Below are lists of the 25 Best Small and 25 Best Medium Companies to Work for in America. To sort either list by rank (this year's), name or industry, click the appropriate column heading in the table.

The 25 Best Small Companies

Rank Company Employees Staffing (past year) Paid Leave (after 1 year) Employee Training Health Care 401(k) or 403(b) Highlights

2006 2005 Name Headquarters Industry Revenue (millions)   In the
United States   Change from
last year With 6+
years tenure External
Applicants     Hires referred
by staff Vacation
Days Sick
Days PTO
Days Avg. hours
per year
per employee % of employees
using paid
development   % of budget for
training Premium paid for
employees/
dependents Company
match/up
to % of salary Company Description

1 Badger Mining Corp. Berlin, Wis. Mining and Quarrying confidential 178 6% 125 657 62% 5 5 0 14 18% 10% 100% / 100% 100% / 3% The executive team visits plant sites several times a month to talk one-on-one with associates. An "Associate Development Team" coaches employees. The company shares between 10-20% of net profits with employees. Voluntary turnover last year was just over 2%.

2 8 Pacific Service Credit Union Walnut Creek, Calif. Financial Services & Insurance--Banking/Credit Services 49 93 0% 46 43 0% 13 10 0 10 25% 1% 100% / 100% 75% / 6% This company offers 23 paid days off after one year and some of the best salaries in the business. Companywide bonuses reach up to 16% of salary; 25% of executives (and 33% of managers) are minorities; employees who speak Spanish and English receive higher wages.

3 The RightThing Inc. Findlay, Ohio Professional Services--Staffing & Recruitment confidential 112 211% 0 1000 72% 10 unlimited 0 120 45% 3% 100% / 100% 75% / 6% 50% of profits go to employees. Everyone reports to the CEO, who spends two days per month meeting team members face-to-face. Other feedback avenues: an intranet suggestion box, monthly roundtables, lunchtime learning sessions and 360-degree assessments.

4 3 Insomniac Games Inc. Burbank, Calif. Media--Entertainment 30.1 134 21% 11 2580 27% 20 10 0 24 20% 7% 100% / varies 100% / 4% Good times roll at happy hours, video game tournaments, movie nights, and trips for hiking, skiing and wine tasting. The CEO hides silly words in corporate messages; those who spot them win gift certificates. Everyone gets copies of the games, which list all employees in the credits.

5 7 Northeast Delta Dental Concord, N.H. Financial Services & Insurance--Health Insurance 196 171 1% 79 940 17% 0 0 15 27 28% 1% 100% / 50% 0% / 0% Regardless of employees' contributions, the company puts 10% of their salaries into a 401(k); it also offers a pension. Via a new fitness center (open 24/7 for employees), contract fitness instructors lead aerobics, yoga, cross-country skiing, ultimate Frisbee and walking clubs.

6 McMurry Inc. Phoenix, Ariz. Advertising & Marketing 21.6 92 15% 22 7248 30% 0 0 24 30 99% * 75% / 25% 0% / 0% New mothers (including adoptive mothers) get six weeks of paid leave and $800 for nursing and cleaning services. All senior managers were promoted internally; when the parking lot was full due to staff growth, they gave up their spots; when business slowed, they took 5-10% pay cuts.

7 23 Dixon Schwabl Advertising Victor, N.Y. Advertising & Marketing 17 60 -3% 10 365 90% 0 0 14 40 100% 10% 0% / 0% 25% / 4% Two-thirds of executives and 60% of managers are women. The company provides alternative health treatments and bone density screenings; parents can bring their kids to work any time; the company offers up to 12 weeks paid (and unlimited unpaid) maternity leave.

8 22 Professional Placement Resources LLC Jacksonville Beach, Fla. Professional Services--Staffing & Recruitment 32 82 37% 9 81 98% 0 0 18 90 100% 2% 88% / 50% 50% / 6% A strong human touch keeps trust high at this health care staffing company. A bottle of wine is sent to the spouse of new hires, along with a welcome gift basket for the employee. Artwork by the children and grandchildren of employees decorate the break and workout areas.

9 Bridge Worldwide Cincinnati, Ohio Advertising & Marketing--Advertising 12 110 15% 8 1815 50% 10 4 0 30 97% 1% 55% / 55% 50% / 5% Employees practice teamwork built out of good times via sumo wrestling, kickball, face painting and performances by the company band. The company talent show raises money for charity. Employees gather for drinks every Thursday. The profit-sharing bonus is 6% of salary.

