The publication’s annual “Best of B2B” awards, with results based on readers’ votes, recognizes the top businesses and service providers in the Omaha area. B2B is Greater Omaha’s premiere business publication, featuring the latest business developments as well as features on Omaha’s most prominent business leaders.

Our CEO, Scot Thompson, says it best. “This recognition means a great deal to us because it’s a direct reflection of the outstanding and dedicated group of employees at C&A. From our account managers and recruiters to those across our entire organization, our focus is on helping our clients and candidates achieve success in business and in their careers. Being the very best in our industry would not be possible without our employees’ passion for our business and commitment to excellence each day.”

In addition to “Best of B2B”, C&A was recently named among Omaha’s “Best Places to Work”, an annual competition sponsored by the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce and Baird Holm. C&A was recognized for the fourth year in a row.

Needless to say, it’s been a great Q1 for all of us at C&A. We can’t wait to see what the rest of the year brings!

This is the fourth year in a row that C&A has received Best Places to Work distinction in the category of companies with more than 200 employees. And let me tell you, it feels great. I’m not one to get all “braggy”, but four years? That says something. And to celebrate our “4-Peat” (do people even say ‘4-peat’), senior management distributed cookies while they thanked each of us individually for being a part of the company’s success.

One of the best things about being on the “Best” list is knowing that my co-workers were involved in the process. So, it’s not like an outside entity was judging our company with only surface-level knowledge about what it’s like to work here, but rather our own team members took part in a confidential survey and were able to be candid about C&A as an employer. I don’t know about you, but generally I like sharing my opinions so when I’m asked, I’m happy to participate.

I’ve always felt good about telling my friends and acquaintances where I work. And I’ve referred friends, too – one of them starts his new job here next week. When I mention C&A, some recognize our big building off the Dodge Expressway in West Omaha. Others have seen our name associated with various community events. And of course others know of C&A as one of the Best Places to Work. Me? I just know that I love coming to work each day, that I feel valued, and that what I do means something.

The other perks of working here – great Wellness program, summer events, family outings, first rate training, and lunches with our CEO? Those are nice, too.

Omaha’s annual Best Places to Work initiative is sponsored by the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce and Baird Holm.
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Mary Carrick is a Sr. Communications Specialist with C&A, Industries. In her role, she’s responsible for crafting spot-on copy for internal and external audiences, coordinating public relations efforts, co-producing videos, and various other special projects. Outside of her career at C&A, she’s a professional singer, an actress, and a mom.

Hundreds of C&A employees converged on the Embassy Suites LaVista to recognize outstanding performers, get excited about our future, and celebrate the accomplishments of our organization over the past year. An entire event dedicated to our employees. It was inspiring and a lot of fun.

Everything from the configuration of our meeting room, to décor and hors d’oeuvres played off of our zen-like theme, “Satori: Enlighten & Ignite” (def. “satori”: sudden enlightenment).

Cy Wakeman, a nationally known writer and speaker kicked things off with a dynamic presentation that challenged all of us to consider whether or not we’re ready to use the abilities and talents we have to seize the opportunities presented to us. She pulled from her personal experience running a marathon and delivered it in her trademark straight forward yet humorous style. I know I was motivated and others I talked with afterwards were as well.

After Cy’s presentation a series of individual and team awards were presented, including our President’s Club, Outstanding Team Achievement, and Employee of the Year awards, among many others.

As employees moved to the post-awards reception, we were greeted by a rumbling “fire and ice” sound and light show. For a while I thought I was in Las Vegas. It was also fun just to mingle the crowd and talk with fellow employees and spouses about the event and just catch up a little.

It’s always amazing how many people work for C&A when you see them all together in one room. It was also a perfect opportunity to personally congratulate the award winners and thank those who worked so hard to organize the event.

As I was driving home, I was glad that our senior management team understood the importance of this recognition event. Even in a tougher economy, when many companies are cutting out the frills and extra expenses, they made sure that employees were recognized for their contributions, understood the vision for our future, and had the opportunity to celebrate accomplishments. I can’t wait to see what this upcoming year has in store for all of us at C&A.
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About Bret Williams: Bret began his career at C&A in 2002 as a recruiting manager. He was awarded C&A’s highest honor of Employee of the Year in 2005 and has continued to grow with the company as it has expanded, now serving as the Director of HR, a position he’s held since 2006. Bret has a bachelor’s degree in HR management is an active member of both The Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) and the local Human Resource Association of the Midlands (HRAM) organizations. Away from work, family, church, and basketball consume most of Bret’s spare time. He serves as an Elder in his church and volunteers for many of its activities and committees. Bret also coaches girl’s basketball and is currently in his third season as head coach for one of Millard West girl’s feeder teams. When he’s not spending cherished time with his wife and two kids, Bret jumps on his Harley Softtail and goes for a ride or grabs a fishing pole and heads for the lake.

