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Best Employers—Large

250+ Employees

1. Edward Jones
“Edward Jones was founded on the principle that the people who work for the firm are the source of its success,” says Jim Charles, financial adviser for the financial services company. “We see that reflected in the way the firm shares profits with us, the culture of caring that helps associates through personal and professional challenges, and the partnership offerings to those who make significant contributions. Edward Jones is a partnership—both financially and philosophically. We work together, help each other and all share in the financial rewards. That brings out the best in everyone.” Based out of St. Louis, Edward Jones boasts more branch offices than any other financial services firm in the United States, with 9,000 offices spread across the country. The firm serves more than seven million clients worldwide and offers a variety of investments, including certificates of deposit, taxable and non-taxable bonds, stocks and mutual funds. Primary clients are serious, long-term individual investors, many of whom include retired individuals and small-business owners. The firm’s advisers recommend a conservative buy-and-hold investment philosophy, offering relatively low-risk, high-quality investments.

2. Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz PC
As one of the 100 largest law firms in the country, Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, has grown to include 450 attorneys and public policy and international advisers with offices located in 11 markets, both stateside and abroad. Based in Memphis, the firm has branches in Chattanooga, Knoxville, the Tri-Cities area and Nashville. The company emphasizes civic involvement in several ways, including sponsoring pro bono projects and financially supporting those organizations with which employees are involved. Groups like the Nashville Chamber Orchestra, Theater Memphis, United Way and the Boy Scouts of America have benefited from this policy. “It is quite an accomplishment for Baker Donelson to be named among such a selective list of companies,” says Ben Adams, chairman and CEO of Baker Donelson. “We’re very proud of the recognition, but we know that our greatest strength as an employer is the people who make up this firm. So the honor truly belongs to all of our employees.”

3. Oak Ridge Associated Universities
Oak Ridge Associated Universities is a university consortium that partners with 96 research institutions in order to advance science and education. The company works with national laboratories and government agencies as well as with private industries. A nonprofit company, ORAU’s largest contract is with the U.S. Department of Energy, to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education in East Tennessee. “It is a tremendous honor for ORAU to be recognized as one of the state’s best employers,” says Ron Townsend, ORAU president. “Our commitment to innovation and growth would not be possible without our employees, and this recognition will certainly help us attract and retain talented individuals who will continue to strengthen our ability to address national needs in worker health, environmental stewardship, emergency response, and scientific research and education.”

4. Lifeway Christian Resources
Founded in Nashville in 1891, Lifeway Christian Resources has become one of the world’s largest providers of Christian products and services, including Bibles, church literature, books, music, audio and video recordings, church supplies and Internet services through LifeWay.com. “Our more than 2,000 Tennessee employees enjoy living and working here,” says chairman and CEO Thom S. Rainer. “More importantly, they share a commitment to give back to their communities and to serve the Lord in hundreds of local churches.” The company owns and operates 131 LifeWay Christian Stores throughout the United States, as well as two of the largest Christian conference centers in the country, and it also offers ministry services at its retail bookstores. LifeWay is a religious nonprofit organization that receives no funding from any denomination, but instead generates income through the sale of goods and services. “LifeWay’s continued success hinges not only on having such a wonderful place to call home, but on our willingness to consider the world our field of labor—being passionate about sharing the good news of Jesus Christ and providing biblically sound resources that exalt our Savior and encourage His followers,” Rainer says.

5. Beaman Automotive Group
Beaman Automotive Group is a group of automobile dealerships headquartered in Nashville. Founded in 1945 by Alvin Beaman and currently owned by his son Lee, the group includes Beaman Pontiac GMC, Beaman Toyota, Beaman Lincoln Mercury in Nashville and Beaman Dodge in Murfreesboro. The family and the dealership are well known in the area for their customer-oriented business philosophy, generosity to the community and for generally being a good place to work. “Beaman Automotive Group is very pleased to be included in this recognition,” says Lee Beaman. “We are very proud of our associates and owe our success to each of them. For many years, we thought if we took care of our customers, they would take care of us. Several years ago, we learned that if we focus on the satisfaction of our employees, they will take care of our customers and our customers will reward us with their business.”

