitment to the community and its
heritage was underscored by its choice of the 117-year-old First United Methodist Church building,
one of Murfreesboro's most recognized historic landmarks, for its main office. MidSouth now has five
branch offices throughout Rutherford County.
Stock options are awarded annually to employees who have demonstrated exceptional performance, and
the bank has a strong tradition of mentoring to orient new employees and acquaint them with the
company culture. New hires are paired with an existing team member in a similar role who helps with
job-specific training, and also serves as a point person for general questions about the company
during orientation phase.
Knoxville Tourism & Sports Corp.
It's the gateway to University of Tennessee football games, the former home of the World's Fair, and
so much more. Knoxville Tourism & Sports Corp., a destination marketing, services and management
company, functions as the city's ambassador and raises Knoxville's profile among other major markets
courting business and leisure travelers.
Knoxville Tourism & Sports Corp. is a private 501(c)3 corporation, formed in 2002 through the merger
of the Knoxville Convention & Visitors Center and The Greater Knoxville Sports Corp. It serves as a
Chamber of sorts, promoting the Knoxville/Knox County area as a premier destination for conventions,
sporting events and pleasure travel, with the goal of enhancing quality of life for local residents
while generating economic impact and development.
Headed by CEO Gloria Ray, KTSC has 40 employees and provides turnkey event planning, from
accommodations to meeting space to activities around the city.
The KTSC team has staged two-week sporting event series for 30,000-plus athletes and their families,
and hosted more than 16,000 motorcycle enthusiasts for the Honda Hoot, the largest multi-brand
motorcycle rally in the nation. Destination Imagination, the annual problem-solving competition for
students ages 8-18, has held its Global Finals in Knoxville since 1991, bringing in 8,000 students
from 47 states and 28 countries.
"It's a fun atmosphere, and offers a lot of variety," says Erin Freeman, director of communications.
One week, we may host a meeting of the American Quilters Society and the next, a group of street
riders."
"This recognition of KTSC's work environment is very rewarding. I think I speak for all the
employees when I say that we love what we do and it apparently shows," Ray says. "There is a certain
spirit in our offices that can be seen on the faces of all who work here. It is a place full of
people with smiles on their faces and a twinkle in in their eyes. We try to live and work everyday
with the mind set, 'If better is possible, then good is not enough.'"
State of Franklin Savings Bank State of Franklin Bank opened
in 1996 with $6 million in total assets and 10 employees. Twelve years later, the bank has $365
million in total assets and 100 employees.
Customer service is a priority, whether it's the convenience of the kiosks in every branch to access
online banking, extended hours on weekdays and weekends, or the cup of cappuccino or snack offered
to customers. The bank even unlocks doors five minutes early in the mornings and stays open five
minutes past closing time, to accommodate the customer whose watch may be a few minutes fast or
slow.
Continuing education and a strong career ladder help attract and keep dedicated employees. Every
employee, from personal bankers, custodial personnel and executive management, has the opportunity
to participate in continuing education programs that may further their professional development and
enhance their careers. In fact, many company officers and managers began their employment with the
bank as a teller.
The stock ownership plan allows employees to defer up to 15% of their annual salary into the plan,
with a generous five-for-one company match for up to 6% of employee contributions. For example, if
an employee makes $20,000 per year and contributes 6% of their salary, which is $1,200, the Bank
will contribute five times the employee contribution, or $6,000.
"We are extremely honored to be selected for the second year in a row as one of the best employers
in Tennessee," says Chairman Charles E. Allen Jr."There's no doubt that State of Franklin's success
is due to the dedication and enthusiasm of our employees. From our beginning with a staff of 10, it
has been our goal to create a family atmosphere and, regardless of how large we've grown, we strive
to make each employee feel a part of the State of Franklin family."
- Crowe Chizek and Co. LLC
Crowe Group LLP, the parent company of
Crowe Chizek and Co., is one of the top 10 public accounting and consulting firms in the United
States.
The firm is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana and has locations in nine states, including
Tennessee.
Crowe services range from assurance and financial advisory to performance, risk and tax consulting.
Clients include public and private companies the financial services, healthcare, government, private
equity sponsored, inventory-based and not-for-profit industry sectors.
The company has a long history of substantial corporate giving, and in 2006 established the Crowe
Foundation to focus charitable giving and align contributions with those causes that are important
to the firm's employees and align with the company's values. The Foundation supports youth
development and causes that help community youth develop into productive members of society.
