Booz Allen Hamilton Booz Allen Hamilton PMOLink

76 Pages·2009·5.96 MB·English

BBoooozz AAlllleenn
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Congratulations
Peoples Health Employees!
Peoples Health was once again awarded the Senior Choice Gold Award® by the independent research agency
HealthMetrix Research, Inc.
HealthMetrix used Medicare data to compare estimated out-of-pocket costs among Medicare Advantage
plans. They searched for maximum value, and found Choices 65 (HMO) from Peoples Health to be the only
plan in the New Orleans area to qualify for this national recognition.
For more information about
Peoples Health, call today
toll free...
1-800-947-2008
24 hours a day, seven days a week.
TTY/TDD users call 1-888-631-9979 www.peopleshealth.com
The Senior Choice Gold Award® is based on independent comparisons of the approved 2010 MAPD benefi ts offered in the New
Orleans area. For comparison details, visit www.MedicareNewsWatch.com. Medicare has neither reviewed, nor endorses, this
information. This is an advertisement. Additional information should be requested before making a decision about your coverage.
To join, you must be eligible to for Medicare Part A, continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium and live in the plan service area.
Peoples Health is a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract. H1961_C65_SCGAPACB_1109
99
c o n t e n t s
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Strategic Employee Benefit Services of Louisiana . . . . . . . .43
Past honorees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 St. Tammany Parish Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
Superior Energy Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
LARGE COMPANIES Taste Buds Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
Booz Allen Hamilton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Touro Infirmary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47
North Oaks Health System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Tulane University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
ReadSoft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 University of Phoenix, Louisiana Campus . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49 On the cover:(Top) Dave Regan of Booz Allen Hamilton juggles
Adams and Reese . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Walton Construction Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50 while Patrick O’Conner, far left, Leslie Doody and Cal Jumper
Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz . . . . . . . .11 West Jefferson Medical Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51 watch. (Bottom) The staff of PMOLink; seated, from left: Tonia
Cox Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Griffin, Geoff Hingle and Blake Powell. Standing, from left:
Durr Heavy Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 SMALL COMPANIES Georgine Berthelot, Peter Burk, Courtney Rive, Ken Buck, Lee
East Jefferson General Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 PMOLink . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52 Pearson and Tim Butler. (Photos by Frank Aymami)
Eagan Insurance Agency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Heller Draper Hayden Patrick & Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54
First NBC Bank/Dryades Savings Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Perez . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55
Geocent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Deveney Communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56
Published by
Gilsbar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Fleur de Lis Financial/MassMutual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58
Hilton New Orleans Riverside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Gauthier, Houghtaling & Williams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59 New Orleans Publishing Group
Irwin Fritchie Urquhart & Moore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Hal Collums Construction/Central City Millworks . . . . . . . .60 111 Veterans Blvd, Ste. 1440
LaPorte Sehrt Romig Hand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Hartwig Moss Insurance Agency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61 Metairie, LA 70005
Louisiana Medical Mutual Insurance Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Huseman & Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62
Publisher:D. Mark Singletary
The New Orleans Hornets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Loubat Equipment Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63
Associate Publisher:Lisa Blossman
Pan American Life Insurance Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 PPOplus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64
Managing Editor:Greg LaRose
Peoples Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 The Receivables Exchange . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65
Peter A. Mayer Advertising Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Shell New Orleans Federal Credit Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66 News Editor:Christian Moises
Phelps Dunbar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 United States Risk Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67 Associate Editor:Autumn C. Giusti
Postlethwaite & Netterville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 Zehnder Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68 Art Director:Alex Borges
Quest Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 Photography:Frank Aymami, Shannon Diecidue, Tracie Morris Schaefer
Randa Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 LISTS Account Executives:Liz Baldini, Jeanne Farrell-Bindewald, Monique Brignac,
Sizeler Thompson Brown Architects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39 Small companies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69 Cassie Foreman, Dani Mattek, Coco Judd, Jaclyn Raymond
Slidell Memorial Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41 Large companies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70 Production Manager:Julie Bernard
We’reoneofthe “BestPlacestoWork”
becauseouremployeesarethebest.
