 |
Home | Site Map | Contact Us
In this section:
Chamber News
Chamber Press Releases
An archive of major Chamber press releases from the past year.
E-news
Stay informed about the latest Chamber initiatives by subscribing to one of our regular e-newsletters.
Nashville-Area News Media Contacts
Contact information for Chamber-member media outlets, including local newspapers, radio and TV stations.
Press Contact
Contact the Chamber's communications department if you have questions about Nashville-area media.
|
|
 |
Nashville Chamber announces recipients of 2007 HR Excellence Award
For Immediate Release
June 13, 2007
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Two Nashville-area companies have been recognized as leaders in the field of human resources by the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and Middle Tennessee Society of Human Resource Management (MT-SHRM).
Barge Waggoner Sumner and Cannon Inc. (BWSC), a professional services firm, and Gresham, Smith and Partners (GS&P), an architecture, engineering and interior design firm, have been named the overall 2007 HR Excellence Awards winners. Founded in 1955, BWSC is licensed in nearly every state with more than 420 employees in 12 offices. In business since 1967, GS&P currently has projects in 38 states as well as international projects in three countries, with 720 employees in 16 offices.
Established to recognize and foster human resource excellence among Middle Tennessee companies, the HR Excellence Awards program is based on the scrupulous HR principles of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Program. Businesses are invited to self-nominate for the honor each year and are evaluated on proficiency in five areas: strategy; management practices; employee education, training and development; performance measurement; and employee well-being and engagement.
"Human resources is an important component of any business, because you have to look at each employee as an asset and way to differentiate your business," said Don Holmes, senior vice president of human resources for Central Parking Corporation and chair of the HR Excellence examiner committee. "The HR Excellence Award process recognizes area companies who are leading in this field."
A commitment to human resources throughout the organization from the bottom up is the key to BWSC's selection as one of the 2007 HR Excellence Award winners. Judges recognized the company as providing strong processes and systematic, measurable HR goals. The Performance Management Program, Wellness Initiatives and in-depth recruiting system are some of the key HR programs and strategies utilized by BWSC to impact its employees.
"Building people is the most important element of your business," said Jim Downing, chief executive officer of BWSC, "because without people, there is no operation." BWSC's emphasis on planning and preparation has allowed the company to align its HR strategies with its strategic plan to "attract and retain excellent people."
With the other 2007 HR Excellence winner, GS&P, human resources has become an integral part of the company's decision-making process. Face-to face employment engagement surveys; key recruiting and on-boarding initiatives; and the EXCEL training program highlight a few of the HR systems in which GS&P employees are actively engaged. Judges recognized the employee enthusiasm that has resulted from the company's growing commitment to human resources.
"The HR Excellence Award application process is valuable for HR in that it provides a focused opportunity for thoughtful assessment of its impact within the organization," said Carolyn Kitts,
director of human resources for GS&P. "In support of our business, the GS&P HR team strives for creative excellence in each formalized program and in our daily interactions with employees."
With the goal of helping other Middle Tennessee companies improve their HR departments through peer learning, BWSC and GS&P will share their HR best practices with all interested companies during a workshop this fall. The date and location have yet to be determined.
The sixth annual presentation of the HR Excellence Awards luncheon will be held Thursday, June 21, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Nashville Downtown Hilton (121 Fourth Ave. S.). Stephen Cook, director of manufacturing operations of Dell, will give the keynote address. Members of the Nashville Area Chamber or MT-SHRM can attend for $40; the cost is $120 for future members. Corporate tables for 10 are also available for $450.
Sponsors of the HR Excellence Award program are Lee Hecht Harrison; Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart PC; Randstad North America and The City Paper. Further information, including registration, is available here.
|
|
