Document text
SOREDI honors four local companies BY DAVID PRESZLER SHADY COVE -- Four Rogue Valley businesses were honored Tuesday night for their commitment to employee training and progressive management. U.S. Cellular of Medford, Fiberoptic Lighting of Grants Pass, Herb Pharm of Williams and SPARC Enterprises of Grants Pass were presented with innovative work force development awards by Southern Oregon Regional Economic Development Inc. at the organization's annual meeting and awards banquet. Companies were nominated by their peers for achievements in in-house training programs, wage levels, advancement opportunities, tuition aids, professional development plans and other work force enhancement programs. "These are successful businesses that recognize the value of their employees and are investing significantly in their employees' ability to grow professionally while helping their firms remain competitive," Rob Pochert of SOREDI said. U.S. Cellular was honored in the large company category, firms with more than 100 employees. The telecommunications company, which has more than 200 employees at its Medford call center, was lauded for its ongoing training program. Company officials said the Medford call center has the lowest turnover rate of any center in their national system. Two companies shared the award in the medium company category, for firms with 20 to 100 employees. Herb Pharm was honored for its cross-training program, which the company says has produced a flexible work force, reduced turnover and prepared employees for promotions as the company grows. Fiberoptic Lighting of Grants Pass was honored for its team-building efforts -- launched in 1998 when the factory shut down for three days so employees could work with a consultant -- and work force empowerment efforts. No applications were received in the small-company category, for businesses with 20 or fewer employees. SPARC Enterprises was honored in the nonprofit category. The company was lauded for its staff development program, in which employees are compensated based on training courses they complete and workers help direct their training. Each of the four companies honored receives a $1,000 work force training scholarship grant. Today's Business Index Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 1999, Medford, Oregon USA