12/21/2001
PENNSYLVANIA, December 21, 2001 -- NFIB PA is proud to report that Hefren-Tillotson, Inc., a Pittsburgh-based financial services firm, and Auntie Anne's, Inc. makers of the world famous, hand-rolled soft pretzel were voted among the top-ten Best Places to Work in PA.
An NFIB member since 1982, Heffren-Tillotson was voted the best medium-sized company to work for in Pennsylvania, in a competition designed to identify, recognize, and honor the best places of employment in Pennsylvania benefiting the state's economy, its workforce, and business.
The Best Places competition, created last year by Gov. Tom Ridge and the Team Pennsylvania Foundation, is the first of its kind offered by a state, and is judged through a scientific survey using the same formula as Fortune Magazine's: 100 Best Companies to Work for in America.
Kim Tillotson Fleming, president of Hefren-Tillotson, is especially proud of the award because it reflects how the employees feel about the organization. According to Ms. Fleming, "we believe it's through our family-oriented culture of teamwork, integrity and mutual respect that we create a positive environment in which our employees grow and develop as both financial services personnel and, most importantly, as people."
Since 1948, Hefren-Tillotson has grown into one of the most successful full-service investment advisory firms in Western Pennsylvania, offering brokerage services, money management services, and comprehensive financial planning. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, the firm has branch offices in Beaver, Butler, Upper St. Clair and Wexford.
An NFIB member since 1996, Auntie Anne's ranked ninth in the Best Places to Work in PA medium-size business (50-250 employees) category. This is the second straight year Auntie Anne's earned the award.
The family-owned company employs 208 people in Pennsylvania out of a total workforce of 574 corporate employees nationally.
"We are all very proud and honored to be chosen once again for this award," says "Auntie" Anne Beiler, Founder and CEO of Auntie Anne's, Inc. "However, the real credit for this recognition goes to all the employees who participated in the survey. They are the ones who make Auntie Anne's such a great place to work."
"Auntie" Anne Beiler began twisting pretzels in 1988 when she opened a farmer's market stand in Chester County, Pennsylvania. One day the wrong ingredients were delivered, which produced a bland pretzel. With the help of her husband, Anne altered the pretzel recipe and the Auntie Anne's pretzel was born.
Auntie Anne's, Inc. supports over 700 Auntie Anne's Hand-Rolled Soft Pretzels units in 43 states and 11 International territories. The company expanded into cookies with a second concept -- Cookie Farm« in 1999 -- and into frozen custard with a third concept called Auntie Anne's Cre-ßmoTM Classic Cones in October 2001. Founded in 1988, Auntie Anne's, Inc. is committed to providing customers with premium products, in a sparkling clean store, with friendly customer service.
Based on the belief of doing the right thing, the Company maintains a goal of being a shining light in the business community. This philosophy is central to Auntie Anne's Statement of Purpose:
Lead by example;
Invest in employees;
Give freely;
Honor God; and
Treat all business contacts with integrity.
The Best Places to Work program is a public/private partnership of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, Team Pennsylvania Foundation, Team Pennsylvania, Kuntz Lesher LLP, Central Penn Business Journal, the Great Place to Work« Institute, and the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, the Best Places to Work in PA award is the first of its kind in the nation.
Other NFIB members to rank among the top 100 businesses to work for in PA include:
Top 50 Medium Size Companies (50-250 employees) -- Peoples National Bank, Susquehanna County, No. 20; and Bingaman and Son Lumber, Inc., Snyder County, No. 43.
Top 50 Large Companies (more than 250 employees) -- Woodloch Pines Resort, Pike County, No. 13; High Industries, Inc., Lancaster, No. 29; and Wenger's Feed Mill, Lancaster County, No. 31.
A scientific survey is sent to the employers and the employees, and the data is used to rank participants to determine the top companies. The employee evaluation carried 75 percent of the overall weight for the survey. Kuntz Lesher LLP, a Pennsylvania company, scored the employer survey.
To be eligible, participating companies must:
