Nearly 200 business leaders attended the Employer of Distinction awards luncheon Friday at the Sheraton Hotel in St. John’s, where the Iron Ore Company Canada (IOC) – Labrador Operations was named Employer of Distinction in the large employer category, and FIT For Work was named Employer of Distinction in the small employer category. Ever Green Environmental was also recognized for their achievements through a Path of Distinction Award.
IOC-Labrador
IOC-Labrador Operations was recognized for their contribution to the community, their commitment to growing their own talent within their organization and their willingness to make tough decisions to protect the health and safety of their employees.
Heather Bruce-Veitch accepted the award on behalf of the company. In a press release, IOC President and CEO Zoë Yujnovich commented, “We are very proud to have been chosen for this distinguished award recognizing the teamwork and partnerships IOC employees live each day both in our workplace and in our community.”
Fit for Work
FIT For Work, was recognized for their HR practices, continuous education, flexible work arrangements andengagement of staff. Of their 23 employees and 9 contractors, 11 have more than 10 years of service.
Employee testimonials included in their submission highlighted FIT as conscientious and team-focused employer. Owner Sharon Horan accepted the award on behalf of FIT For Work and thanked her staff for their involvement and encouragement throughout the application process.
Ever Green Environmental
Ever Green Environmental was also recognized with a Path of Distinction Award. This award was designed to recognize employers who offer creativity and excellence in one of the award criteria.
As an Affirmative Business, one-third of Ever Green’s employees have a disability or are disadvantaged in the labour market, and they receive no subsidy for operations. They were recognized for their achievements in HR Best Practices and Innovation.
The application process for the Employer of Distinction Awards is extensive. Organizations are evaluated by an independent panel of judges on Human Resources Best Practices, Health & Safety Practices and Disability Management, Employee Presence in the Community, Stakeholder Awareness, Compensation and Advancement and other relevant information.
Other organization’s shortlisted for this year’s awards included:
- St. John’s International Airport Authority,
- Canadian Hard of Hearing Association,
- Conservation Corps, Cox & Palmer,
- Gander International Airport Authority,
- Keep Cool Refrigeration & A/C Ltd.,
- Knightsbridge Robertson Surrette,
- Lotek Wireless Inc.,
- St. Jude Hotel,
- City of St. John’s,
- Newfoundland Power,
- Newfoundland & Labrador Liquor Corporation, and
- S.S. Subway.
This year’s judging panel was comprised of Dr. Gary Gorman, Former Dean of the Memorial University Faculty of Business Administration; Cathy Bennett, CEO and Owner of Bennett Restaurants, last year’s Employer of Distinction winner in the large employer category; and Vince Withers, retired businessman and founding chairperson of the NL Employers’ Council. Friday’s luncheon featured a keynote address by Siobhan Coady, MP of St. John’s South Mount Pearl and Former President of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.
