Employer All Star Awards

2009 Best Recruitment, Engagement, & Retention Practices

Robert “Bob” MacPherson President, Community Newspapers, Media General, Inc. Presenter:
Robert “Bob” MacPherson President,
Community Newspapers,
Media General, Inc.

Bob MacPherson currently serves as President of Media General’s Community Newspapers Group, a part of the Publishing Division.  As recently announced in a companywide restructuring, he will become Vice President, Corporate Human Resources at the end of June.

Mr. MacPherson previously served as Publisher of Media General’s community newspapers in Danville, Va., and Rockingham County, N.C. Before that he was Vice President of Special Products for Community Newspapers. He also served as Vice President and Business Manager for Virginia Newspapers and Director of Internal Audit at Media General.

Mr. MacPherson holds bachelor’s degrees from the University of Richmond and Virginia Commonwealth University.

Best Recruitment, Engagement & Retention Practices

This award recognizes employers with the most effective recruiting and hiring systems, who give their employees a voice in the business strategy and decisions, shows appreciation for employees through rewards and recognition, and encourages balance between professional and business life. 

SMALL CATEGORY FINALISTS:

Dominion Digital
Dominion Digital is a regional process and technology consulting firm committed to delivering business value and raising the standards of success in our industry.  We define success using more than just the “bottom line.”   In addition to serving our clients to the highest levels of quality and value, and creating an exceptional work environment for our employees, we are committed to supporting and enhancing the communities in which we live and work.  As community citizens, we embrace this commitment as a duty and a privilege.

 

MEDIUM CATEGORY FINALISTS:

Hanover Fire EMS
As a combination volunteer and career department, the mission of Hanover Fire EMS is to serve and protect the citizens of Hanover County.  We recruit on a daily basis with our interaction and service to the community.  Many volunteers join Hanover Fire EMS with no experience but develop a passion for the fire/rescue service.  We recruit candidates with a strong desire to help others and make a difference.  We encourage involvement with the community and continued training and education; and reward our employees with awards and recognition for the outstanding, caring services they provide on a daily basis.

Rainbow Station
Rainbow Station has grown steadily over the past 20 years. We now have eight schools in metro Richmond (two are owned by a franchisee), and franchises in other states. We have developed our employee recruitment, retention and engagement efforts over time. Today, we have an award-winning program and we’re proud of it. However, this is no time to rest on our laurels. Employees’ needs are continually changing, as is the economic climate in which we do business. Rainbow Station’ s president and senior management team are encouraged by our past results, and resolute in our commitment to continue to find innovative ways to recruit the best employees, and then invest in them so they feel valued and confident they will have ample opportunities to grow personally and professionally in this company

 

LARGE CATEGORY FINALISTS:

Bon Secours Richmond Health System
Bon Secours Richmond’s new recruitment model focuses on proven benchmarks in screening, provides consistent messaging and uses dollars effectively, especially through a successful employee referral program. Bon Secours Richmond has seen a steady decline in open positions to fill from more than 800 to fewer than 600 at a time, just in 2008. Unique campaigns creatively use resources to bring in personnel in our most-challenging-to-recruit positions. At the same time, retention is promoted through flexible schedules, generous benefits, wellness initiatives and economic relief efforts.  Turnover numbers have been on a three-year trend, dropping from 23 to 17 percent.

Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond
The Richmond Fed uses diverse recruiting strategies to deliver a professional, positive experience for hiring managers, new employees, and even those who don’t get hired. Our recruiting focuses on addressing today’s needs and achieving our vision for tomorrow. To build engagement from the start, we help new employees learn about our business and culture before day one on the job. Once onboard, they enjoy a total compensation package with competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, extensive development opportunities, and a welcoming environment. To retain our top talent, we value and recognize employees’ input and we reward performance that helps us achieve our goals.

Next: Community Involvement Award