Recognizing Amazing Corporate Cultures in Des Plaines
W hen 40 hours of each week are dedicated to work, the culture of the company you work for makes a big difference. Retention is key, and we spoke to four organizations who prioritize attracting and retaining employees.
Advocate Lutheran
General Hospital
1775 Dempster St., Park Ridge
(847) 723-2210
Healthcare organizations nationwide are facing workforce challenges, and as such, Advocate Lutheran General is focused on helping all people live well.
“We strive to be the best employer that wraps our arms around the whole person,” said Mike Nolan, Director of Human Resources. “We are committed to the wellbeing of our teammates, both personally and professionally, as we work to carry out our purpose of helping people live well.”
The organization has various wellbeing and workforce development programs for its teammates, such as Emerging Leader programs, Introduction to Leadership programs, incumbent worker training programs, Certified Medical Assistant programs and SPD to Sterile Technician programs. The investment in these programs, among others, allows teammates to receive targeted workforce and leadership development training that provides skill and growth development and sets up the organization for future success, even amid the labor shortages felt across the healthcare industry.
“These initiatives are just a few examples of how we are enhancing care delivery through workforce strategy, all while keeping our patients at the forefront,” said Dia Nichols, president of Advocate Lutheran General Hospital and the Central Chicagoland Patient Service Area. “Our keen focus on bolstering leadership and teammate engagement helps to position us as a leading employer in the Midwest and, in turn, a top health care destination for patients, families and community members.”
Advocate Health offers a competitive salary and benefits package that includes tuition reimbursement and student loan programs for eligible teammates. Having combined with Atrium Health, teammates also take pride in being a top five healthcare organization in America.
GHD
6300 N. River Rd., Suite 302, Rosemont
(773) 380-9933
GHD is a global network that spans five continents. Its employees are committed to addressing the world’s biggest challenges in sustainability, and GHD is committed to its employees.
As an employee-owned company, “we invest in the growth and development of our people as the next generation of owner leaders,” said Rebecca Banks, GHD Regional People Business Partner.
The organization celebrates employees’ tenure milestones, has social committees at each office, hosts a “GHD’s Got Talent” show and has a robust wellness reimbursement program.
“GHD will reimburse employees for health club memberships, organized sports leagues or races, bicycles, home gym equipment, fitness tracking devices, smoking cessation programs and weight loss programs,” Banks said.
GHD also supports employees wishing to grow their family. Through a partnership with Maven’s Grow-Your-Family program, users can access a digital health platform to book unlimited virtual appointments, covering preconception through children’s first birthdays. Plus, GHD offers reimbursements for eligible treatments and expenses.
Rivers Casino
3000 South River Rd
(847) 795-0777
A business dedicated to having fun is also eager for its employees to have fun. When it comes to retaining team members, however, Rivers Casino is all business.
Amidst a fast-paced, high-energy environment, full-time team members enjoy an expansive benefits package, 18 days of paid time off in their first year, tuition reimbursement, a scholarship program and a 401K plan.
“We have a wonderful 401K plan that’s company-matching, and you’re fully vested the first day you start contributing to that plan,” said Marne Deithorn, Vice President of Human Resources.
Another huge perk for team members is meals that only cost a dollar in the team dining room through payroll deduction!
In addition to helping serve the community through the Chamber of Commerce, Rivers Casino also make sure that its team members helped determine the business’s core fundamentals of fun, service, integrity and respect.
“Rivers Casino is a big family,” Deithorn said.
Wheels
666 Garland Place
(847) 699-7000
Wheels, a fleet management company, has been around for over 80 years and is in an exciting time of transformation, having just completed a merger with Donlen and LeasePlan USA.
“Wheels pioneered the [fleet management] industry and now builds on the shared history of all three legacy organizations to become an even stronger leader in the industry,” said Mary Formosa, Chief Human Resource Officer.
Wheels has the recognition to prove it, having been named one of Chicago’s Best and Brightest Companies to Work For® 13 years in a row and receiving the Des Plaines Chamber Community Enhancement Award this March.
Wheels has no shortage of benefits, including a comprehensive benefits package, an annual compensation review process, and a recently upgraded bonus program that includes all employees. Of course, the parties and events don’t hurt!
Among other things, Wheels provides ongoing employee and leadership training and participates in various community events – including a plastic bag drive, supporting United Way campaigns and local 5K races to support charitable initiatives.
Des Plaines: A City Poised for Progress
The City of Des Plaines and its business-and-investor community made a big splash in 2022 and have a surge of momentum already rolling into 2023. The City welcomed 81 new registered businesses in 2022, up from 51 in 2021, and experienced more than $100 million in permitted construction value for the sixth straight year. Highly visible sites that have long been vacant or under-utilized are being redeveloped. Just a few examples of those under construction are:
• Halston Market by M/I Homes, with its 125 townhomes at 1050 E. Oakton (former Grazie banquet site)
• The “Mannheim-Pratt” restaurant and retail complex, featuring an Outback Steakhouse, First Watch, and Five Guys Burgers and Fries -- all coming soon!
• Highlander Transportation at 580 South Wolf, the long-shuttered former Meyer Material concrete production site
• A modern industrial warehouse by developer Seefried at 190 E. Touhy.
The latter two projects are results of the City’s participation in the Cook County Class 6b industrial property tax incentive program, which reduces property taxes if property owners make substantial investments—these two projects alone amount to nearly $25 million in investment. 2023 will bring even more new business development based on planning approval and permits issued in 2022.
The re-opened, historic Des Plaines Theatre brought thousands of visitors to downtown Des Plaines over the past year, and the City Council took that as a sign to make its next strategic acquisition: the former Masonic Temple/Leela Arts center across the street. The Council’s vision is to build on the Theatre’s success and remodel the “Leela Building” for a mix of retail, restaurant, and entertainment users to complement a budding entertainment district. Across the tracks, nearly 100 new households have moved into residential units at 1425 Ellinwood (“The Welkin”), the mixed-use development that is remaking the block. Heading south down Lee to Oakton, you’ll see evidence of multiple businesses that received Business Assistance Program (BAP) grants from the City, such as the new Khan Brothers market in the end cap of Lee Commons Shopping Center at Lee & Algonquin, and a refurbished interior at Charcoal Delights, a staple, landmark business just west of the Oakton-Lee intersection.
In the 2023 budget, the City Council increased the BAP allocation from $250,000 to $350,000. This citywide program contains multiple grants that can, for example, help a new business build out its interior or help an existing business upgrade its building façade. If a business or property is looking to make an investment, or re-investment, but just needs a little help to get over the top, these grants may be a perfect fit. In Spring 2023, the Council and staff expect to revamp and simplify the application process and put these funds to even more widespread and effective use.
Outside businesses considering Des Plaines as a home, existing businesses that want to move or expand, or entrepreneurs who want to get started can contact the City’s Community & Economic Development Department, directed by John Carlisle, AICP, at (847) 391-5306 or jcarlisle@desplaines.org.