10 15 Johnston McLamb Chantilly, Va. Information Technology 16.5 115 12% 37 1865 34% 0 0 27 10 35% 1% 100% / 100% na / na Yearly planning is held in a roundtable format, stressing employee equality. Most major decisions directly affecting employees are put to a vote. 80% of profits are given to employees via bonuses; administrative assistants get a higher percentage of salary than senior consultants.

11 Urban Innovations Ltd. Chicago, Ill. Construction & Real Estate--Property Management 10 88 1% 14 93 7% 10 5 0 30 75% 2% 87% / 87% 50% / 4% The company business plan is posted on the intranet and updated at least quarterly; senior managers are listed next to items for which they are responsible. The president periodically works alongside the maintenance and construction staff. All employees qualify for bonuses.

12 2 Triage Consulting Group San Francisco, Calif. Professional Services--Consulting/Management 40 195 15% 22 1400 10% 0 0 20 100 30% 1% 100% / 0% na / na New associates set up lunch dates with mentors before their first day; the company pays for mentor lunches and happy hours, and sponsors games in which pairs of mentors/mentees compete against each other. Last year, more than 90% of all promotions were filled internally.

13 17 Ribelin Sales Inc. Garland, Texas Specialty Chemical Distributor 72 77 1% 60 600 1% 0 0 18 40 60% 1% 76% / 75% 100% / 7.5% This chemical distributor offers health benefits to same-sex and opposite-sex domestic partners. Other perks include interest-free loans, unlimited bereavement leave and bonuses of $2,000 shared across the board last year. Average employee tenure is more than 11 years.

14 19 MATRIX Resources Inc. Atlanta, Ga. Professional Services--Staffing & Recruitment 140 192 17% 61 125 14% 0 0 17 60 80% 2% 83% / 76% na / na Diversity in management positions has increased 55% over the past three years. The company gathers annually to set company goals, and the CEO-Employee Advisory Council meets 12 times yearly to solicit employee input; no mid-level managers are present at these meetings.

15 Schleuniger Inc. Manchester, N.H. Manufacturing & Production--Machinery and equipment 19 54 26% 29 300 57% 0 0 15 30 50% 1% 75% / 75% 100% / 7% A bonus of two weeks' salary is paid if sales goals are met (or one week if they're not). The company reimburses $300 annually for fitness activities, such as health clubs, yoga classes and nutrition counseling. One day per month employees have scavenger hunts, Wiffle ball, etc.

16 18 B.I.N. Sales & Marketing Inc. Norwalk, Conn. Professional Services confidential 90 8% 18 302 50% 0 0 21 27 14% 1% 83% / 83% 50% / 6% All employees, regardless of position, can earn bonuses of up to 20% of salary. Employees write their own job descriptions and can modify them as needed. The whole company, including families, is flown to a summer outing that includes employee recognition activities.

17 Dolphin Quest Middleburg, Va. Hospitality--Management 11 95 38% 10 514 5% 0 0 15 22.16 48% 1% 100% / 100% 4% / 10% Employees are encouraged to swim with dolphins as part of their mission to promote marine education and conservation. Employees' family and friends can visit the dolphins for free. E-mails gush with recognition. An album at each location features employee photos and bios.

18 9 Kahler Slater Milwaukee, Wis. Professional Services--Architecture/Design 18 124 11% 55 680 43% 0 0 15 45 85% 5% 70% / 70% 40% / 6% This firm had an average annual share value of 22% over the past six years. The three CEOs dressed as pro wrestlers at a meeting to demonstrate poor conflict avoidance. Employees brewed their own beer last summer, and twice a month employees gather for food, drinks and music.

19 InsureMe Englewood, Colo. Financial Services & Insurance--General Insurance confidential 54 38% 3 2200 23% 0 0 15 40 24% 5% 85% / 85% 100% / 5% Employees volunteer monthly to serve dinner to the homeless. With financial support, 10 employees went to Ghana to build an orphanage last year; a house-building project in Mexico is in the works for 2006. The company matches employees' United Way contributions 3:1.

20 6 Root Learning Inc. Maumee, Ohio Professional Services 18 73 * 35 * 100% 10 5 0 81% 1% 85% / 85% 100% / 3% The company promotes "Opt-In" dialogue, in which all employees potentially affected by a decision are asked for input. A column in the newsletter addresses everyday workplace concerns. Concerns likely to arise also are discussed in a CEO-facilitated meeting.

21 DigitalGrit Inc. Boonton, N.J. Media--Online Internet Services 4 55 49% 4 110 10% 0 0 15 24 5% 2% 91% / 91% 100% / 3% The CEO maintains a blog. New hires are welcomed with games of "Two Truths and a Lie." The summer session of the biannual meetings are followed by a barbecue and three-legged races, tug-of-war and other games. Skip-level one-on-one meetings take place frequently.

