Norfolk District captures spot among Virginia's best

By Norfolk District Public AffairsJanuary 30, 2011

Norfolk District captures spot among Virginia's best
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NORFOLK - The results are in and Norfolk District was named one of the Best Places to Work in Virginia by Virginia Business and the Best Companies Group.

"I'm extremely proud of every employee at the district and of the work they perform daily," Col. Andrew Backus, district commander, said. "Each one provides exceptional service to the Commonwealth of Virginia and our nation."

The survey and award program identifies, recognizes and honors the best places of employment in Virginia, benefiting the state's economy, its work force and businesses. The Best Places to Work in Virginia is a list of 50 companies in three size categories. The Norfolk District ranked 14th in the large business category.

"Having recently won the distinction as Inside Business' Best Place to Work in Hampton Roads, I believe each and every employee should also take great pride in earning this recognition on a state-wide level," Backus said. "An additional noteworthy distinction associated with this announcement is that Norfolk District is the only federal government agency of the 50 companies identified as the best places to work in Virginia."

Companies had to fulfill the following eligibility requirements to be considered:

- Be a for-profit or not-for-profit business or government entity;

- Be a publicly or privately held business;

- Have a facility in the state of Virginia;

- Have at least 15 employees working in Virginia;

- Must be in business a minimum of one year.

"I've been here only a year, but I feel this is a warm, friendly environment where people genuinely love what they do and want each other to succeed," Danit Carrier-Tal, a management analyst for the Norfolk District, said. "I feel the projects I work on make a difference and are important to the community and the nation."

District employees are involved in more than 400 projects throughout Virginia. The projects range from the historic military construction effort at Fort Lee to flood risk management projects and environmental restoration efforts.

Carrier-Tal said district managers want people to believe in their work and that makes all the difference.

"A significant number of employees have worked here more than 30 years, even through better economic times" she said. "You can tell they're happy, too."

Organizations from across the state entered the two-part survey process for the Best Places to Work in Virginia. The first part consisted of evaluating each nominated company's workplace policies, practices, philosophy, systems and demographics. The second part consisted of an employee survey to measure the employee experience. The combined scores determined the top organizations and the final ranking. Best Companies Group managed the overall registration, survey and analysis process and determined the final rankings.

"I know that the Norfolk District is the best place to work, not only for the missions we execute and our beautiful facilities, but mostly because of our employees - they are the best," Backus said. "They make the district the professional and friendly place that it is, and it is their passion, diversity and teamwork that make this district exceptional."

For more information on the Best Places to Work in Virginia program, visit www.BestPlacesToWorkVA.com.

Related Links:

Norfolk District awarded 2010 Best Place to Work in Hampton Roads

Large employers (250 or more U.S. employees)

Giving workers a seat at the table

USACE News

Norfolk District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

HQ, USACE