For the second year in a row, the Community Foundation has been named one of West Michigan’s Best and Brightest Companies to Work For®, a program of the Michigan Business and Professional Association.

An independent research firm evaluates each company’s entry based on key measures in a variety of categories, including: Compensation, Benefits and Employee Solutions; Employee Enrichment, Engagement and Retention; Employee Education and Development; Recruitment, Selection and Orientation; Employee Achievement and Recognition; Communication and Shared Vision; Diversity and Inclusion; Work-Life Balance; Community Initiatives; Strategic Company Performance and the Best of the Best Small Business.

"We’re thrilled to once again be honored as one of West Michigan’s Best and Brightest Companies to Work For," says Susan Meldrim, director of human resources/facilities, Kalamazoo Community Foundation. "Here at the Community Foundation we’ve created a culture of excellence where we all feel we are part of the team, and take ownership of the organization’s success. Our team works for the community, and our team is a community."

According to MBPA, only companies that distinguish themselves as having the most innovative and thoughtful human resources approach receive the award.

"These companies have created impressive organizational value and business results through their policies and best practices in human resource management," says Jennifer Kluge, president and CEO, MBPA. "This award has become a designation sought after by hundreds of West Michigan area companies and is a powerful recruitment tool in the drive to attract and retain exceptional employees."

West Michigan’s Best and Brightest Companies to Work For® is sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Newsradio WOOD 1300 and 106.9 FM, Grand Rapids Business Journal, Davenport University, DTE Energy, Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC, Baudville, Staples, BASIC, SpartanNash, and The Employers' Association.

The Best and Brightest Companies to Work For® is a program of the Michigan Business and Professional Association that provides the business community with the opportunity to gain recognition, showcase their best practices and demonstrate why they are an ideal place for employees to work. This national program celebrates those companies that are making better business, creating richer lives and building a stronger community as a whole. It is presented annually in several markets including Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Houston, Milwaukee, San Francisco Bay Area, and nationally.

The Michigan Business and Professional Association boasts a statewide sphere of influence that no other organization of its kind can claim, leveraging a depth of programs and community initiatives that positively impact more than 150,000 businesses.