Seattle Business Magazine named Torklift International, a Sumner-based company with a Kent location, the Best Place to Work for mid-sized businesses in Washington state.
Torklift produces aftermarket parts for the RV and automotive industries. Products are backed by their legendary lifetime warranty and made in the USA. Founder Jon Kay established Torklift International in Kent.
The magazine hosted a June 20 event that drew nearly 1,000 people and hundreds of contenders for the honor. TV news anchor and event guest Steve Raible presented Torklift general manager Jay Taylor with the award.
Raible explained Torklift was selected for the award based on leadership values and commitment to providing excellent benefit packages to its employees.
“We were a one-man operation in Kent 37 years ago,” Taylor said to the crowd, according to a Torklift media release. “This company is dedicated to building dreams for the people who work here. We have grown into a worldwide company serving markets from Russia to Australia to the U.S. and Canada.”
Torklift was chosen by a panel of judges who evaluated anonymous surveys completed by employees grading the company on teamwork, values, leadership, benefits and growth opportunities.
“Our focus has been to build a good quality of life for our employees, stakeholders and customers,” Taylor said. “We do that by building quality products backed by our legendary lifetime warranty.”
The title of the story featuring Torklift International in the magazine’s July issue is, “Opening Doors and Career Opportunities.” Taylor indicated the title couldn’t have been any better.
“Torklift vaulted straight to the top with a list of benefits not typically found in blue-collar industries,” according to Seattle Business Magazine. “And it provides mandatory leadership and teamwork training for all new hires.”
Torklift International competed against hundreds of companies before being chosen in the mid-sized business category.
‘Insta-suites’
Fountainhead Northwest, LLC recently purchased four buildings within the CenterPoint Corporate Park in Kent. The park – which includes twin eight-story Cascade Towers, the Commons, and The Atrium – is set on 26 landscaped acres centrally located.
The buildings provide flexible floor plates that easily accommodate a variety of sized office suites, move-in-ready “insta-suites” that range from 2,000 to 6,000 square feet, and contiguous spaces up to 60,000 square feet are available for larger tenants.”
Each suite is brand new construction with contemporary finishes, modern technology, and extensive use of glass to allow abundant sunlight to fill each suite, which has been proven to increase employee productivity and satisfaction,” said Scott Hugie, the firm’s senior vice president, “at a competitive lease rate that is often times lower than competing, inferior office space. An insta-Suite gives small- and medium-sized businesses a corporate identity on par with that of a larger business, a better product at a better price.”
The project also provides ample free and convenient parking. To learn more, call 253-395-9226 or visit fountainheadnorthwest.com.
Elsewhere
The Best Western Plus Plaza by the Green today announced that it has received a TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence award. The accolade, which honors hospitality excellence, is given only to establishments that consistently achieve outstanding traveler reviews on TripAdvisor, and is extended to qualifying businesses worldwide.
Approximately 10 percent of accommodations listed on TripAdvisor receive this prestigious award.
“The Best Western Plus Plaza by the Green is pleased to receive a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence,” said Andrew Hutchison, general manager at the Best Western Plus Plaza by the Green. “We strive to offer our customers a memorable experience, and this accolade is evidence that our hard work is translating into positive traveler reviews on TripAdvisor.”
To qualify for the Certificate of Excellence, businesses must maintain an overall rating of four or higher, out of a possible five, as reviewed by travelers on TripAdvisor. Additional criteria include the volume of reviews received within the last 12 months.
The Best Western Plus Plaza by the Green is at 24415 Russell Road, Kent.For more information, please visit www.bestwestern.com.
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