Posted at: 08/04/2009 7:00 PM
Updated at: 08/05/2009 8:19 AM
By: Mary Taing

A Positive Environment in a Tough Economy

(ABC 6 NEWS) -- Today nine companies received a national award in Rochester, for creating a positive work environment even in this tough economy.

Cardinal of Minnesota, a non-profit group that houses people with disabilities has found a way to do cut its costs.

By using the video conferencing tool, "Skype".

"There's a fair amount of people and a fair amount of traveling so there was a really good opportunity to reduce that cost," says Philip Zeccardi, Human Resources Manager for Cardinal of Minnesota.

First Alliance Credit Union in Rochester has found a way to take stress out of their employees, by having a flexible 4-day work schedule.

This way, employees have time to take care of family, and unforeseen circumstances.

"We're able to be more agile, and responding to the needs of these employees particularly in those unique circumstances where a spouse may be laid off," says President/CEO Kelly McDonough of First Alliance Credit Union.

Both businesses have been able to retain employees and keep productivity up in this economy.

They're being honored today with the national Alfred P. Sloan award for achieving that goal.

"These organizations are committed to creating an environment that's not only supportive of their employees but the organizations in their community in general," Jessica Ihrke from the Rochester Area Chamber Of Commerce.

Both businesses say they'll continue to think of new ways to make their work environment healthy.

"We really don't believe that just because the economy is slowing, us as an organization should," says Zeccardi.

"It helps promote loyalty and teamwork, and because of that it improves productivity," says McDonough.

Other recipients of the Alfred P. Sloan award include, The Rochester Area Family Y and the United Way of Olmsted County, Venture Computer Systems and Senior Citizen�s Services, Inc.