IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 7 -- Scantron Corporation has again been named one of the Best of the Best workplaces for 2003 by the Printing Industries of America. This is the second consecutive year that Scantron has received the highest honor from the Best Workplace in America Awards Program, which recognizes companies in the printing and graphic arts industry that provide a superior work environment through their culture, philosophies and human relations practices. While Scantron is recognized globally for testing and assessment technology designed primarily for education, the company also provides business, healthcare and government agencies with specialized data capture tools, advanced imaging solutions and systems maintenance services. This is Scantron's second award this year for best practices. In August, OCMetro magazine named Scantron one of the seven best companies to work for in Orange County (California) based on its commitment to training. "This is a great honor and a powerful testimonial to both our employees and the human relations group that supports the company," said Tom Hoag, president of Scantron. "Without question, satisfied employees are key to the success of our company, and Scantron is committed to providing a superior work environment for them. Our foundation is a first-class human relations program and policies that are designed to build and sustain productivity, teamwork and loyalty. Investing in employees is the best investment a company can make." According to Printing Industries of America, printers and other graphic arts firms nationwide rank recruiting and retaining qualified employees as their most pressing challenge and that human relations practices have a strong influence on return on investment. Six key human relations areas identified cover work environment and organizational culture, training and development opportunities, financial security, person/work-life balance, recognition and rewards, and health and well-being programs. A team of distinguished human relations experts from the graphics arts community judged the entries. The judges were chosen for their extensive knowledge of human relations practices and policies. Thirty-seven companies were named "Best of the Best" and 71 were recognized with Best Workplace in America awards.