Michigan Next Great Companies is designed to be a portal for businesses to find helpful information that can aid their pursuit of a better corporate culture. Listed below are a number of links that can assist your business reach its potential or be recognized for the work being put into evolving a positive workplace. If you know of other resources not listed that you think would be helpful to other Michigan companies, please email us so we may add it to our collection.

LINKS TO ORGANIZATIONS THAT RECOGNIZE GREAT WORKPLACES:

• Fortune Magazine: A business publication that, among other things, annually composes a list of the "100 Best Companies to Work For." Follow the link to view current and past rankings.
• Great Places to Work Institute: A research and management consultancy that strives to build a better society through improving work environments. Follow the link to read their views on what makes a great place to work.
• 101 Best & Brightest: A list of companies in specific markets that recognize employees as their greatest asset. Michigan markets include West Michigan and Southeast Michigan. Follow the link to see the latest list.
• Working Mother: A publication that focuses on mothers in the workplace. They annually compile a list of the 100 Best Mother-Friendly Companies. This, along with tons of material on mothers in the workplace, can be found via this link.
• Michigan Community Service Commission: A program chaired by Michigan's First Gentleman Daniel Mulhern that aims to build a culture of service by providing opportunities to strengthen local communities through volunteerism.
• Sloan Awards for Workplace Flexibility: A program that awards companies for using flexible and effective practices to achieve employee and business goals. Follow the link for past winners, applications, FAQS and more.
• Malcolm Baldrige Award: An award given out annually by the President of the United States to businesses and other organizations that are deemed to be outstanding in seven desirable categories. Follow the link for past winners, criteria, and other valuable information concerning the prestigious award.
• SHRM Human Capital Leadership Awards: An association devoted to human resource management. Annually award those human resource departments that are key in driving the performance and organization of a company. Follow the link for past winners, nomination instructions, FAQs and more.
• Michigan Celebrates Small Business: Annual award ceremony that honors entrepreneurs and the leaders of small businesses in Michigan. Follow the link for past winners, nomination information, ceremony reservations and more.
• MIOSHA Training Institute: Looks to protect the health and safety of Michigan's workers through innovative training and instruction to both MIOSHA staff and the public.

LINKS TO USEFUL BUSINESS RESOURCES

• Next Generation Consulting: A market research firm committed to building better places to live and work. Follow the link for consulting information, upcoming events and further reading material.
• Society for Human Resource Management: An association devoted to human resource management. They provide resources in an attempt to enhance the work environment. Follow the link for membership information, reading materials and human resource focus areas.
• Fast Company Magazine: A business publication that reports on various aspects of the workplace. Follow the link to subscribe, read the current issue, or read past articles.
• Crain’s Detroit Business: Metro Detroit's only weekly business publication. It includes industry rankings, "who's who" listings and a wide range of coverage on the various Metro Detroit industries. Follow the link to read the current issue, view Crain's award recipients and get up to date on the current business news concerning Metro Detroit.
• Greater Lansing Business Monthly:A publication that promotes, publicizes and supports Lansing-area companies. Follow the link to subscribe or read past articles concerning a wide-array of business related topics.
• The Kauffman Foundation: A foundation devoted to helping individuals achieve economic success through educational achievement and entrepreneurial advancement. Follow the link for information on initiatives, research reports and current news regarding the Foundation.
• The Hay Group: A global management consulting firm that develops talent, maximizes effectiveness and motivates workers to perform at their best. They use a job evaluation method to asses a company. Follow the link for upcoming events, information on training workshops and current news pertaining to the firm.
• The Hudson Webber Foundation: The Foundation focuses on revitalizing the urban core of the Metro Detroit area, both through economic development and physical revitalization. Follow the link to read mission statements, find out how to apply and learn more about the history of the Hudson Webber Foundation.
• KLD Research: Provides performance benchmarks, corporate accountability research and consulting services for institutional investors. Follow the link to view previous research results, product information and FAQs.
• PSG: A consulting and training company that aims to improve performance through organization and motivation. Follow the link to read about past successes and to see what PSG can do for you.
• Startup Nation: A Web site that provides valuable information one would need to start and grow their own business. Follow the link to view this information, as well as come in contact with other aspiring entrepreneurs.
• The National Institute for Play: An institute that looks to incorporate the practices and benefits of “play” into public life through research and analysis. Follow the link to read about basic studies and see what the application of these studies can do for you.
• http://www.leadersconnect.com/: Organize the monthly CEO Connect Breakfast Series in which area leaders come together to hear about the latest ideas in positive leadership. They also offer an Executive Coaching program that builds a leader's capability of achieving goals. Follow the link to find more information on both of these programs.
• Chief Happiness Officer: This is a Web site run by author and consultant Alexander Kjerulf, who believes happiness is the most important factor that influences career success. Follow the link to purchase his bestselling book and read his blog.
• The Beloit College Mindset List: Produce an annual list of observations that they believe have shaped the lives of the certain students entering secondary education in the fall of that year. Follow the link to view current and past lists, as well as read about the authors.
• National Business Incubation Association: A private, non-profit organization that provides early-stage companies with all the tools they need in order to achieve and maintain success. Follow the link to find out how to join, view upcoming events and take advantages of some resources NBIA offers.
• Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership: A non-profit organization that promotes the practice of servant leadership. They believe that through servant leadership, the caring and quality of all institutions can improve. Follow the link to become a member and get some information on some upcoming events sponsored by Greenleaf.
• bnet: A Web site that provides working individuals with the tools and resources they need to succeed in the current workplace. Follow the link for various articles, strategies and advice that could help improve your career.
• Chief Executive: A monthly magazine directed towards CEOs. Allows CEOs to learn more about their peers, as well as receive advice on how to improve their companies. Follow the link to subscribe and read past articles.
• Gallup Organization: An organization that focuses on the study of human behavior. Departments of Gallup include polling, consulting, press and education. Follow the link to view current Gallup polls and get up-to-date on worldwide headlines.
• Institute for a Competitive Workforce: A non-profit affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce that promotes the educational standards and the effective job training that is necessary to maintain America's workforce. The ICW accomplishes this through events, publications and policy building. Follow the link for upcoming events, recent press concerning the ICW and to view a state-by-state report card on educational effectiveness.
• Carrot Culture: A group formed to teach organizations how they can appreciate great work. They accomplish this through speaking engagements, books and training. Follow the link to find out how you can acquire the resources needed to enhance your work experience.
• Bob Nelson’s 1001 Ways to Recognize Employees: Best-selling book based on Bob Nelson's research of what employees most report they want today. Follow the link to purchase the book.

