2008 Choice Employers, 5-24 Employees, No. 5: GHN Architects/Engineers

GHN Architects/Engineers has a full plate of design work in southwest Missouri.

On its project roster is the Glendale High School project, which includes renovation of the administrative offices, a new entrance and the addition of science labs; renovating the entrance for Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar; and City Hall and Police departments for West Plains and Lebanon. For a company that's been around since 1930, however, projects of this scope are business as usual.

GHN provides architectural and planning services, engineering and interior design in the commercial field, with emphasis on health care, higher education, municipalities, religion and public schools.

The company also provides multiple benefits for its 11 employees. All employee health insurance premiums are paid by the company, which also pays 50 percent for dependent coverage. Entry-level employees also have access to two weeks of sick leave and two weeks of vacation, with no waiting period.

Enrollment in the company's 401(k) plan is available semi-annually. After 30 days of employment, staff members can enter the plan at the first window of opportunity, and they are immediately fully vested.

The company matches employees' 401(k) contributions dollar-for-dollar up to 3 percent of each employee's salary, and then at a 50 percent match rate for up to an additional 2 percent.

GHN President Charles Hill considers the company's perspective on benefits an important part of its success.

"We've always tried to operate with a point of view to put our employees first," says Hill, who joined the company in 1973. "We take care of them; then they can focus on giving our clients good service."

Employees also are encouraged to find their own niches in areas where they excel, and the company helps them get the training they need. Such was the case for Jean Stoops, who obtained certification as a construction document technologist.

"Now that I'm business manager, I have a better understanding of what's going on out in the studio," says Stoops, an 11-year GHN employee.

Stoops noted that GHN provides tuition reimbursement for work-related courses - many of which are required continuing education and covers licensure fees, with more than 90 percent of the staff taking advantage of this benefit.

That's a hefty investment, considering that the licensure exam for architects comprises nine parts with fees ranging from $220 to $1,190. Professional registration and certification fees can run anywhere from $60 to $700, and annual dues for architects' and engineers' professional societies are between $40 and $400.

Hill says footing those bills is important, because helping employees obtain education stimulates them and keeps them in the design profession.

"There's just a general overall attitude of 'Be the best you can be and we'll do everything we can to help you to be that best,'" Stoops says.