During the event, we also watched a video that highlighted the many ways C&A employees give back to the community. Working at a place that encourages this is an added bonus to being a member of the C&A team.
C&A employees have opportunities to give back year round but especially around the Holidays.

Some of the organizations that benefited from our employees contributions last year were: The Food Bank for the Heartland, Lydia House, Cooper Village, and Open Door Mission just to name a few. Seeing your co-workers giving back and creating strong ties in the community gives you some insight into what they are passionate about outside of work.

We recently kicked off our annual United Way Campaign and a company wide food drive benefiting the Food Bank of the Heartland. In the Human Resources and Benefits Departments we also typically help out with the Salvation Army’s intake for their Holiday programs as well as donating to Ted E. Bear Hollow.

Suffice to say, the giving spirit is alive here at C&A. And it’s great to be a part of it.

The announcement is featured in the magazine’s April 2011 issue. Based on reader’s vote, predominantly comprised of members of Omaha’s business community, B2B Magazine awards the “Best Of” in several categories, including professional services, business services, financial services, building services, and travel and event planning.

B2B Magazine is Greater Omaha’s premiere business publication, featuring the latest business developments as well as features on Omaha’s most prominent business leaders.

There were hundreds of employees there, dressed to the “T” and excited to celebrate the 2010 business year.

The event opened with a short presentation by UNO Athletic Director Trev Alberts.  The ex-Husker All-American and NFL player spoke about his career and what’s happening in the athletic programs at UNO.  Most importantly, he talked about his ingredients for success, a valuable take away for our employees. 

Trev is a passionate and driven leader and it was apparent that UNO athletics is in good hands.  If you haven’t been to a UNO hockey game, it’s a must see.  They’re #4 in the nation in Division I hockey and deserve the support of the Omaha sports community.

The second portion of the event was the awards presentation.  It was neat to see those who had accomplished the most be recognized in front of the entire organization. 

My department is responsible for hiring staff across all C&A divisions.  It’s very rewarding to see someone you’ve brought into the company really enjoy what they’re doing and be recognized on the biggest, brightest stage of the year.  You can’t help but feel, in a small way, that you’ve directly impacted not only that person’s life but the success of the company. 

Each recipient received an elegant award and some also were given a voucher for a vacation to a destination of their choice.  I was fortunate to win one of those trips several years ago.  It was a first-class experience and something my wife and I will always remember. 

We also had special visitors during the awards ceremony.  C&A’s very own “Hans and Franz” (remember them from Saturday Night Live fame?) stopped by a few times to share some humor and draw names for random prizes like HD TV’s, laptops, and other very nice items.  They were actually two employees from our Aureus Nursing division and were hilarious.  If Lorne Michaels (SNL Producer) needs a new generation Hans and Franz, these guys are it!

The last segment of the program was a two-hour social mixer.  The room was full of color and took on a nightclub feel, including multiple food and beverage stations.  You name it, it was there and tasted fantastic.  My personal favorite was the shrimp. Very tasty! 

I mingled around the room and had the opportunity to talk and catch up with a lot of people I don’t normally see in my everyday work routine. 

As I was standing there, I looked around and was reminded about how many great people work for C&A, what’s been accomplished at C&A during the nine years I’ve been with the company, and how much potential we have for the future. 

On the drive home, I felt great about the event and was anxious to get back to work on Monday to start the next chapter of the C&A story. 

If you’d like to learn more about careers at C&A, go to www.ca-industries and click on the “Careers” link or call us at (402) 938-2030.

About Bret Williams, HR Director, C&A Industries, Inc.
Bret began his career at C&A in 2002 as a recruiting manager. He was awarded C&A’s highest honor of Employee of the Year in 2005 and has continued to grow with the company as it has expanded, now serving as the Director of HR, a position he’s held since 2006. Bret has a bachelor’s degree in HR management is an active member of both The Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) and the local Human Resource Association of the Midlands (HRAM) organizations. Away from work, family, church, and basketball consume most of Bret’s spare time. He serves as an Elder in his church and volunteers for many of its activities and committees. Bret also coaches girl’s basketball and is currently in his third season as head coach for one of Millard West girl’s feeder teams. When he’s not spending cherished time with his wife and two kids, Bret jumps on his Harley Softtail and goes for a ride or grabs a fishing pole and heads for the lake.

Of the nearly 500 in attendance, C&A had a strong contingent, including Employees of the Quarter and President’s Club recipients.  Scot T. accepted C&A’s award on the company’s behalf.

Speakers included Omaha Mayor Jim Suttle; David Brown, President & CEO, Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce; and Dr. Kim Hoogeveen, President & CEO of Quality Living.

C&A was named for the second year in a row in the category of organizations with more than 250 employees.  The annual competition is sponsored by the Chamber and Baird Holm. 

C&A was also featured in the Omaha World-Herald’s Best Places to Work special section on Sunday, May 1^st.