6. Mid-America Apartment Communities
Initially formed in Memphis, Mid-America Apartment Communities is a real estate investment trust that owns and operates nearly 40,000 apartment homes throughout the southeast and south central U.S. markets. The large, publicly held company works to offer the close-knit feel of a small company. Each of its apartment communities has a staff of six to 12 individuals working as a team, allowing associates to work in a personal setting. The company’s charity, Open Arms Homes, provides free, furnished apartment homes to families in medical crisis, and employee benefits range from discounted apartments to scholarship programs and stock options. “We strive to create a culture that truly values and cares about each of our employees,” says Mid-America CEO Eric Bolton. “Our company culture is based on servant leadership and service to others. We value our role as servants to our residents, our shareholders, our employees and to each other. Furthermore, we value and support our employees in their role as parents and spouses. Our five guiding principles established 13 years ago make Mid-America a good place to work: treat people with respect; provide service beyond what is expected; communicate effectively; stay one step ahead; and make it happen.”

7. Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance
Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance was founded in Maryville in 1974, and has since grown to underwrite loans tailored primarily to manufactured homes for more than 300,000 Americans. Vanderbilt Mortgage offers services not only for new and used home owners, but also for those wishing to purchase land for a manufactured home and for mortgage brokers and lenders interested in selling portfolios. “We continue to keep an emphasis on exceptional service and new products for our customers. Additionally, we continue to enhance and invest in our infrastructure to increase our efficiency,” says Paul Nichols, president of Vanderbilt Mortgage. “We value highly our customers and our team members—without both we would not be a success,” he adds. “Our company is vertically integrated with our manufacturing and retail sales companies, which provides additional growth opportunities for our team members.”

8. Memorial Health Care System
Memorial Health Care System in Chattanooga is the largest physician group of primary care physicians in the area, with a team of more than 3,600 associates, 455 volunteers and more than 700 physicians. As the area’s only faith-based health care system, Memorial leads the Chattanooga area in quality of cardiac, cancer and surgical care, offering two acute-care hospitals, home health services, a dedicated imaging center, several satellite facilities and physician offices in 30 locations. It is also recognized as a family-friendly workplace with on-site child care, tuition reimbursement and other benefits for employees. Memorial is proactive in local, state and federal health care issues and provided nearly $25 million in free community service in 2005 to benefit the community and low-income residents. “We are deeply honored to be named one of the best employers in Tennessee for the third consecutive year,” says Ruth W. Brinkley, president and CEO of Memorial Health Care System. “Memorial is blessed with a team of talented associates who demonstrate a profound commitment to our values of reverence, integrity, compassion and excellence. Recognition as a Best Employer reaffirms Memorial’s commitment to provide a positive faith-based work environment that rewards and encourages associates to reach their full potential.

9. T-Mobile USA
T-Mobile provides wireless telephone and data communications services to nearly 20 million customers. The company’s customer call centers receive telephone inquiries from customers regarding a variety of issues, including billing questions and requests for assistance with cellular telephones, service features (voicemail, text messaging, etc.), and network coverage. T-Mobile USA employs more than 1,000 individuals nationwide on a full-time basis. “Our customer service employees play a vital role in our company’s success,” says John Birrer, group vice president of customer service for T-Mobile USA. “The service mentality in Tennessee is a perfect match with T-Mobile’s values, as we help our customers stay connected to those who matter most to them every day.”

10. First Tennessee
(a subsidiary of First Horizon National Corp.) Based in Memphis, First Horizon National Corp. is a nationwide financial services institution. As one of the top 30 largest bank holding companies in the U.S., it offers a broad selection of products and services through its three major businesses, one of which is First Horizon Bank (still known as First Tennessee Bank within the Tennessee market). First Tennessee is a full-service provider of business and consumer financial products and services, and holds the most loyal customer base in Tennessee. “Our employees at First Tennessee have earned one of the highest customer retention rates for any bank in the country,” says First Horizon National Corp. CEO Jerry Baker, “and we’re using that significant foundation to take our banking services to markets across the country. That’s a legacy that our Tennessee employees have earned the right to be proud of.”

