By the Editors
Ohio is as full of successful and diverse workplaces as it is brimming with vibrant, unique communities. For our ninth annual Best Workplaces in Ohio, Ohio Business Magazine has selected 59 businesses and organizations, large and small, that demonstrate what makes the state a great place to work. From generous benefits and, dare we say, fun offices to serious commitment to the betterment of employees and the communities these workplaces reside in, the Best Workplaces in Ohio each demonstrate a lot of wonderful qualities to current and potential future employees.
In the following pages, you’ll learn more about his year’s winners and see their responses to some of the questions asked in this year’s nomination form. If you are interested in nominating your company next year, subscribe to Ohio Business Magazine and its newsletter (both of which are complimentary).
Nomination Process
For the 2024 Best Workplaces in Ohio, a link to a nomination form was emailed to businesses and people throughout the state and subscribers of Ohio Business Magazine, inviting them to self-nominate. A form was also posted online so that other businesses could participate. For-profit, nonprofit and government institutions were able to self-nominate. Nominees were asked to provide details about their workplace, benefits and interactions with the community. The winners were then selected by committee. If you are interested in nominating your company next year, subscribe to Ohio Business Magazine.
Armstrong World Industries
Hilliard
Fiber glass ceiling tile manufacturer
armstrongceilings.com
Q: How does the company engage with employees?
A: “We have a progression-based system, where employees decide how much they want to get involved. Employees are paid for their contributions and ‘level up’ though our system. This includes training on operator positions throughout the plant and each team also has multiple leadership and team roles to engage employees to get involved within the company. This develops leadership while also getting employees familiar with our plant systems.”
Barnes Dennig
Cincinnati
Public Accounting and consulting firm
barnesdennig.com
Q: How has the company’s employee-relations policy affected company operations and impacted the local community?
A: “Commitment to community is a defining principle for Barnes Dennig, and we work tirelessly to enhance and enrich the communities where we all live and work. Our culture of giving back and strengthening our communities has a profound effect on our firm and our team. It’s a core part of who we are, and it attracts people who care deeply about our community, our clients and one another. In addition to conducting annual campaigns that raise tens of thousands of dollars each year for United Way, ArtsWave and the American Heart Association, the firm also holds an annual Outreach Day. Every October, Barnes Dennig closes our doors and sends the entire firm out into the community for a day of volunteering at deserving agencies across three states.”
Cincinnati Incorporated
Harrison
Machine tool manufacturer
e-ci.com
Q: How has the company’s employee-relations policy affected company operations and impacted the local community?
A: “One of CI’s core values is ‘Community Leadership.’ CI willingly supports the well-being of our community through active volunteerism and philanthropic support. The company regularly sponsors the region’s Flying Pig Marathon, and have 3D printed and donated giant 26.2, 13.1 metal displays for photo ops for participants. For this annual event, CI sponsors its employees to participate and also extends the benefit to direct family members, helping charitable entities, and promoting employee wellness.”
Clinton County Port Authority
Wilmington
Economic development organization for Clinton County
chooseclintoncountyoh.org
Q: What kind of benefit structure does the organization offer?
A: “The Clinton County Port Authority offers typical benefits, including health, dental and vision insurance; paid time off; flexible schedules; and remote office capabilities. In addition to these tangible benefits, leadership is cognizant of the fact that employees are also people with families and lives outside of work. As such, employees are encouraged to take the time they need to navigate the responsibilities of being parents of newborns and high school students, of launching children off to college, of being grandparents, and of being supportive partners—essentially taking care of their families in whatever form that takes.”
Custom Design Benefits
Cincinnati
Third-party administrator of self-funded health plans
customdesignbenefits.com
Q: How does the company engage with employees?
A: “We foster a positive work environment and promote open communication through our cultural fundamentals, called The Custom Way. These fundamentals describe who we are, how we do our work and how we treat our clients, partners and each other. Fundamentals include Assume Positive Intent, Be a Great Teammate, Speak Openly, Listen Generously and, most importantly, Take Care of Our Clients. We are committed to regular performance feedback through documented quarterly reviews. We also hold quarterly business meetings where we share updates on strategic initiatives, financial status and staff updates including service anniversaries, promotions and Challenge the Process winners.”
Effective Leadership Academy
Warrensville Heights
Nonprofit that equips youth with the real-world skills
effectivela.org
Q: What kind of benefit structure does the organization offer?
