Twelve companies in four categories will be recognized at Utah Business magazine’s first ever Best Companies to Work For luncheon on Nov. 16. An additional five companies will also receive recognition for exceptional employee programs. All 17 organizations will be featured in Utah Business’ November 2006 edition.

The 12 best companies range from micro (under 40 employees) to large (more than 600 employees). The organizations selected went through a rigorous research process, which included extensive input from employees and benchmarking against similar firms.

 “The firms being recognized provide employees with high-quality programs and outstanding work environments,” said Martin Lewis, publisher of Utah Business magazine. “In Utah’s tight labor market, the most successful firms will find ways to cut employee turnover in order to increase stability and improve the bottom line. A number of excellent companies participated in this year’s selection process, so we are very pleased to recognize these outstanding firms.”

 The Utah Business magazine 2006 Best Companies to Work For that will be recognized Nov. 16 are:

·     Micro Companies: Connect PR, Love Communications, Rosi Office Supplies

·     Small Companies: A-Plus Benefits, Employer Solutions Group, Infopia,

·     Medium Companies: Ace Disposal, Inc., USANA Health Sciences, Spillman Technologies

·     Large Companies: 1800 Contacts, Comcast-Utah, Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield of Utah

·     Special Categories:

o    Best Employee Recognition Program – Master Control

o    Most Innovative Health Benefits Package – ARUP Laboratories

o    Most Creative Environment – XanGo, LLC

o    Best Education Plan – Innovative Staffing

o    Most Flexible Work Environment – AdvancedMD

A networking reception is scheduled for 11 a.m. with a luncheon following at noon on Nov. 16. It will be held at the 23rd Floor Event Center in the Wells Fargo building in downtown Salt Lake City. Companies are invited to salute these honorees as corporate or table sponsors.

Companies and individuals can make reservations by contacting Bob Sturges at Utah Business, 801-568-0114 or at http://events.utahbusiness.com. Individual tickets are $65; table and corporate sponsorships are also available at varying levels.