NOVI, Mich.--May 6, 2005-- IKON Office Solutions, the world's largest independent channel for document management systems and services, today announced that it has again been recognized as one of the 101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For in West Michigan by the Michigan Business and Professional Association (MBPA). "The Michigan Business and Professional Association's awards were established to honor those companies that recognize employees as their greatest asset," said Jennifer Kluge, executive vice president, MBPA. "IKON clearly values its employees, and demonstrates a commitment to driving business results through innovative policies and best practices in human resource management." More than 600 companies were nominated for this year's awards. The 101 Best and Brightest were selected based on their performance in nine key areas, including work-life balance, employee communication and recognition, compensation and benefits, education and development, recruitment, employee motivation, community initiatives, diversity, and strategic planning. After compiling results of an extensive Human Resources Department survey and responses from anonymous surveys completed by randomly selected employees at each nominated company, MBPA's market research firm examined each application statistically for quantitative and qualitative data. This data was then evaluated by a volunteer panel of judges who scored companies based on the nine criteria. "It is an honor for IKON to be selected as one of the 'Best and Brightest' companies in West Michigan," said Bob Christensen, area vice president for Michigan, IKON Office Solutions. "This award recognizes IKON's efforts to attract and retain many of our industry's best and brightest through world-class training programs, a competitive benefits and compensation package, and opportunities for career growth."