“Being named among the “Best Places to Work” is due to you, our employees...
your accomplishments, your contributions, your support and your spirit.
This honor is a direct reflection of each and every one of you.
Congratulations and many thanks to all of our employees.”
Charles P. Adams, Jr.,Managing Partner
Out in front.
www.adamsandreese.com
One Shell Square • 701 Poydras Street, Suite 4500
New Orleans, LA 70139 • 504.581.3234
Baton Rouge · Birmingham · Houston · Jackson · Memphis
Mobile · Nashville · New Orleans · Washington DC
Attorney Advertising. No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be
performed is greater than the quality of the legal services performed by other lawyers. Advertisement
contains stock photography. Contacts: Charles P. Adams, Jr. and Ralph H. Wall, 504.581.3234
December 14, 2009 3
I THOUGHT I’D HAVE TO
DO THIS ALL ON MY OWN.
I’m proud to be the first person in my family to pursue higher education. However, I didn’t do it
alone. I had an immense amount of support from the university—my Graduation TeamSM helped me
stay on track, my instructors were always available, and there were countless resources available
on campus. I’m proud of earning my degree in business management and I’m grateful to those who
helped me make it happen.
I AM A PHOENIX
BATON ROUGE (cid:114) LAFAYETTE (cid:114) METAIRIE(cid:114) SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER
800.460.1873 (cid:114) phoenix.edu/louisiana
© 2009 University of Phoenix, Inc. All rights reserved.
4 2009 Best Places to Work
INTRODUCTION:
Best Places find simple ways to outsmart the economy
By Autumn C. Giusti ter to select the area’s top companies. To main- businesses category in Best Places to Work.
Associate Editor tain objectivity, HRMA members whose com- Leading this year’s large companies are: 1.
panies submitted nominations recused them- Booz Allen Hamilton, 2. North Oaks Health
As the recession trudges on, employers are selves from the selection process. System and 3. ReadSoft. Leading the small
finding it harder and harder just to make HRMA also helped us fine-tune the scoring companies are: 1. PMOLink, 2. Heller Draper
payroll. So maintaining a healthy level of system used to help determine which compa- and 3. Perez.
employee morale is no small task. nies make the cut. The system is based on ben- Adding new faces to the mix, 13 newcomers
The 2009 Best Places to Work honorees con- efits including salary, health care, paid time off joined this year’s honorees: Pan American Life
tinue to meet that challenge. and employee programs, coupled with an Insurance Group, Quest Diagnostics, Randa
There were still some honorees that contin- employee satisfaction survey. Accessories, Taste Buds Management, The New
ued to wow their employees with fat salaries, We conducted our employee survey Orleans Hornets, University of Phoenix Louisiana
free college tuition, dollar-for-dollar retirement entirely online this year, which allowed us to Campus, Fleur de Lis Financial/MassMutual, Hal
plan matching and fully paid health care plans. gauge the morale of more workers from each Collums Construction/Central City Millworks,
But simplicity also went a long way for this company. Perez, PPOplus, Shell New Orleans Federal Credit
year’s Best Places to Work. We also sought out firms offering intangible Union, The Receivables Exchange, United States
Some companies went out of their way to perks, such as team-building and morale- Risk Management.
avoid layoffs even as their competitors thinned boosting programs, receptive managers and Two companies, West Jefferson Medical
their ranks. Others offered a few extra vacation fun office activities. (Wii Bowling, anyone?) Center and Zehnder Communications, have
days in lieu of raises. And in New Orleans style, The outcome was 35 large and 15 small been on the Best Places list since the publica-
businesses built camaraderie by ordering food businesses. tion’s inception in 2003.
