2007, 2006 & 2005 Best Places to Work in WNY by Business First

Managing Partner, Tom Grogan was one of five senior leader panelists who spoke at the April 2006 Buffalo Niagara Partnership Workforce Development Series - "What Do Top CEOs Say" on how to build a compelling place to work.

Tom said the main reason why we are viewed as having a compelling place to work is because of the firm's culture. "Staff have told us that they enjoy the family-like atmosphere. We want people to enjoy coming to work."

The culture was not built overnight. Our firm was a nice place to work when Tom started over 25 years ago. Significant changes have taken place - but not at the expense of our culture. "We are always trying to improve the bottom line. But we will not do so if it changes the culture."

Tom stated the main characteristics of our culture that the partners live by include:

• Treat people with respect
• Make people feel important
• Give a lot of flexibility - there is life outside of work
• Provide a stable environment
• Know your people (personal life, families)
• Have open communications
• Hire the right person - which is critical

Tom concluded by answering the question, "Why We Are Successful?". Tom said, "Our firm culture allows us to hire and keep a great staff." This ensures our clients have the right people working on their engagements. This in turn generates referrals and new clients.

He then stressed that having a compelling place to work is a process. "It is never ending. The environment is constantly changing and we must change with it. When we were first named a best place to work, we evaluated the results [from the employee survey] and made changes to areas that needed improvement. We need to continually improve."

"What Do Top CEOs Say" is part of the five month series that local business owners and HR professionals have participated in to make their workplaces a more compelling place to work for their staff that directly translates to bottom line results and bettering the local economy. Only local businesses that possess unique qualities, cultures and programs were asked to take part as speakers in one of the four sessions. We are honored to be among the distinguished group of presenters.