A: “ELA provides many benefits for its employees, include generous paid-time-off packages, health insurance reimbursement plans, financial support to their IRAs, travel stipends and cell phone plans. ELA also provides educational personal development opportunities (for example, a reflexology team development session to help employees get to know each other from a holistic perspective). Furthermore, as we seek to build a healthy environment with social supports that contributes to employees’ resiliency, we identify individual health goals (mental, physical, socio-emotional) and hold each other accountable to reaching those goals. We strive to help our employees cultivate a healthy work-life balance so that they are able to give 100% to the organization when they are working, but are able to unplug and have outside-of-work lives that are meaningful and not consumed by their work responsibilities. ELA also provides educational financial support for educational enrichment as identified in employees’ semi-annual review.”
Ernst & Associates
Cincinnati
Law firm
ernstfirm.com
Q: How does the company engage with employees?
A: “Ernst & Associates prioritizes employee engagement through a multifaceted approach that ensures a positive and collaborative work environment. Clear and transparent communication channels are maintained to keep employees informed about firm goals, policies and changes, while also providing avenues for feedback. The firm invests in the continuous professional development of its staff through ongoing training, workshops and access to relevant resources, fostering both individual growth and the overall capabilities of the organization. Recognition and rewards play a pivotal role in motivating employees, with formal acknowledgment programs, performance-based bonuses and fair compensation contributing to a culture of appreciation. The firm actively promotes a healthy work-life balance by encouraging reasonable working hours, flexibility and telecommuting options. Inclusivity is a core value, with the firm cultivating a diverse and equitable workplace where differences are celebrated.”
Fahlgren Mortine
Columbus
Integrated communications company
fahlgrenmortine.com
Q: How has the company’s employee-relations policy affected company operations and impacted the local community?
A: “Community contribution and social responsibility sit at the heart of Fahlgren Mortine. Our operations are crafted not only for our business, but also to empower our employees to meaningfully invest in community programs that resonate with their values. The agency, supported by its compassionate staff, actively channels funds and dedicates professional expertise on a pro bono basis to civic and nonprofit organizations.
“Pelotonia exemplifies this commitment, marking a 15-year journey of dedicated personal and agencywide support toward innovative cancer research. Through our team’s efforts, Fahlgren Mortine has proudly contributed more than $700,000 to this important cause.
“Fahlgren Mortine has also offered more than $2.5 million in pro bono professional services, bolstering the impactful work of nonprofits such as the Community Shelter Board, the Idaho Foodbank, Habitat for Humanity-MidOhio and the Mid-Ohio Foodbank, among others. The agency has also mobilized in-person volunteering at foodbanks, which has translated into more than 14,000 meals provided to nearly 8,000 families year-to-date.”
Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley Race Course
Youngstown
Gaming and racing facility
hollywoodmahoningvalley.com
Q: How does the company engage with employees?
A: “Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley Race Course is one of 43 properties under the PENN Entertainment, Inc. brand. Each year, PENN has all of their employees complete an engagement survey to keep a pulse on employee satisfaction. Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley has had one of the highest engaged Team Members for the last four surveys. We understand that having happy employees promotes more creativity and productivity and it is important for us to continue our appreciation for such a great team. Part of that culture includes having over 100 team member events/programs during 2023.”
Hunter International Recruiting
Avon
Staffing and recruiting services
hirecruiting.com
Q: What kind of benefit structure does the organization offer?
A: “Hunter offers a hybrid work model in addition to health, dental and vision benefits, paid holidays/PTO and a profit-sharing plan. Hunter also offers training and development opportunities for employees inside and outside the organization. Hunter offers many employee engagement events including the company annual corn hole tournament, chili cook-off, holiday party and others! In 2023, Hunter opened its 32,000-square-foot building that offers immense employee benefits and a comfortable working space.”
Kemba Credit Union
West Chester
Credit union
kemba.com
Q: How does the company engage with employees?
A: “To promote employee engagement and boost morale, we participate in a monthly fitness challenge and wellness program. Additionally, Kemba conducts an employee engagement survey to understand how our employees feel about the company and identify areas for improvement. The results of this annual survey help management make decisions about benefits and other initiatives that affect our employees.”
Ohio Geese Control
Rocky River
Humane migratory bird management
ohiogeesecontrol.com
Q: How does the company engage with employees?
A: “We are constantly engaged with our employees, as the job can be isolating because we are working in a car with a dog as a co-worker and we do not have an office for co-mingling. So it is imperative that we remain vigilant about communications. We have bi-weekly meetings, online communications, regional parties in January and a large company party in July. Our July party typically includes the dogs in an Dog Olympics style of event. Every handler thinks their dog has the best skills, and this is a fun way to prove it. This is a fun place to work, and we like to keep it engaging in this way. We survey our employees and their top reasons they love working for Ohio Geese Control are the flexibility, enjoyment, dogs and being outside exercising daily.”
Ohlmann Group
Dayton
Full-service marketing and advertising agency
ohlmanngroup.com
Q: How has the company’s employee-relations policy affected company operations and impacted the local community?