Best Employers—Medium

25-249 Employees

1. The North Highland Co.
“The North Highland Co. is delighted to have been chosen for inclusion in the 2007 Top Employers in Tennessee list,” says Nancy Shultz, vice president and Nashville office leader. “We believe this reflects the high value we place upon our employees, all of whom are crucial to the continuing success of North Highland. We are excited to be recognized as one of the state’s best employers, and feel confident that the award will enhance our ability to continue to attract high caliber employees to complement our already very strong team.” The North Highland Co. is a consulting firm offering services such as supply chain management, strategy definition, business intelligence, IT management, process management and customer interaction solutions, among others. Founded in 1992, the Atlanta-based company grew to employ more than 250 consultants by 2004, with offices from Florida and New York to Colorado and Texas. The firm aims to strike a balance between personal and professional lives, with consultants living and working in the same community as clients. North Highland consultants have an average of 15 years of experience, and can access unique benefits such as tuition reimbursement programs and employee stock ownership plans.

2. State of Franklin Savings Bank
State of Franklin Savings Bank became Tennessee’s first state-chartered savings bank when it opened its doors in Johnson City in 1996. The bank has grown steadily since opening and now offers five full-service locations in East Tennessee. Services areas include mortgages, business loans and personal credit. The company is also known locally for its community involvement, supporting projects such as housing for low-income families that qualify for a mortgage. “We are pleased that we received this honor amid all the companies in Tennessee,” says company chairman Charles E. Allen Jr. “We have strived to create an environment within our organization where employees are well-trained, focused on customer service and enjoy where they work. When you create an atmosphere where people can grow both personally and professionally, and you hire great people, great things happen.”

3. Thompson Dunavant PLC
As one of the largest auditing, tax and advisory firms in the Midsouth, Thompson Dunavant provides a broad range of specialized services, from audit and taxation, to health care consulting and litigation support. The Memphis firm says that its guiding principles include retaining outstanding and innovative professionals, investing in and maintaining state-of-the-art resources, and ensuring continuity and depth in client services. The company boasts a low turnover rate and high community involvement. Among other perks, employees can take advantage of an education assistance program and a competitive compensation and benefits package. “From the formation of our firm ten years ago, we have seen tremendous growth and have been recognized for our integrity, creativity, responsiveness and value,” says Gordon Thompson, managing member of Thompson Dunavant. “But being named one of Tennessee’s Top Employers is especially meaningful because it reflects how our employees feel about us. The single most important and distinguishing asset of our firm is our people, and we continually seek ways to show our commitment to them. From challenging assignments to creative technology solutions to firm sponsorship and active community involvement initiatives, our goal is to create an environment where employees can grow professionally and personally. This award validates we are working together as a team to set the standard for quality.”

4. MidSouth Bank
“MidSouth Bank is honored to be recognized as a Top Employer in Tennessee every year of our existence,” says chairman and CEO Lee Moss. MidSouth Bank is a Rutherford County-based community bank offering a full array of financial services. Along with innovative and competitive personal and business banking, MidSouth provides its clients and community with real estate lending, residential mortgage lending, and trust and investment services. Founded in 2004, the publicly held company is comparatively new, and works to empower its leaders and team members to succeed while providing clients with top-notch service. The company’s ‘flat’ organizational structure gives MidSouth employees easy access to senior management, fostering an encouraging environment. “Our primary focus has been on our team members—always trying to place them first,” Moss says. “We have attracted a talented, self-motivated team of bankers who love taking care of the client—because they want to. Our team members are primarily what differentiate us from our competitors, so I am thrilled that they continue to believe that MidSouth Bank is the type of family, team-oriented atmosphere they desire to work in.”

5. Clinical Trial Management Services
“CTMS first began operations in 1990 with a commitment to establishing a contract research organization like no other,” says John Vann, the company’s president and CEO. CTMS is an organization focused on quality, integrity and strong customer service. Headquartered in Bristol, Tenn., CTMS has a second location in Winston-Salem, N.C., and has expanded its capabilities throughout Europe. The company’s emphasis on quality is evident in its 97% repeat and referral business rate. CTMS also claims a high retention rate—43% of employees have been with the company for five or more years. “Our employees have made it possible to meet this goal,” says Vann of making the Best Employers list. “Personal and professional values—compassion, teamwork and integrity, combined with our employees’ devotion to high quality work, have set CTMS apart from others, not only within this industry, but all types of businesses. Our mission states in part that CTMS will build ‘trustworthy and lasting relationships so that together we improve the quality of life.’ Every day I see examples of how our employees put this mission statement into action, not just for our clients, but for each other as well. The continued engagement and leadership of our employees, in every aspect of CTMS, will ensure that we meet the challenges of a competitive marketplace.”