for staff members or watching Saints games Based on the U.S. Small Business Congratulations to the 2009 Best Places to
together. Administration’s definition, large businesses Work honorees. Their commitment to employ-
For the past two years, CityBusiness has have 50 or more employees. Companies that are ees during tough times sends a strong message
partnered with the Human Resources part of larger corporations but have fewer than to their staffs and the New Orleans business
Management Association’s New Orleans chap- 50 New Orleans employees fall under the large community.•
99
Past honorees
2008 HONOREES Morgan + Company 5. Trumpet 8. Keating Magee 17. Stone Pigman Walther Wittmann
Large businesses Rimkus Consulting Group 6. Morgan + Company 9. Deveney Communication 18. Edward Jones Investments
1. Harrah’s New Orleans Casino & Hotel Schafer Group 7. Southern United States Trade Association 10. Robert Berning Productions 19. Correro Fishman Haygood Phelps
2. North Oaks Health System Zehnder Communications 8. Deveney Communication 11. Free Gulliver Walmsley and Casteix
3. West Jefferson Medical Center 9. Zehnder Communications 12. International House Hotel 20. Banner Ford
Adams and Reese 10. Riverwalk Marketplace 13. Loubat Equipment
Booz Allen Hamilton 2007 HONOREES 11. Signature Destination Management 14. Industrial Products Ltd.
Broadpoint Large businesses 12. Hartwig Moss Insurance Agency 15. Aesthetic Surgical Associates 2003 HONOREES
Coventry Health Care of Louisiana 1. Deutsch, Kerrigan & Stiles 13. Johnson Johnson Barrios & Yacoubian 1. Zehnder Communications
Cox New Orleans 2. ReadSoft 14. Design the Planet
2. Ochsner Clinic Foundation
Deutsch, Kerrigan & Stiles 3. Phelps Dunbar 15. Advanced Imaging Solutions 2005 HONOREES
3. Kenner Regional Medical Center
Diamond Data Systems 4. Diamond Data Systems 1. Ochsner Clinic Foundation
4. Newtown and Associates
Dickie Brennan & Co. 5. Frilot 2. Adams and Reese
5. West Jefferson Medical Center
Durr Heavy Construction 6. Superior Energy Services 2006 HONOREES 3. Kenner Regional Medical Center
6. Diamond Data Systems
Eagan Insurance Agency 7. Booz Allen Hamilton Large businesses 4. West Jefferson Medical Center
7. Peter A. Mayer Advertising
East Jefferson General Hospital 8. Adams and Reese 1. Ochsner Health System 5. Zehnder Communications
Gilsbar 9. Planet Beach Franchising 2. Adams and Reese 6. East Jefferson General Hospital 8. Harrah’s Casino New Orleans
Gregory C. Rigamer & Associates 10. St. Tammany Parish Hospital 3. West Jefferson Medical Center 7. Albert-Garaudy and Associates 9. Gilsbar
Hilton New Orleans Riverside 11. DonahueFavret Contractors 4. Gilsbar 8. Ralph Brennan Restaurant Group 10. Correro Fishman Haygood Phelps
Jones Walker 12. Coventry Health Care of Louisiana 5. Omni Bank 9. Omni Bank Walmsley and Casteix
Louisiana Medical Mutual Insurance Co. 13. Louisiana Medical Mutual Insurance Co. 6. East Jefferson General Hospital 10. Deveney Communication 11. The Montalbano Group
LaPorte Sehrt Romig Hand 14. Broadpoint 7. St. Tammany Parish Hospital 11. Deutsch, Kerrigan and Stiles 12. Salco Management
McGlinchey Stafford 15. LaPorte Sehrt Romig Hand 8. Deutsch Kerrigan & Stiles 12. Hibernia National Bank 13. PetroCom
Ochsner Health System 16. Postlethwaite & Netterville 9. Touro Infirmary 13. FARA 14. PMOLink
Omni Royal Orleans Hotel 17. Ochsner Health System 10. Harrah’s Casino and Hotel 14. Apogen Technologies 15. Ralph Brennan Restaurant Group
Peoples Health 18. East Jefferson General Hospital 11. Booz Allen Hamilton 15. St. Tammany Parish Hospital 16. McGlinchey Stafford
Phelps Dunbar 19. West Jefferson Medical Center 12. Phelps Dunbar 16. Keating Magee 17. Franco’s Athletic Club
Planet Beach Franchising 20. Peoples Health 13. PetroCom 17. McGlinchey Stafford 18. American Nursing Services Inc.
