Denver Metro Chamber a top company in state

The Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce July 31 was named one of the best companies to work for in Colorado by the Colorado State Council of the Society of Human Resources, Jobing.com, and ColoradoBiz Magazine.

Forty Colorado-based companies received honors at a luncheon at the Seawell Ballroom, which erupted in cheers when each company's name was mentioned. Nominees were divided into categories based on the number of employees, large employers (more than 250 employees), and small/medium companies (25-249 employees.)

In its first outing into the competition, the Chamber ranked 24th, lauded for promoting a positive work environment for its 63 employees with trainings, closing early before holidays, free sporting event tickets, random ice cream socials, and attendance to Chamber-sponsored events.

Additionally, the group noted the Chamber’s regular Teamwork and Initiative awards, which recognize employees' commitment to one another and to the organization's success with a reward of a paid half-day off. Professional development opportunities and ready access to Colorado’s top business and civic leaders were also mentioned as perks of working at the DMCC.

"At the Denver Metro Chamber, we are in the business of valuing companies, but what we value most is our own employees," said Robert Blankenship, COO of the DMCC. "Being named as one of the best places to work in Colorado is an honor to this organization but what honors us more is knowing that we’re number one in our employees’ minds."

To participate in the rankings, companies paid from $575 to $1,165 to sign up with the Best Companies Group Inc., which partners with Modern Think, a workplace excellence consulting firm. Employees of the small/medium participating companies then filled out 65-question surveys.