Links to Michigan-Based Consulting and Support Resources

• Michigan Society of Association Executives: A non-profit association that serves other Michigan associations in a number of managerial and specialty roles. Their goal is to achieve a successful associational community. Follow the link to learn how to join and learn about some of the other services the MSAE offers.
• Michigan International Public Management Association for Human Resources: The mission at Michigan IPMA-HR is to provide the best professional education, training and opportunities for idea exchange and networking that is possible for its members.
• Bizdom U: A program that provides in-depth training for aspiring entrepreneurs interested in starting their own business. Classes are taught by business professionals and are entirely tuition free. Follow the link to learn more about how to apply.
• Corporation for a Skilled Workforce (CSW): A policy research and practice organization that strives to provide companies with the agility they need to survive in our ever-changing society. Follow the link to read up on some strategies, learn more about current clients and familiarize yourself with some of CSW's initiatives.
• Detroit Synergy: This organization aims to generate positive perceptions about Detroit through civic engagement and promoting the city's strengths. Follow the link to learn about some current projects and how you can get involved.
• Downtown Detroit Partnership: The leadership of the Downtown Detroit Partnership engages business, government and civic leaders in developing initiatives to strengthen downtown Detroit as the vibrant, diverse and economically healthy urban core of Southeast Michigan.
• Smart Detroit: Smart Detroit is a business center that helps provide companies with simple, affordable access to all the latest technologies that can help stimulate growth. They offer conference rooms, internet access and technological training. Follow the link to read some recent press releases and take a virtual tour of the facilities.
• The D Brand Summit: A one-day annual event that brings marketers and decision makers together to share valuable skills and insights that can make a difference in both individual organizations and the overall landscape of Detroit. Follow the link to read about previous Summits and to sign up for an upcoming Summit.
• Global Workplace Innovations: A site created by Johnson Controls that focuses on the needs and opportunities of tomorrow's workplace and workforce.
• InFORUM Michigan: A professional women's alliance.
• Jugglezine: An online newspaper that provides insight on how to balance work and life. This Web site offers articles on a wide-range of topics, which can all help you to discover the desired equilibrium between your career and your life.
• Lansing Area Economic Partnership (LEAP): A private/public partnership that strives to strengthen the economic development efforts of the Greater Lansing area. LEAP looks to gain jobs and investments in our current competitive market. Follow the link to learn about the business services LEAP offers, to find area companies that have invested in LEAP and to read about the strategic initiatives LEAP focuses on.
• Detroit Renaissance: A private executive leadership organization that looks to stimulate southeast Michigan's economic growth. The organization is composed mainly of local CEOs and other company leaders. Follow the link to see view the organization's accomplishments, goals and press releases.
• Edward Lowe Foundation: A foundation that encourages entrepreneurship and free enterprise through the distribution of knowledge and educational experiences. Follow the link to watch program videos, learn more about the philosophy of Edward Lowe and read about some projects that the foundation sponsors.
• Prima Civitas (PCF): An economic development organization looking to diversify Mid-Michigan's economy and promote job growth. PCF's goals include keeping young workers in Michigan and bring together groups of people that normally would not interact. Follow the link to find out more about this innovative foundation.
• Michigan Economic Development Corporation: The State of Michigan's official economic development corporation. One of their main goals is to improve Michigan's economy through the promotion of tourism. Follow the link to learn about some of Michigan's key industries, and to read about how your business can fit into Michigan.
• Small Business Association of Michigan: The only statewide association that focuses solely on the needs of small businesses. They promote entrepreneurship, leverage buying power and aide in political advocacy, all in an effort to help small business succeed. Follow the link to discover the services SBAM offers, as well as learn how to join SBAM.
• Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center: MI-SBTDC aims to improve Michigan's economy by supporting up-and-coming companies, existing small businesses and innovative technology companies. Follow the link to read success stories and find out how MI-SBTDC can help your business succeed.
• Michigan Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM): The leading voice for the human resource profession in Michigan, the SHRM is dedicated to providing opportunities for human resource professionals throughout the state. Follow the link to find out information on the annual state conference the SHRM holds.
• Michigan Quality Council: Their goal is to help companies maximize performance through evaluation and feedback. Follow the link to learn about the unique criterion the Council uses when evaluating companies, as well as read about companies the Council has honored in the past.
• Capital Quality Initiative (CQI): An organization that looks to facilitate continuous improvement for individuals in the field of management. CQI provides opportunities by hosting events such as breakfast and lunch speaker meetings and seminars. Follow the link to learn about the benefits of joining CQI and to further familiarize yourself with some of the programs they offer.
• Dan Mulhern’s Lead with Your Best Self: The official Web site of the First Gentleman of Michigan allows one to get to know Dan better with some biographical information. Dan also provides inspirational advice through his acclaimed blog. Visitors to the site can learn how to book Dan for speaking engagements and are given the opportunity to obtain some of his leadership materials.