6. National Renal Alliance
“I believe that this is one of the most prestigious honors that a company can receive because it is heavily based on associate feedback,” says National Renal Alliance CEO and founder Joe Cashia. “National Renal prides itself on being an associate- and family-friendly company. We invest a great deal into associate recruitment and retention. Those efforts have resulted in our having a team made up of the most talented and skilled people in Tennessee.” National Renal Alliance is a dialysis provider that approaches dialysis services with a focus on community, family and friends. The organization partners with local physicians and hospitals to bring dialysis care to a local level, and it tailors plans individually for its partners. Based in Franklin, National Renal Alliance aims to assist those with kidney disease in areas underserved by health care providers.

7. Coulter & Justus PC
One of Knoxville’s oldest and largest accounting firms, Coulter & Justus provides professional assistance to small businesses with basic tax needs, as well as to larger companies that need advanced tax planning. The firm also provides everything in between, including recruiting assistance, litigation support, information systems support, business valuations and fraud investigations, allowing for clients to seamlessly transition as their companies grow. Employees average 12 years of accounting experience, and all employees have at least three years of public accounting experience. Coulter & Justus claims an employee retention rate of almost 100%. “At Coulter & Justus, we understand that the work environment is important to individual and firm success,” says Sam Coulter, the company’s president. “We are very proud of our firm culture and are delighted to be recognized as one of the best places to work in Tennessee.”

8. Crowe Chizek and Co. LLC
Crowe Chizek considers itself a “unique alternative to the Big Four,” providing business solutions in the areas of assurance, benefit plan services, financial advisory, forensic services, performance services, risk consulting, and tax consulting. The public accounting and consulting firm has 20 locations in eight states across the country, including offices in Nashville and Knoxville. Compared to other companies in its industry, Crowe Chizek has a low turnover rate at just 17% and encourages a culture based on teamwork, ethics and high client satisfaction. “It is a real honor to be considered one of the best places to work in Tennessee and to be part of a company that focuses each day on providing value to our people, clients and profession,” says Larry Morton, managing executive at Crowe’s Nashville office.

9. Education Networks of America
ENA creates and manages network and communication technology services for school systems, libraries and government agencies. Since 1995, the privately held company has grown to a staff of 70 employees with 61 of those employees working in its Tennessee headquarters. ENA was recently awarded two new multi-year competitive contracts to provide managed Internet services, including a consortium of all Tennessee school districts to provide connectivity services across the state. In its latest customer satisfaction surveys, the company received 100% customer satisfaction ratings, and it enjoys a customer retention rate of 97%. In order to improve overall performance, ENA works to support training and development requested by employees. It also offers a comprehensive benefits package, and the firm frequently grants stock options upon employment. “We are humbled and honored to receive this recognition for the second year in a row,” says president and CEO David Pierce. “The enthusiasm and passion our employees feel for providing simply exceptional customer service is something that makes ENA truly unique. Every day, in every act, we aim to delight customers with service that exceeds our customers’ needs for managed network and communication services. ENA employees are honored to be able to make a real difference in education, helping those who use our services to teach and learn.”

10. Duke Realty Corp.
Based out of Indianapolis, Ind., Duke Realty also operates a Nashville office that is among the city’s largest developers and property owners. The commercial real estate company is home to more than 1,200 associates who provide site selection, development, financing, construction, leasing and property management services nation-wide. Duke offers a culture defined by professionalism, acceptance and teamwork, and provides team members with strong compensation and benefits, along with opportunities for advancement. “What makes Duke Realty a desirable place is completely dependent on the people who work here,” says Jeff Palmquist, senior vice president of Duke Realty Nashville Operations. “We operate in a very cooperative, high functioning team environment. Each of us is dedicated to the success of the team as a whole and this leads us to create a fun place to work, provide great service for our customers, and make it a place where people want to work.”

