Great companies recognize that every employee has the ability to contribute to success -- successful companies are built by the people who work there.

We measure success based on balance sheets, market share and annual growth, but we create success by releasing the potential of employees; our most valuable asset.

It's not just the right thing to do for people, it's the right thing to do as a long-term, competitive business strategy.

Michigan's Next Great Companies program was created to help every company in the state connect and implement being a great place to work with bottom line results - to make the business case for being a great place to work in Michigan.

To make that case, Michigan's ESTABLISHED great companies will help develop Michigan's NEXT great companies.

Great companies know that:

• Great employees have a connection to their workplace that generates collaboration, innovation, creativity, teamwork, loyalty and exceptional customer service.
• Great workplaces are more productive in every way, which creates long-term loyal customers that drive the success we measure using balance sheets, market share, profitability and annual growth.

Independent research from organizations including the Great Places to Work Institute, University of Michigan, Gallup Organization and many others validate and verify the same conclusion - the best business results are driven by companies that create great places to work.