Pool Corp. 21. Touro Infirmary 14. Ralph Brennan Restaurant Group 18. River Marine Management 19. Ruth’s Chris Steak House
The Ralph Brennan Restaurant Group 22. Walton Construction Co. 15. Peoples Health 19. Landscape Images 20. New Orleans Metropolitan
ReadSoft 23. Tulane Medical Center 16. Dickie Brennan and Company 20. Free Gulliver Convention and Visitors Bureau
Slidell Memorial Hospital & Medical Center 24. Hilton New Orleans Riverside 17. Diamond Data Systems 21. Vinson Guard Service
St. Tammany Parish Hospital 25. Durr Heavy Construction 18. Stone Pigman Walther Wittmann 22. Lambeth House Continuing Care
Superior Energy Services 26. John Ehret High School 19. Frilot Partridge 2004 HONOREES Retirement Community
Touro Infirmary 27. Benjamin Franklin High School 20. Cox Communications 1. Kenner Regional Medical Center
23. Harvey Press
Tulane University 28. Strategic Employee Benefit Services 21. Hilton New Orleans Riverside 2. Adams and Reese
24. Omni Bank
Walton Construction Co. of Louisiana 22. Peter A. Mayer Advertising 3. PMOLink
25. Hibernia National Bank
29. Dickie Brennan & Co. 23. Superior Energy Services 4. Zehnder Communications
26. Natives Landscape Corp.
Small businesses 30. Ralph Brennan Restaurant Group 24. Durr Heavy Construction 5. Landscape Images
27. Stone Pigman Walther Wittmann
1. PMOLink 31. Harrah’s New Orleans Casino & Hotel 25 (tie). Vinson Guard Services 6. Salco Management
28. Banner Chevrolet
2. Wolfe Law Group 32. McGlinchey Stafford 25 (tie). First NBC 7. West Jefferson Medical Center
29. Entergy Corp.
3. Chopin, Wagar, Richard & Kutcher 33. Louisiana Public Health Institute 8. Harrah’s Casino New Orleans
Creative Engineering Group 34. Toyota of New Orleans Small businesses 9. Banner Chevrolet 30. Mr. B’s Bistro
Deveney Communication 35. Stewart Enterprises 1. PMOLink 10. PetroCom 31. Eustis Engineering Co.
Gauthier, Houghtaling & Williams 2. Zehnder Communications 11. Gilsbar 32. Where Y’at Magazine
Hartwig Moss Insurance Agency Small businesses 3. Ellsworth Corp. 12. Peter A. Mayer Advertising 33. Professional Construction Services
Heller Draper Hayden Patrick & Horn 1. Ellsworth Corp. 4. Belladonna Day Spa 13. McGlinchey Stafford 34. The Rose Garden
I-Assure 2. I-Assure 5. Trumpet Advertising 14. Ralph Brennan Restaurant Group 35. Our Lady of Holy Cross College
Loubat Equipment Co. 3. PMOLink 6. Chopin, Wagar, Richard & Kutcher 15. Cannon Cochran Management Services 36. Pel Hughes Printing
Louisiana Restaurant Association 4. Louisiana Restaurant Association 7. River Marine Management 16. Free Gulliver 37. Gage Telephone Systems of New Orleans
December 14, 2009 5
l a r g e c o m p a n i e s
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Photo
From left: Booz Allen Hamilton employees Patrick O'Conner, Leslie Doody, Cal Jumper and Dave Regan take a bubble break at their Metairie office.