11. Kramer Rayson LLP
Kramer Rayson is a full-service law firm based in Knoxville, Tenn., that provides legal services in labor and employment law, general and corporate law, business transactions, contracts, estates and taxation, health care law, medical malpractice, insurance defense, construction law, immigration law and personal injury. Employees of the privately held, family-based company enjoy unique benefits such as corporate health-club membership, paid parking and annual bonuses. “We are honored to be recognized as one of the top places to work in Tennessee for the second consecutive year,” says Warren L. Gooch, Kramer Rayson’s managing partner. “We recognize our future depends on our ability to hire and retain the ‘best’ employees. We remain committed to providing our lawyers and staff with a professional and friendly work environment, competitive wages and outstanding benefits. We would like to thank our employees for the confidence they have shown us by making us one of the Best Employers in Tennessee.”

12. Wirtgen America LLP
A subsidiary of the Germany- based Wirtgen GmbH, the world’s largest manufacturer of pavement milling mach-ines, Wirtgen America is headquartered in a 74,000-square-foot facility built in Antioch in 2001. Wirtgen America offers a full line of asphalt and concrete milling machines/profilers, hot and cold recyclers, and mixers for the pavement recycling and reconstruction industries. The company sells to both contractors and government road agencies, making products available through a network of representatives and dealers throughout North America. “It is a great honor for Wirtgen America to be chosen as one of the 2007 Top Employers in Tennessee,” says Stuart W. Murray, president and COO. “We try very hard every day to make our company and our facility a clean, safe, well-managed, joyful experience for all of our employees. I have wondered for more than 10 years how well our efforts were received and recognized by our employees. We now know that we are doing the right things. Receiving this recognition is a distinction that everyone at Wirtgen America can take pride in.”

13. Saratoga Technologies
Saratoga Technologies is a technology solutions company that offers both IT and communications solutions to businesses of various sizes. The company, which is based out of Johnson City, also has offices in Knoxville; Cape Town, South Africa; and London, England. Saratoga says its focus is not on pushing product, but on solving customers’ business problems with technology. It differs from traditional company models in its field, in that it offers a full range of solutions, from very basic to highly skilled. Saratoga says it became strong in many diverse areas by acquiring companies that offered some specialty that Saratoga did not, and by retaining the staff from those companies. Saratoga utilizes an open management style in which all information within the company is shared with all staff, and employees are empowered to do anything necessary to make sure a customer is happy. “I credit our phenomenal staff entirely for this achievement,” says Saratoga president, David Temple. “Our goal is to build a long-term and successful high tech company in East Tennessee, and for that to happen we need to have top quality talent. We are very fortunate to have such highly skilled and dedicated employees, and this recognition will only help us to continue to recruit and hire the best.”

14. Harwell Howard Hyne Gabbert & Manner
“At H3GM, we are committed to providing a comfortable work environment where employees feel respected both in regard to their professional accomplishments and their personal lives,” says managing partner Mark Harwell. “We are truly a team and I am proud to be part of this organization and am especially proud of this honor.” Harwell Howard Hyne Gabbert & Manner is a business law firm focused on providing sophisticated legal advice and assistance to clients. The Nashville law firm provides areas of expertise in almost all facets of business, from corporate and venture capital to health care and real estate. The company boasts extensive experience in the field, and offers attorneys real responsibility with a minimum of bureaucracy, along with competitive salaries and benefits.

15. Bank of Ripley
Created in the aftermath of the Great Depression, the Bank of Ripley opened its doors in Ripley, Tenn., in 1939. Since then, the locally owned community bank has grown to provide a broad range of traditional and innovative banking, investment and financial services to consumers of all types – retail, commercial, and industrial. In 1999, the Bank of Tipton branch in Tipton County became the company’s first branch outside of Lauderdale County. The bank’s values, policies and procedures are dictated by its customers and community, with employees encouraged to participate in community events. “We try to provide as good of an environment as we can,” says Craig Fitzhugh, the bank’s chairman and CEO. “What really sets us apart are two things: communication and consideration. We try to consider our employees every time we do something, and what effect it will have on them.”

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