Another outlet, the Crowe Foundation's Volunteer Investment Program (VIP), supports not-for-profit
organizations chosen by employees and encourages them to become involved in their community. Through
the VIP, employees can receive cash grants for qualified nonprofit organizations based on their
volunteer involvement. The program awards a $250 grant to a qualified organization for which a Crowe
person has volunteered at least 30 hours over the fiscal year.
"At Crowe, we strive to provide our people with a great place to work," says Larry P. Morton,
Crowe's managing executive in Nashville. "Being named one of the Best Employers in
Tennessee is a testament to our environment, which is designed to make all individuals to feel
valued and respected," Morton adds.
Firm policies support work/life balance, and it is common practice for staff to adjust
schedules—with the full support of firm management —in order to pursue community
involvement or personal interests, goals and commitments.
- Stites & Harbison PLLC
Stites & Harbison is a full-service law firm serving the Southeast region, with a focus on
sophisticated transactions, difficult litigation and complex regulatory matters.
Founded in 1832, Stites & Harbison is one of the oldest law practices in the nation and among the
largest law firms in the region. The firm is comprised of nearly 280 attorneys and a support staff
of almost 300.
The firm has received numerous regional and national awards among the legal community for superior
work environment and service to clients. New employees receive an extensive orientation and ongoing
attorney training is offered through in-house seminars and external CLE programs.
Diversity efforts include S.W.I.F.T. (Stites Women Investing in our Future Together), a group formed
by female associates to provide mentoring, networking and educational programming for professional
growth. The program is supported and funded by the firm's Management Committee.
A unique outreach program is the Nashville office's partnership with an area guide dog organization
to sponsor dogs' training. In return for its support, the firm receives naming rights for each dog,
who is christened by employee vote and named for a firm member. Current mascot Martin is named for
senior attorney Jim Martin. Other sponsored pups have included Charlie, named for founder Charles
Warfield, and Oakley, after office manager Betty Oakley. The dog also spends time with his or her
adopted firm family at the Stites office. "Having a puppy at the office is a great morale builder,"
says Becky Dan, marketing director.
"Stites & Harbison attorneys and staff make our firm a great place to work. We're able to maintain
our commitment to our clients and our community, while keeping our unique family-friendly culture,"
says Stuart Campbell, office executive. "Employee initiatives, such as our SWIFT professional
development program for female attorneys, have had a great impact in developing the collegial
environment we value."
- Duke Realty Corp.
Duke Realty Corp. is one of the largest
commercial real estate companies in the United States, with 130 million square feet of office and
industrial properties in 22 cities, nationwide construction capabilities; 7,700 acres of land to
support 113 million square feet of future development; and nearly 1,400 employees, 35 of which are
located in Nashville.
The company, founded in 1972 and headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana; provides site selection,
development, financing, construction, leasing and property management services. Its first property
developed —Building One at Park 100 Industrial Park on the Northwest side of
Indianapolis—is now, more than 30 years later, one of the largest industrial parks in the
United States. In addition to its Nashville office, Duke Realty has locations in 22 cities across
the United States. (The company went public in 1993.)
Mentorship and training are important. Employees who wish to serve as mentors make a one-year
program commitment and undergo training at Duke's home office in Indianapolis.
"At Duke Realty Corp., we realize that our associates are critical to our ability to serve our
customers," says Jeff Palmquist, senior vice president, Duke's Nashville operations. "We strive to
create a working environment where associates are satisfied, can reach their full potential, and
feel appreciated for their efforts. Duke is pleased that our efforts have been recognized."
Duke encourages employees to give back to the communities where they live and work. The company
supports employee volunteer efforts with two paid Community Days per year. Employee volunteers can
also request a charitable contribution from Duke for their chosen organization through the company's
Associate Contribution Committee.
Blackburn, Childrens & Steagall PLC Blackburn, Childers & Steagall, PLC is one of the oldest and most respected firms in the region. Founded in 1961, the firm now
has more than 70 employees and locations in Greeneville, Johnson City and Kingsport.
Services include tax, auditing, estate planning, computer and accounting services consulting,
litigation support, personal financial planning, business valuations, medical practice management,
technology services and support.
Despite the firm's multiple locations, it operates as one entity. Team members combine staff from
all offices to ensure the most appropriate mix of expertise is assembled for each client's
needs.
Work/life balance is a priority, and the firm works with employees on required hours and scheduling
to create a family-friendly culture. "We work hard to make sure our actions match our words," says
Tommy Greer, managing partner.
