(Spokane, Wash.) - Three local companies have been named winners of the 2010 Alfred P. Sloan Award for Business Excellence in Workplace Flexibility.

The companies receiving the awards are: Associated Industries; CH2M HILL; and Humanix Staffing and Recruiting. This is the third year in a row Humanix has won a Sloan Award. All three companies will be recognized on Sept. 10 at the Good Morning Greater Spokane monthly breakfast at The Spokane Club.

Six local companies received Honorable Mention. Those companies are: BDO USA, LLP; Career Path Services; Matrical Bioscience; Principal Financial Group; St. Lukes Rehabilitation Institute; and Spokane Teachers Credit Union.

The Sloan Awards recognize companies and organizations of all sizes that strategically use workplace flexibility to increase workplace effectiveness and bring positive business results. These companies and organizations make work "work" for the employer and the employee.

Associated Industries allows its employees to take care of personal needs, even if it means leaving work for a while. It also allows staff flexible work hours to participate in volunteer or community activities. This, along with a twice-weekly relaxation/yoga class, helps Associated Industries boast a low turnover rate.

CH2M HILL also offers a flexible schedule, telework and part-time work. The company also has a time sheet policy that allows employees to document how they spend their time. This allows employees to freely make their own schedule, thus relieving any stress and increasing mutual respect and responsibility.

Humanix Staffing and Recruiting aids its employees by participating in the Washington State Employment Security Workshop Program. This program allows staff with reduced hours to receive partial unemployment insurance. The company also offers financial advisory services and non-interest loans to its employees. Humanix remains committed to its employees in the midst of the tough economy.

Spokane is one of 29 select regions nationwide chosen to host and participate in the When Work Works initiative. Other communities participating are: Arizona (statewide); Aurora/Denver, CO; Bay Area, CA; Boise, ID; Charleston, SC; Chicago, IL; Dallas, TX; Dayton, OH; Durham, NC; Georgia (statewide)  Houston, TX; Idaho (statewide); Kentucky (statewide); Long Beach, CA; Long Island, NY; Louisville, KY; Melbourne-Palm Bay, FL; Michigan (statewide);  Milwaukee, WI; Morris County, NJ; New Hampshire (statewide); Providence, RI; Rochester, MN; Salt Lake City, UT; Seattle, WA; Twin cities and St. Cloud, MN; and Winona, MN.

For more information about When Work Works or the Alfred P. Sloan Awards, please contact Tyler Wigton at (212) 465-2044 x 224 or at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Kelly Sakai at (212) 465-2044 x 211, and visit www.whenworkworks.org.

Greater Spokane Incorporated (GSI) is committed to accelerating regional economic prosperity throughout the Spokane region - an area that serves as the business and cultural hub of the Inland Northwest and supports a population of 1.4 million.  GSI is the area's only Regional Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Council, providing leadership to build a stronger economy since 1881.  GSI is funded by more than 1,400 private-sector member investors; Washington State; Spokane County; and the cities of Spokane; Spokane Valley; Liberty Lake; Cheney; Airway Heights; Medical Lake; Newport and Millwood.  For more information, visit www.greaterspokane.org or contact us at 509-624-1393 or 1-800-SPOKANE.

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