F O U R - T I M E H O N O R E E
Nature of business: strategy and technology consulting
Booz Allen Hamilton
Where based: Metairie
Employees:24
Average starting salary: $70,000
Median salary: $88,000
Average employment time: four years
Benefits:health care with 100 percent coverage, dental, vision
and prescription plans, unmarried partner benefits, paid maternity
and paternity leave, 401(k) with 10 percent contribution by
Team work isn’t just for tackling work proj- A higher standard of employee benefits is a employer regardless of employee contribution, continuing educa-
ects. hallmark of Booz Allen, which has been named tion program, day care options, relocation assistance, telecom-
So goes the theory at Booz Allen Hamilton’s as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For muting, flexible hours, job sharing, employee recognition pro-
gram, fitness program
New Orleans office, said Ed Ferrell, who heads by Fortune magazine and one of the 100 Best
Wait time for benefits: none
the consulting firm’s local branch. Companies for Working Mothers by Working Paid days off: 21
Take, for instance, the Fun Times Mother magazine. Web site: www.boozallen.com
Committee, which organizes dinners, holiday For two decades, the firm has contributed an
parties, picnics and other events. Or the amount equal to 10 percent of each employee’s training and continuing education programs
Workforce Leadership Council, which coordi- total pay into a retirement plan, regardless of are among its most outstanding benefits.
nates brown bag lunches, arranges profession- what the employee puts in. “We have a great internal training program
al development training and encourages the The company also offers $5,000 a year in and access to classes online that allow you to
staff to submit ideas for after-hours socializing tuition assistance to employees continuing stay abreast and develop new skill sets and
and community service. their education. In addition, employees who expertise beyond what you get from on-the-job
“The New Orleans office is very involved want to become certified in a particular area training,” Ferrell said.
with the Ronald McDonald House, where on a can receive a $2,500 allowance. Leslie Thompson, a senior consultant who
monthly basis we bring and serve meals,” Ferrell, a senior associate who has been with works on Base Realignment and Closure proj-
Ferrell said. Booz Allen for nine years, said the company’s ects for the Marine Forces Reserve, said her
6 2009 Best Places to Work
position at Booz Allen offers both familiarity
and an opportunity for change.
“I have been a military wife … so this is a
very comfortable environment for me to be in,”
said Thompson, who worked for a construction
general contractor before joining Booz Allen
less than a year ago. “I love the fact that it’s
structured, but I also get to meet a lot of new
people and learn some interesting things.”
Thompson said she enjoys being able to tai-
lor her workday to the Marine Corps’ schedule.
“I can work when they’re here,” she said.
“It’s not a traditional 9-to-5 job.”
Cal Jumper, an associate who has been with
Booz Allen for a little more than a year, said
training opportunities and dedication to creat-
ing a good work-life balance were two major
draws for him.
“When you need to work, you work hard but
get it done in a reasonable amount of time and
take care of other things like family,” Jumper
said, describing the workplace attitude.
Jumper arrived at Booz Allen after retiring
from active duty with the Marine Corps. He
works in the area of aviation process improve-
ment for the Marines, primarily for its Reserves
division.
“An opportunity came up to continue work-
ing with the Marine Corps on (Department of
Defense)-related issues, and it was a nice fit,”
Jumper said.•
— Sonya Stinson
Above: Bruce France, left, and Leslie Doody reign over the Booz Allen office while
employees are out in the field. A large number of employees take advantage of
flexible work arrangements and telecommuting.
Left: Patrick O’Conner, left, and Leslie Doody share their coffee with a remnant
of Carnivals past. The company’s Fun Times Committee organizes dinners, holiday
parties, picnics and other events throughout the year.
December 14, 2009 7
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Shannon
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T W O - T I M E H O N O R E E
North Oaks
Health System
3
It’s not surprising that many North Oaks
Health System employees would tout the level
of care the Hammond medical center provides
its patients. But Freddy Anthony has many
frames of reference to support his opinion.
Anthony began working at North Oaks in
1991 as a radiology transporter but left for
three years for a position that allowed him to
tour hospitals throughout the country. He has
since returned to Hammond as a diagnostics
coordinator.
“Obviously, you see where I am today,”
Anthony said. “I came right back to North
Oaks. I honestly don’t think anybody does it as
well as North Oaks does it, and by ‘it,’ I mean
health care.”
That’s a sentiment echoed by Debora Jones,
a diabetes education coordinator who has
worked for North Oaks for nearly three years.
“I’ve met so many caring people and people
who do want to make a difference for their
clients, for the patients,” she said. “And that’s
been important to me.”