22 5 archer>malmo inc. Memphis, Tenn. Advertising & Marketing 120 112 1% 25 2500 25% 10 10 8 40 70% 2% 60% / 60% 50% / 6% Employees enjoy monthly massages, weekly yoga classes, occasional free manicures, free drinks and spontaneous outings during work hours. More than 200 pounds of sand were used for last year's indoor golf tournament. Monthly all-company meetings are enhanced with games.

23 20 Runzheimer International Rochester, Wis. Professional Services confidential 155 7% 96 368 10% 0 0 15 20 25% 1% 70% / 70% 50% / 6% Perks added this past year include a cash incentive plan for all employees, a larger 401(k) match, a 6% profit sharing contribution, a scholarship program that gives $2,500 to kids who have 3.0 grade averages and mountain bikes for employees to cruise the nearby nature trails.

24 10 Landrum Human Resources Companies Pensacola, Fla. Professional Services--Staffing & Recruitment 339 108 13% 40 63 6% 0 0 14 20 100% 2% 100% / 0% 50% / 3% More than 85% of managers are women. Employees get up to 60 hours paid time off annually for volunteerism. Before developing corporate goals, senior managers were given a notebook of employee input. Managers get feedback via in-house training and town hall meetings.

25 The Brattle Group Cambridge, Mass. Professional Services 35 144 -3% 45 2345 8% 11 8 0 17 17% 1% 100% / 94% na / na Administrative staff members have an equal voice at roundtable discussions about potential hires. Senior associates hoping to become principals are promoted into the "Zone," a period of 1-2 years during which a committee provides guidance and feedback on their development.

Notes:
Source: Great Place to Work � Institute
*: Data unavailable
n/a: Not applicable

The 25 Best Medium Companies

Rank		Company				Employees			Staffing (past year)		Paid Leave (after 1 year)			Employee Training			Health Care	401(k) or 403(b)	Highlights
2006	2005	Name	Headquarters	Industry	Revenue (millions)	In the United States	Change from last year	With 6+ years tenure	External Applicants	Hires referred by staff	Vacation Days	Sick Days	PTO Days	Avg. hours per year per employee	% of employees using paid development	% of budget for training	Premium paid for employees/ dependents	Company match/up to % of salary	Company Description

1		Analytical Graphics Inc.	Exton, Pa.	Information Technology-- Software	41.5	251	48%	71	276	15%	12	10	0	50	20%	2%	100% / 99%	50% / 3%	This company keeps employees in the loop. Weekly "Story Time" sessions are an interactive open forum. Some teams meet by a fireplace. Most company meetings are video taped and posted on the intranet. New hires are rotated through other departments.

2	10	Holder Construction Co.	Atlanta, Ga.	Construction & Real Estate--Contracting	589	329	9%	156	1699	30%	10	6	0	24	6%	3%	100% / 0%	50% / 6%	All associates join groups that regularly share ideas and best practices. Groups include company officers but are run by nonexecutives. Employees help make company decisions through various committees. 18% of workers were promoted in the past year.

3	12	Ultimate Software	Weston, Fla.	Information Technology--Software	72	504	11%	206	100	45%	0	0	5	60	90%	2%	100% / 100%	100% / 25%	When a receptionist lost her home in a hurricane, she used a company condo for free. Employees and their families get box seats for Dolphins and Marlins games. 74% of employees went on company-sponsored trips last year to destinations like Lake Tahoe.

4	3	Sage Products Inc.	Cary, Ill.	Manufacturing & Production--Medical Devices	95	452	10%	196	1949	32%	10	5	0	29	5%	3%	70% / 70%	100% / 10%	A scholarship program applies to employees' children and grandchildren. An on-site fitness center - with fitness classes and an on-site physical therapist - is free to employees and spouses. Company matches all employee charitable contributions 100%.

5	2	ACUITY, A Mutual Insurance Company	Sheboygan, Wis.	Financial Services & Insurance--General Insurance	747	774	7%	429	3500	60%	10	unlimited	0	70	30%	1%	81% / 81%	na / na	Company offers 70 hours of training, on average; weekly and monthly feedback; management training, internally and at a nearby university; unlimited funding for job-related courses. In 2005, all open positions were filled with current employees.

6	4	Hypertherm Inc.	Hanover, N.H.	Manufacturing & Production--Machinery and Equipment	104	629	4%	351	2885	40%	0	0	15	24