Valley Oak Financial named ‘Best of the Best’

HUDSONVILLE — Valley Oak Financial was the “Best of the Best” award winner at the annual West Michigan’s 101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For luncheon held Thursday at the Pinnacle Center. The event saw 102 companies being honored, with Elite winners representing the 11 award categories.

Valley Oak Financial PLC is a certified public accounting firm located in Kalamazoo. Established in June 2006, the firm provides accounting, tax planning and preparation, and business  and financial advising to individuals and businesses.

The company was recognized in part for its extensive benefit and employee recognition programs, thorough employee recruitment efforts and prioritization of employee involvement in budget strategies and operations.

The other award categories are:  Communication, Community Initiatives, Compensation and Benefits, Diversity and Multiculturalism, Employee Education and Development, Employee Engagement and Commitment, Recognition and Retention, Recruitment and Selection, Work-Life Balance and Small Business.

One Elite winning company was selected for each of the 11 award categories based on its high score. Each company’s entry was evaluated by an independent research firm.  Nominated companies are assessed by reviewing a number of key measures in each category.

“It is with careful consideration that we have chosen our Elite winners this year. We are proud to provide a platform for West Michigan companies to demonstrate all they provide to their employees,” said Jennifer Kluge, COO and executive vice president of the Michigan Business and Professional Association.

“These select 101 companies recognize employees with competitive community initiatives, as well as other significant factors.”

The 101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For, a program of the Michigan Business and Professional Association, is presented annually in three markets: Metro Detroit, Chicago  and West Michigan. Nominations are now being accepted for 2011. Visit www.101bestandbrightest.com to obtain an application.

The 2010 Elite award winners were: Andy J. Egan Co., Grand Rapids, Communication; Herman Miller Inc., Zeeland, Community Initiatives; Deloitte LLP, Grand Rapids, Compensation and Benefits; Spectrum Health Hospitals, Grand Rapids, Diversity and Multiculturalism; Ernst & Young, Grand Rapids, Employee Education and Development; Express Employment Professionals, Portage, Employee Engagement and Commitment; Mill Steel Co., Grand Rapids, Recognition and Retention: Arrow Strategies, Grand Rapids, Recruitment and Selection; Rehmann, Grand Rapids, Work-Life Balance; and Elzinga & Volkers Construction Professionals, Holland, Small Business.