The 2002 Principal^® 10 Best Companies for Employee Financial Security!

About the Winning Companies:

Advanced Financial Solutions (AFS)
Oklahoma City, OK
www.afsimage.com
Advanced Financial Solutions, one of America's fastest-growing private companies, is a technology firm that has introduced revolutionary software for businesses involved in banking, government, credit card, transportation and utilities operations. The company's rapid growth has been partly fueled by their successful recruitment and retention of employees. In selecting AFS for the honor, the judges noted that AFS has experienced a remarkable 1% turnover rate over the last five years - a figure that is particularly impressive in the highly competitive technology industry. They also chose AFS for its exceptionally strong retirement program, which includes a company match of 50% up to 6% of the employee's 401(k) contribution. In addition a profit sharing plan contribution is equal to one month's salary. AFS also provides 100% employer-paid medical.

Applied Technology and Management, Inc. (ATM)
Gainesville, FL
www.appliedtm.com
Applied Technology and Management, Inc. is a leader in coastal, water resources and environmental engineering. Along with its affiliated companies, Applied Management Corporation and S2L, Inc., ATM has been able to select, manage and provide a benefits program that works for all employees. Judges honored ATM for offering its employees 100% employer paid short- and long-term disability insurance as well as both a 401(k) and profit sharing plan. The firm is also noteworthy for implementing a medical flex plan credit card feature, which gives employees a convenient way to use their flex dollars without the risk of exceeding their annual limit. The judging panel also chose ATM for its strong long-term disability income insurance program that offers 60% salary as payout. ATM is committed to educating employees on all facets of retirement planning, including future Social Security benefits. "It's important that they see all the pieces of the puzzle together," said Leah Tomlinson, SPHR, director of human resources at ATM.

Calence, Inc.
Tempe, AZ
www.calence.com
Calence, Inc., a three-time member of the Inc. 500, designs, implements and manages network solutions that are tailored to meet clients' specific business goals. Likewise, Calence, which was founded in 1993, has tailored its benefit offerings to the composition of the firm's employees. Ninety percent of its primarily thirty something workforce is participating in its 401(k) plan no doubt due to the strong company match of 50% up to 10% of pay deferred. Judges noted that Calence excelled at providing for its employees' long-term financial futures particularly through comprehensive disability insurance that offers 60% salary payout. Mike Fong, CEO of Calence, attributes their consistently low turnover of less than 2% each year to Calence's leading-edge benefits package and outstanding company culture.

ECS, Inc.
Davenport, IA
www.ecsdav.com
With only 22 employees, ECS, Inc., proves that growing companies can help contribute to the financial security of their employees regardless of their staff size. ECS designs, installs and maintains commercial and professional video, audio and multimedia communication systems for customers throughout the Midwest. Judges chose ECS for its strong medical insurance program that covers 100% of both employee and dependent premiums. As illustrated by the firm's long-term disability income insurance that provides more than 60% of salary as payout, ECS acknowledges that catastrophic coverage for employees is important. According to John Heideman, president of ECS, "When you're a small company in the Quad Cities and you're competing with the likes of John Deere for talent, you have to have a strong benefits offering to have a shot at the best people."

FGM, Inc.
Dulles, VA
www.fgm.com
FGM, Inc. is an innovative technology company specializing in software and systems engineering. As highlighted by their 401(k) program that has a 95% participation rate, FGM strives to meet the needs of employees through a comprehensive benefits program. Judges noted that FGM not only offered a strong 401(k) retirement savings program but also provided a second important vehicle - a Money Purchase/Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) and a stock option bonus that includes the participation of half of the firm's 175 employees. FGM also helps employees achieve long-term financial security with financial fitness fairs and discounted legal services for estate planning. According to Scott Gessay, president and CEO of FGM, "If we take care of our people, they'll take care of our customers, and we'll succeed." The company is reaping the benefits of this philosophy with a turnover rate of just 2%.

MARC USA, Inc.
Pittsburgh, PA
www.marc-usa.com
Headquartered in Pittsburgh, MARC USA has 460 employees and is a leading advertising agency. In an industry that has been hit hard by the recession, MARC USA has helped ensure the financial futures of its employees by strengthening its benefits program to meet the changing needs of its employees and their dependents. Judges named MARC USA one of The Principal 10 Best Companies for its 100% paid medical coverage highlighted by a 100% company-paid long-term disability income insurance program. They also noted that, although MARC USA has a young employee demographic, the firm does a particularly good job of communicating the importance of saving for retirement.

Metropolitan Mortgage & Securities Co., Inc.
Spokane, WA
www.metmtg.com
Metropolitan Mortgage & Securities Co. Inc., provides an array of flexible and creative financial products and services. The commitment of president and CEO C. Paul Sandifur, Jr., to the individual personal development of employees has resulted in a robust and unique benefits program at the company. Judges noted the company's 401(k) contribution, which matches 50% of up to the first 6% of an employee's contribution, as well as their comprehensive package of medical, dental and vision coverage. In addition, the firm offers a variety of work-life benefits such as a day care subsidy, onsite fitness center with a personal trainer, tuition reimbursement and an employee-match program for non-profit charitable contributions. Employees in the military and National Guard are well supported with 100%-of-salary military pay immediately when serving in a hazardous zone.

Nordic Construction Ltd.
Waipahu, HI
nordic.gcahawaii.org
At Nordic Construction Ltd., successful projects are a result of happy employees. The company adheres to its management philosophy, "Our people are our greatest assets." The company garnered a seat among The Principal 10 Best Companies by boasting an outstanding 401(k) plan that has a 95% participation rate and no vesting period. Judges also noted the company's strong medical coverage that pays 100% of the employee and dependent premium. Named in honor of its founder's Scandinavian roots, Nordic Construction has been in business for more than 50 years.

PRE Holding, Inc.
Midlothian, VA
www.pari.com
PRE Holding, Inc., parent company of PARI Respiratory Equipment, is a worldwide specialist and leader in inhalation equipment and therapy for patients with respiratory diseases. Judges named PRE Holding one of The Principal 10 Best Companies for its strong medical plans that cover 100% employee premiums. Judges added that the company's benefits communication methods were extraordinary, including normal communication methods like paycheck stuffers and employee meetings accompanied with unique monthly employee skits and money-matching games. Like other members of The Principal 10 Best Companies, PRE Holding chose not to cut benefits during the recent recession. According to Charlene Dostal, human resources manager at PRE Holding, "Your valuable employees will remember how you treated them during those tough times."

Tiller Corporation
Maple Grove, MN
www.tillercorp.com
Tiller Corporation's primary business is the production of road construction materials. Founded in 1946, Tiller has strived to retain their best people by providing employees an attractive benefits program that helps to provide for their financial futures. Their efforts are paying off. "The average tenure of our employees is approximately 12 years," said Steven Sauer, vice president of finance at Tiller Corporation. Judges selected Tiller Corporation for its medical program that offers employees and their dependents 100% paid coverage. In addition, judges highlighted Tiller Corporation's 100% 401(k) participation rate and solid disability income insurance program.

Best Practices Guide
In the 2002 Best Practices Guide (PDF: 1.88MB), learn how The Principal 10 Best Companies put into practice benefit solutions that help them attract, keep and motivate top employees.