November 8, 2005

ACE DISPOSAL VOTED BEST COMPANY TO WORK FOR BY UTAH BUSINESS

Do you love your job? And, more importantly, do your employees love theirs? A sinking unemployment rate typically means the economy is healthy, but to any business owner, it means challenges, particularly when it comes to finding—and keeping—the right people on board.

The trick? Make them happy.

To qualify for the distinction, each company was put through a rigorous survey process, administered by South Jordan-based Allegiance Inc. Benefits and company policies were outlined by a company representative, and a percentage of employees from each company was surveyed to see if the company truly made the grade. The following eight pages highlight the best practices of the top 12 companies, three from each of four size categories.

SALT LAKE CITY November 11, 2006. In an industry where triple-digit turnover rates are commonplace, Salt Lake-based Ace Disposal hangs on to its employees (its turnover rate is only 18 percent) by creating an environment marked by loyalty, teamwork and integrity. That environment is buoyed by a culture that encourages communication with management at any time and about any topic. “The pride I experience from working at Ace Disposal stems from the high regard I have for the owners,” notes one employee. “They feel a responsibility to their employees and their customers and have created a supportive and friendly working environment”.

Many companies talk about how important their employees are to the success of the operation, but Ace goes beyond mere statements to express appreciation in unique and concrete ways. Since its inception in 1980, the company has implemented an annual profit-sharing program that has never failed to contribute less than 5 percent of employees’ yearly salaries at year’s end. Ace has also striven to keep health insurance costs down, and for the last four years, employee costs have not increased.

Safety is important to workers in the waste disposal industry, and Ace takes rigorous measures to take care of employees’ physical well-being. The company has received consistently good ratings from the Utah Workers Compensation Fund and has exceeded OSHA standards for equipment safety, installing harnesses to its loading equipment to help employees avoid injuries while on top of trucks.