Jones is tasked with training patients on
how to live with and prevent complications Registered nurse Darlene Blades works with patient Rita Kropog in the cardiac rehabilitation unit of North Oaks Health System.
from diabetes.
“I love what I do,” Jones said. “When you
have enthusiasm for a job, I think that transfers that’s what makes the difference. Then they enjoys playing with all the other kids, and I
on to your clients, on to the patients, and they want to take those steps to hopefully make think it’s very exceptional that they allow the
see that you really care about them. I think some changes in their lives.” grandparents to bring their grandchildren
North Oaks offers an extensive benefits there.”
package and thousands of dollars in incentives Anthony applauded the steps taken to rec-
Nature of business: health care/hospital organization
Where based: Hammond for employees who refer applicants for full-time ognize employees. North Oaks has several
Employees:2,115 positions. But employees say one of the best ways of honoring workers. Supervisors or co-
Average starting salary: $55,390 benefits is North Oaks’ generous bank of paid workers can initiate that recognition.
Median salary: $50,773
days off — up to 46 a year. “I think at the core of all of us; we just want
Average employment time: six years
Other perks include tuition assistance and to be recognized,” Anthony said. “Everybody
Benefits:health care with 72 percent coverage, dental, vision
and prescription plans, retirement plan with up to 6 percent an onsite gym. Judy Brewer, an executive wants to be recognized for a job well done. And
match, paid maternity and paternity leave, continuing education, assistant, said one of her favorite benefits is I think at North Oaks, they do that. You’re rec-
day care options, telecommuting, flexible hours, job sharing, North Oaks’ day care center. ognized not only for a job well done, but there’s
employee recognition program, fitness program, subsidized meals
“I have an 18-month-old grandson, and I get a tremendous opportunity for advancement
Wait time for benefits: none
Paid days off: 46 the benefit of putting him in our day care facil- within the North Oaks family.”•
Web site: www.northoaks.org ity,” said Brewer. “He loves going there. He — Ryan Chatelain
8 2009 Best Places to Work
3
Schaefer
Morris
Tracie
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Photo
Donning dwarf outfits for ReadSoft’s Halloween party, Mark Uranza, left, Bob Kay and Joe D’Amico play foosball while Dawn Barnett, dressed as Snow White, watches the game.
ReadSoft
Nature of business: software development
Where based: Metairie
Employees:520 worldwide, 42 in Metairie
ReadSoft employees aren’t shy about getting Katrina, recalls that during a personal health Average starting salary: $70,000
Median salary: $88,000
ahead of the boss. crisis, her managers and co-workers showed
Average employment time: five years
At least that’s the case in their company their caring side. When Heintz was confined to Benefits:health care with 100 percent coverage, dental and pre-
exercise contest. seven months of bed rest during a recent preg- scription plans, paid maternity and paternity leave, 401(k) with 25
“The competition this year is ‘Leave Bob nancy, she was allowed to work from home. Co- percent match, continuing education, relocation assistance,
telecommuting, flexible hours, employee recognition program, fit-
Behind in 2009,’ with me being Bob,” said workers set up a laptop and printer for her and
ness program
President Bob Fresneda. dropped off files from the office.
Wait time for benefits: 30 days
If employees work out more than Fresneda “Having that as a distraction from just sitting Paid days off: 35
in a three-month period, they receive a $150 was wonderful, but having everybody help was Web site: www.readsoft.com
American Express gift card, plus $50 toward amazing,” Heintz says.
the company’s gym equipment fund. Support engineer Jay St. Pierre said all worker when her former employer, Ruth’s Chris
The office’s spirit of competitiveness employees benefit from the company’s sensi- Steak House, moved its New Orleans head-
extends from keeping fit to winning Fortune tivity to their individual needs. quarters to Orlando, Fla. Her position has since
500 customers, Fresneda said. “They give you the flexibility if something expanded from assistant to the controller to
“We’re a technology company, so we move occurs with your family or you need to work dif- providing expertise in sales taxes, financial
at a very high pace,” he said. ferent hours,” St. Pierre said. reporting and other areas.
