ST. PETERSBURG – 4/14/07 - Tampa Bay Business Journal has named Kirkland, Russ, Murphy & Tapp, P.A. (KRMT) one of the Best Places to Work in Tampa Bay. The award recognizes the company’s achievements in creating a positive work environment that attracts and retains employees through a combination of benefits, working conditions and company culture.
KRMT was one of over 110 companies nominated as a Best Place to Work and made the winning list based on the strength of its benefits, programs and employee evaluations. KRMT also placed in the 2006 Best Places to Work.
“It is a great honor for our firm to be nominated for the second consecutive year to participate in this event,” said Bill Tapp, Managing Shareholder. “We recognize that our nomination is a reflection of the character and quality of every KRMT team member who is vital to our firm.”
“Employees are proud to work for companies that are about more than business,” said Alexis Muellner, Tampa Bay Business Journal editor. “And, the results show how creating the right work environment can create powerful business advantages.”
“From a recruiting and hiring standpoint, this recognition provides tremendous benefits to our firm by differentiating us from our competition,” said Tapp.
The Best Places to Work companies are profiled in a special publication of the Tampa Bay Business Journal issued April 20th, and will be entitled to use the 2007 seal in public relations outreach and advertising campaigns.
The Tampa Bay Business Journal launched the nomination process for the Best Places to Work in December and the word spread quickly through direct mailings, e-mailings, phone calls, events, as well as advertisements in the paper and on the website. The celebration luncheon, which is open to anyone who would like to attend, will be held on April 19th and will recognize Kirkland, Russ, Murphy & Tapp, P.A. along with the other Best Places to Work.
Companies were evaluated on two kinds of information collected. Each completed an overall questionnaire about retirement plans, health insurance, profit sharing or stock options, performance-based reviews, employee training, paternity leave, and perks such as parking, child-care, subsidized transportation or tuition reimbursement.
Employees then responded to questionnaires, addressing pride in the company; whether and how the company encourages, supports and recognizes achievement; open communication; whether compensation is fair; and relationships with co-workers and immediate supervisors. They were also asked to describe their favorite or least favorite things about the company, and comment further if desired.
The results were analyzed and scored by assigning points to each question, and weighing them according to emphasis on creativity, flexibility and collegiality.
Common themes among the top companies focused on work-life balance; respect and caring for employees; recognition of accomplishments; feeling empowered; good teamwork and team spirit; and commitment to community service.
“The best places to work are companies that don’t cut back their commitment to employees in a down economy, while asking them to work harder and smarter,” said TBBJ publisher Bridgette Mill. “They recognize employees as their best asset, instrumental in maintaining the quality and reputation for services and products. It’s a smart, and winning, business strategy.”
Kirkland, Russ, Murphy and Tapp, P.A. (KRMT) is a professional services firm providing assurance, tax, financial advisory and consulting services to private and publicly traded businesses. As an independent member of the BDO Seidman Alliance, KRMT leverages a global network of resources to serve clients through more than 500 member firm offices in 95 countries and over 100 locations in its U.S. distribution network. KRMT’s culture is driven by the core values of Integrity, Reliability, Teamwork and Continuous Improvement. Collectively, these values translate to service, leadership and quality delivered through the hands-on involvement of experienced and committed professionals. For more information visit www.KRMTCPA.com.
KRMT’s office is located at 13577 Feather Sound Drive, Suite 400, Clearwater, FL 33762. To reach them, call (727) 572-1400.