"We are honored to be recognized and realize it is due to the great employees who work at our firm,"
Greer says. "As partners, we know when all is said and done, it is our staff who exemplify the
culture we strive to have at BCS: a Christian environment that emphasizes a balance between personal
and professional lives, while offering a challenging but rewarding careers. Our firm was established
as a small family business, and we strive to have that same atmosphere as we continue to grow."
The firm is a member of the PKF North American Network, an organization of legally independent firms
sharing cutting edge technical knowledge with the best practices within the industry.
- Avenue Bank
Avenue Bank, one of the newest entries into the
financial sector, opened in July 2007. Headed by CEO and industry veteran Ron Samuels, Avenue aims
to become Nashville's "signature bank." Its stated goal is to blend urban sophistication and small
town friendliness with a vision for the creative, the connected, and the genuine.
Services include residential construction lending, commercial real estate lending, entertainment
industry private client services, and a mortgage division. Avenue Bank offers business and personal
banking services—including its unique "concierge service"—through a team of
professionals dedicated to serving the creative spirit of Nashville. The bank has no teller row;
instead, each client is greeted and assisted personally by a banker. "Everyone here has the title of
'banker' because any of us can tend to any client's needs," explains Lisa Meiers, marketing
manager.
This approach extends to employees, as well. Each employee is asked to fill out a personal profile
on their first day of work, including such quirky questions as 'favorite snack' and 'the top three
stores you'd like to receive a gift card from.' "This information is used later to reward employees
for a job well done," says Meiers. "You might find a bag of your favorite goodies on your desk, or a
gift card to a place you love to shop. Details like that make such recognitions really special."
"Avenue Bank fosters a work environment that puts people (clients, employees, family and community)
at the center of everything we do," says CEO Ron Samuels. "We pledge to provide a workplace where
high standards are honored and work life is fulfilling, supporting our belief that the right people
deliver the real difference."
Dramatic black-and-white photos of well-known and loved Nashville landmarks on the bank's Web site
and the biographical information on company officers—one a Harley rider; another a fan of
Elvis Costello; and another, husband of a real estate agent extraordinaire—speak to the bank's
intention to be anything but ordinary.
Offices are located at Nashville's historic Cummins Station, downtown on Demonbreun Street in the
railway sector, on West End Avenue and in Cool Springs. A Green Hills location is slated to open
this year. The commercial banking team is located at the bank's headquarters in Nashville's historic
Baggage Building at Union Station.
- PICA Group (tie)
PICA Group provides professional liability insurance to physicians,
primarily serving podiatrists and chiropractors.
PICA—the Podiatry Insurance Company of America—was incorporated in Tennessee in May 1980
and offered its first podiatric policies in January of 1981. During the first month, there were 703
policies sold, and the policy count reached 800 by the end of the first year. A sister agency, PICA
Group Services, offers all other lines of insurance, including 401(k), office packages, health,
long-term disability, life, and medical.
Community outreach is a company tradition. Each year, PICA Group partners with United Way of
Williamson County for a fundraising campaign that includes fun activities, guest speakers and
seminars to learn about partner agencies and volunteer opportunities, and a company match for all
employee contributions.
In addition to a competitive benefits package, PICA provides annual health screenings to employees
and spouses, quarterly lunch & learn seminars and support groups for employee health and wellness
issues and other interests.
Wirtgen America Inc. (tie)
Wirtgen America is a provider of heavy
road construction equipment including asphalt pavers, milling machines, and compaction equipment.
The company has locations in Tennessee and Pennsylvania, with 120 of its 160 employees working from
the Nashville office.
Generous benefits, a relaxed environment and support for employees' professional and personal
interests all factor into the company's stable workforce and low turnover rate. Wirtgen pays 75% of
total medical premium for staff. Employees can also apply for deeper medical premium discounts by
taking an annual wellness exam.
Wirtgen America supports and encourages employees to be actively involved and remain current in
their respective professions, by paying certification fees and dues for continuing education and
professional associations.
Community outreach is a company tradition. In addition to financial support of various causes and
individual volunteerism by employees, efforts are currently underway to assess employees' primary
interests for community work, and organize groups to take part in selected community drives.
"Because of our size, we enjoy a more informal family environment," says Mark Inman, HR manager. "We
still have rules and policies governing the workplace, but we maintain a relaxed work atmosphere.
It's not an office where people have to wear nametags to remember one another."
"As part of the Wirtgen group, Wirtgen America strives for world-class customer service and
support," says CEO Jim McEvoy. "It is only possible to deliver this through the employees of Wirtgen
America. We are constantly seeking ways to improve and I am pleased to see that our employees feel
the same way. It is our top priority to create a work environment whereby our people are motivated
and feel connected to be a part of a champion organization."
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