A: “At Ohlmann Group, we truly care about our fellow employees and their families, our clients, our vendors, our neighbors and our community at large. We prioritize both personal and professional fulfillment by providing opportunities for employees to immerse themselves in career development and learning opportunities, as well as meaningful community service activities.
“A truly unique benefit of working at Ohlmann Group is the organization’s dedication to uplifting the local Dayton community. The agency regularly donates both time and talent to nonprofit organizations serving our community, and our employees are encouraged to support the causes they are passionate about. Examples of volunteer activities include sorting food at The Foodbank Dayton, organizing donations at YWCA and Artemis Center, preparing meals at Miami Valley Meals, donating and delivering essential household supplies to area veterans, participating in holiday adopt-a-family programs and much more.”
Park National Bank
Newark
Financial institution
parknationalbank.com
Q: How has the company’s employee-relations policy affected company operations and impacted the local community?
A: “Park is embarking upon a great time of growth in the company’s history and each area is focused on scaling its operations. To elicit the best ideas from a cross section of the bank and to highlight that every voice matters, Park’s Innovation Team launched an initiative called The Launch Pad. This was a way to solicit ideas from all age groups, demographics and teams across the bank. This Shark Tank like competition had built in coaches to help you vet, pitch and think through your idea.
“Helping people is what the bank is all about. We call it ‘Serving More’ and it is what drives everyone. One quote you hear is, ‘Take care of the community and it will take care of you.’ The bank encourages everyone to volunteer, giving time to choose which project best aligns with your interests. They encourage young professionals to serve on boards to rolling up your sleeves and building a house. At Park, commitment to the community is more than words. In 2023, Park invested almost $6 million dollars into its communities. They put their money where their mouth is and as employees who live, work and play here, that’s important.”
Smart 1 Marketing
Blacklick
Digital marketing agency
smart1marketing.com
Q: What kind of benefit structure does the organization offer?
A: “Smart 1 Marketing’s benefit structure for its employees is comprehensive and progressive, designed to cater to the diverse needs and aspirations of its workforce. The company understands that a robust benefits package is crucial for employee satisfaction and retention. Here’s an overview of the key components of their benefit structure:
“Medical Benefits: Recognizing the importance of health and well-being, Smart 1 Marketing offers a comprehensive medical benefits package. This includes health, dental, and vision insurance, covering a wide range of medical services and treatments. The company also provides mental health support services, recognizing the importance of mental well-being in overall health.
“Skills Training and Individual Development: Smart 1 Marketing invests significantly in the growth and development of its employees. The company offers various training programs, workshops, and seminars to help employees enhance their skills and stay updated with industry trends
“Unlimited Paid Time Off (PTO): In a forward-thinking move, the company offers unlimited PTO to its employees. This policy underscores their trust in their employees’ ability to manage their time and work effectively while emphasizing the importance of rest, relaxation and personal time.
“Work-Life Balance: Beyond the unlimited PTO, Smart 1 Marketing promotes a healthy work-life balance through flexible working hours and the option for remote work. This flexibility is especially beneficial for employees with family commitments or those who prefer a hybrid work environment.”
T&M Associates
Columbus
Consulting, engineering, environmental and technical services company
tandmassociates.com
Q: How does the company engage with employees?
A: “T&M’s leadership hosts regularly scheduled employee meetings and conducts multiple employee surveys each year to ensure that the company’s mission, vision, and core values aligns with our employees’ experiences. T&M strives to meet the needs of our employees and, to improve their work/life balance, T&M implemented a flexible work arrangement with flexible work location and schedule. After implementing this we surveyed employees and used their valuable feedback to educate our managers on particular challenges and opportunities to improve the employee experience in a hybrid work environment.
“In September 2022 T&M launched Women@T&M. This ERG provides support and promotes career and personal development of women in the predominately male field of engineering. Meetings occur every two months to raise awareness around issues women face in the workplace and resources to support them as well as providing skill development. This endeavor is extremely successful and boasts very high attendance at each meeting.”
Solid Blend Technologies, Inc.
Dayton
Water management services
solidblendtechnologies.com
Q: How has the company’s employee-relations policy affected company operations and impacted the local community?
A: “The purpose of Solid Blend is to create an environment where the team, the client and the community thrive. The team comes first, not profits. This isn’t just ownership’s purpose, it’s their heart. It’s not just words on a wall, it’s action. You can see it in all that they do. The owners and the leadership team always want to hear our ideas and opinions and we’re continually praised for our hard work. It truly feels like a loving family. They are big believers in the community. They want to contribute to making it better for everyone, and they live it every day. Their work with Good Shepherd Life Recovery and all their work to support the Good Neighbor House are just a few examples of how they positively impact our community!”