Workplace wellness is serious business at St. Pierre, who does troubleshooting for Play time for ReadSoft employees includes
ReadSoft. The company pays 100 percent of implementation of a German financial applica- activities such as company-sponsored
employees’ health care expenses, meaning tion system, said ReadSoft managers have kayaking trips, family holiday parties and an
workers pay nothing out of pocket. encouraged him to expand his skills. excursion to the wine country in Napa Valley
“I want them to go get wellness checkups,” “Not only am I allowed to do the support for those who attended a recent trade show
Fresneda said. “I want them to be in the best work that I do, but I also do cross training, in San Francisco.
possible shape. … The worst thing that can working on some projects with our consultants Even the twice-a-year company strategy
happen is to lose a valuable employee because and developers,” St. Pierre said. “We are able to meetings leave room for fun.
they’re sick.” take any training classes that we need to “Last year we went camping, and that was a
Sheila Heintz, an accountant who joined enhance our skills.” hoot,” Heintz said.•
ReadSoft in 2005 shortly after Hurricane Heinz initially signed on as a temporary — Sonya Stinson
December 14, 2009 9
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by Frank
Photo
From left: Legal secretary Sarah Bock Waggenspack and receptionists Lisa Irizarry and Glenda Bartley respectively don a pink hat, wig and Snuggie for the Susan G. Komen Pink Day staff luncheon at
Adams and Reese to raise money for breast cancer.
Nature of business:law firm
Adams and Reese Employees:516 in entire firm, with 196 in New Orleans office
Average starting salary:$43,000 for staff, $100,000 for
attorneys
Median salary:$47,500 for staff, $175,000 for attorneys
Average amount of time employees stay with company:
11 years
Office small talk has taken on new relevance Paralegal and administrator Jean Stevens Benefits:health care with 75 percent coverage, dental and pre-
for Linda Soileau. has been with the company for 29 years and scription plans, unmarried partner benefits, paid maternity and
paternity leave, 401(k) with a 1 percent match and 7.5 percent for
When the human resources director started said the firm’s genuine concern for its staff is
profit sharing, flexible hours, employee recognition program, fit-
at Adams and Reese in 2001, her son was diag- the main reason she’s stayed at Adams and ness program
nosed with an eye disease. While having a Reese for so long. She said she was deeply Wait time for benefits:one month
casual conversation with her boss, Soileau told moved by how firm officials were understand- Paid days off:34
Web site:www.adamsandreese.com
him she needed to buy her son a special ing when she took time off to care for her sick
machine. Not long after, right around the holi- father in 1996 before he passed away.
days, Soileau’s boss called her into his office “It still touches me. I got a note that said Employees are treated to occasional free
and handed her a check for $1,000 to help with ‘Don’t work, just take care of your father.’ I’ll lunches and take part in fundraisers, she said.
the expenses. never forget that. They’re just good people,” And to help the staff keep up with increased
The generous gesture eventually morphed said Stevens. downtown parking costs, the firm added a $100
into a program Soileau now manages called Soileau said the firm offers excellent com- monthly parking allowance for all employees.
Hugs for Us, which helps Adams and Reese pensation and benefits packages for all of its Kirk Gasperecz, partner in charge of the New
employees with anything from money to pay for employees, not just attorneys. Employees Orleans office, said the firm takes pride in giv-
a surgery to assistance during a financial crisis. receive salary increases every July 1 and can ing its employees a chance to thrive and suc-
With lives and lots of money at risk, the legal carry over up to 15 vacation days per year. ceed.
industry is a high-stakes profession where “The benefits are fabulous, and we believe in “We just like to try to create the type of envi-
competition is stiff and winning can sometimes people having money in their paychecks every ronment where people enjoy what they are
come at any cost. But Adams and Reese has two weeks. Some companies have recently doing and are happy here,” he said. “It’s just the
built its business on making not only its clients stopped raises, but we haven’t done away with right thing to do.”•
— Craig Guillot
happy, but also its employees. them here,” said Soileau.
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