ThenDesign Architecture is thrilled to receive NorthCoast 99’s, 2020 Award of Excellence in the small business category. Organized by ERC, they work to highlight companies making an impact in our region.
Northeast Ohio has faced many challenges in 2020. A volatile job market caused by the Covid-19 pandemic has caused major problems for companies operating in this part of our state.
The City of Cleveland, which was once a powerhouse in manufacturing has had its difficulties over the last century. Between 1950 and 1990, the population nearly halved, while simultaneously the city lost over half of the manufacturing jobs as this market constricted. In order to rise to these challenges, Cleveland laid groundwork to surge back and is now decades along in redeveloping its economy. A 13 year plan, which started in 2007, sought to put developmental measures in place for revitalization. The focus was on developing connections, between people, places and opportunities. This included buttressing the medical industry, universities and entertainment outlets. The city hoped this development would spread into the surrounding metro areas, ultimately benefiting all Northeast Ohio.
Before Covid-19 hit, Cleveland was ranked #5 in Glassdoor’s ranking of the 25 Best Cities for jobs. This online employment website, calculated the ranking from three factors: hiring opportunities, a median base salary vs. home prices and surveys of job satisfaction. Cleveland outranked all other cities in Ohio. This, along with being the 33rd largest metropolitan area in the US, makes it continue to be a major economic market. While times are still difficult during the pandemic, there continues to be hope and great working opportunities in Northeast Ohio.
One organization spotlighting employers offering these opportunities and making an impact in our region is ERC.
2020 Northcoast 99 Award Winners Video:
ERC organizes NorthCoast 99, which is an awards program that recognizes the top 99 employers in Northeast Ohio. The basis of the award is to promote organizations that prioritize positive organizational culture, HR policies that align with the company’s mission, good work-life balance, staff growth and employee satisfaction in the workplace.
During the application process, employees provide feedback on the workplace environment. This is calculated into the overall judging process. Since the applications are often completed by team members in different fields, (whether in human resources, leadership or production), collaboration on the submittal is encouraged.
This year, we are thrilled to receive the NorthCoast 99’s, 2020 Award of Excellence in the small business category. In order to honor the winners, a video production was assembled with select leaders talking about how their culture has fueled their success.
Chris Smith and Angie Staedt Interviews:
This year, our firm president Chris Smith and Angie Staedt, our Human Resource Director spoke on what drives our culture and the core belief that we can enrich lives through good design.
Typically Northcoast 99 hosts a gala each year for the winning firms to celebrate and network with others in adjacent industries. This year due to social distancing guidelines, the event was held online with a live keynote and comments from several award winners.
For those dedicated to furthering their workplace environment, culture and the lives of their employees, it is an excellent opportunity and an honor to be selected for this award.
Online Event:
Starting over 30 years ago, TDA began prioritizing organizational culture long before it was common in business. Bob Fiala, who is a Founder and Executive Chair at TDA, along with others on the leadership team, often take time during the week to engage with employees on their work and provide updates through regular staff meetings which provide strategic insight into architectural design and furthering company culture.
A huge thanks to ERC for continuing to spotlight the various organizations who call Northeast Ohio home and are committed to developing their firms as a viable place to live, grow and work.
Also, a big thanks to Mark Wayner of Wayfinding Creative for putting together the video shown during the award ceremony.
To learn more about TDA’s efforts, read about our school projects and ways we continue to develop educational spaces in Northeast Ohio, visit TDA Insights and sign up for our mailing list.
Let’s work together to make education better. Interested in speaking with us? Get in touch!
Ryan Caswell
Ryan Caswell
Communications
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