Sewickley, PA -- Printing Industries of America's 2009 "Best Workplace in the Americas" program, honoring graphic arts companies' exceptional human relations policies and practices, is accepting nominations for 2009.

Developed to promote the concept that companies providing a superior workplace maintain a successful, top-notch workforce; Best Workplace in the Americas gives graphic arts companies the unique opportunity to systematically compare their human relations programs and policies to other companies of similar size.

A team of experts in human relations practices from the printing industry will evaluate the nominations. Companies of similar size are judged against each other in eight broad HR categories. The judges assess those companies, considering size, to select the "Best of the Best" --  a group of graphic arts companies with exemplary HR practices as well as those in the "Best Workplace" category.

Companies honored in the Best Workplace in the Americas program receive a handsome plaque for display and national recognition through trade press and local media promotion. Plus, a free copy of the Best Practices of the Best Workplaces in the Americas 2009 book, published in 2010, will feature a best practice by each winning firm. All participants receive confidential feedback from the judges, as well.

The Best Workplace in the Americas program reviews eight key areas that employees value when assessing a place to work. Nominees complete a simple survey that asks for information about:

- Management Practices
- Work Environment
- Training and Development Opportunities
- Workplace Health and Safety
- Financial Security
- Work-Life Balance
- Recognition and Rewards
- Health and Wellness Programs

To enter the 2009 competition, download the two-part survey form from the Human Relations Section at www.printing.org/bwa . The competition is open to any graphic arts company or supplier to the industry from the United States and Canada. Completed surveys must be received at Printing Industries of America's Washington, D.C. office no later than September 11, 2009.
 
For questions regarding the Best Workplace in the Americas program, contact Jim Kyger at 202-730-7968 or [email protected].