Two Flathead businesses selected for Employers of Choice Award

The Montana Department of Labor and Industry has announced two Flathead County businesses as among the winners of the 2023 Montana State Employers’ Council Employers of Choice Award.

The award is given each year to employers who demonstrate exceptional dedication to attracting and retaining workers. The Center for Restorative Youth Justice and Park Side Credit Union were among the three winners of this year’s award.

Bitterroot Health of Ravalli County is the other winner this year.

“With unemployment in Montana at historic lows, it is more important than ever our employers go above and beyond to attract and retain talent,” said Laurie Esau, Commissioner of the Montana Department of Labor and Industry. “Offering competitive benefits and wages, fostering a positive workplace culture, and encouraging employee development and growth can all help employers build the workforce they need to meet their customer’s needs.”

Park Side Credit Union in Whitefish, CRY-J in Kalispell, and Bitterroot Health in Hamilton were chosen as the state’s best in each of the three size categories. The criteria assessed included employee benefits and initiatives, leadership and workplace culture, employee training and development opportunities, and community orientation.

The Center for Restorative Youth Justice is the smallest of the three employers, winning in the up-to-50-employees category. CRY-J began in 1998 in its foundational form of Flathead County Peer Court. CRY-J is a nonprofit organization based in Kalispell, and works with agencies, institutions, and individuals in Montana and around the nation to promote restorative responses to community harm.

“A strong culture of self-care and good communication among our small staff creates an amazing place to work,” said Ben Johnson with the nonprofit. “While the employee benefits are a big part of attracting and retaining high-quality employees, our devotion to professional development helps us excel at the work we do, improve our ability to meet the needs of our participants, and grow within our roles.”

Park Side Credit Union is the mid-sized employer in the 51-150 range. Park Side started in 1965 as Whitefish Great Northern Federal Credit Union and became Park Side in 2002. They conduct business with the Park Side pillars of pride, professionalism, passion and purpose.

“Park Side offers an incredible benefit package as well as a culture that focuses on the employee’s needs, both in and out of the office. Leadership is incredible and they really care,” said Loan Officer Colleen Finberg.

“We introduced our Culture Compensation that offers employees the ability to bump up their base wage by living what our culture values — service to our members and each other; personal growth and development; and involvement in our communities,” said Maureen Bryan, Senior Vice President of Human Resources.

The largest employer honored this year, Bitterroot Health in Hamilton, is a Critical Access Hospital that has been in business for 92 years and employs 730 individuals.

Montana State Employer Council's collaboration with business and community leaders across the state is supported by Job Service Employer Committees in local Montana communities.