Nos. 6–10 & Honorable Mentions, 25–100 employees

Kirkpatrick, Phillips & Miller CPAs may have placed sixth in its category, but it took top honors for its people development. The company, 2003 E. Sunshine, has offerings available at many companies, such as tuition reimbursement for continuing education. But it goes beyond that and offers nontraditional incentives, such as an employee mentoring program and paid sabbaticals. More than 90 percent of KPM’s managers were promoted from within the company, and up to $3,000 per year on each employee for training alone.

“We have excellent leadership. (Our leadership is) compassionate, generous and fair,” said Vickie Hicks, marketing director. “I believe every KPM employee feels valued for their contribution to the team.”

No. 7: Tri-State Engineering Inc.

Joplin’s Tri-State Engineering Inc., 702 S. Main St., has built a very flexible corporate culture. An unusually high number – more than 20 percent – of employees put to use the firm’s flex hours, and another 6 percent to 10 percent participate in job sharing. Telecommuting is another option, chosen by up to 5 percent of personnel.

Still, top company executives stay in close contact with staff. All employees receive formal feedback such as performance reviews at least every six months, and employee satisfaction reviews are regularly conducted. Financial details and strategic plans are shared quarterly.

No. 8: Barker Phillips Jackson

Both full-time and part-time employees at Barker Phillips Jackson, 1500 E. Sunshine, pay none of their health insurance premiums, scoring it high marks for its incentives. But perhaps that score is due to the fact that the insurance agency is 100 percent employee-owned through its employee stock ownership plan. “Our staff has a personal stake in the company and a vested interest in its future,” said President and CEO Tom Montileone. “The pride in ownership that our associates have truly shows in the attitude they have toward each other, our business and the service we provide to our clients.”

Tied for No. 9: HealthMEDX Inc.

Employees at Ozark-based HealthMEDX Inc., 5100 N. Towne Centre Drive, are rewarded for their efforts. On average, annual employee bonuses exceed $1,000 and annual salary increases are between 4 percent and 6 percent. The company also gives its 85 employees a chance to sound off in internal satisfaction surveys. HealthMEDX managers keep their employees abreast of the company’s performance at quarterly meetings.

Tied for No. 9: Social Security Administration

People development and family friendliness top the positives at the Social Security Administration, 806 N. Jefferson Ave. The federal office offers tuition assistance and college savings plans for employees’ children. There also are insurance benefits available to employees caring for aging parents.

Also, more than $3,000 is generously spent on an employee’s annual training, which equates to more than 61 hours of training per person a year.

The best part about working there: “Motivated, friendly, educated and dedicated co-workers,” said employee John Wylie, adding that there is “an open, honest and responsive management team.” Ninety percent of the managers were promoted from within.

An upcoming move to larger space at the former Smitty’s store at 1570 W. Battlefield, Ste. 100, adds to the appeal.

Honorable Mentions

Marlin Network Inc.

Environmental Works

Blackwell Sanders Peper Martin

Rick's Automotive