2006 Best Places to Work in IT

Best Places to Work in IT - Company Info


Special Reports

   

For the 13th year in a row, Computerworld conducted a survey to identify the 100 Best Places to Work for IT professionals.

Last August, Computerworld started accepting nominations from companies with a headquarters in the U.S. To qualify to complete the survey, participating companies, both public and private, had to have 2005 revenue of $250 million or greater and employ a minimum of 500 total employees and a minimum of 75 IT employees in the U.S.

In January 2006, contacts at the nominated companies received a 100-question survey asking about their organizations' average salary and bonus increases, the percentage of IT employees receiving promotions, IT staff turnover rates, training and development opportunities, and the percentage of women and minorities in IT staff and management positions. In addition, information was collected on how the organizations reward outstanding performance, how their retention programs are structured and what benefits they offer, ranging from elder and child care to flextime and tuition reimbursement for college and technology certification courses.


Click here to view a detailed methodology.






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100 Best Places to Work in IT Company Info



Overall Rank: 1

Quicken Loans Inc.

Livonia, Mich.
Region: North Central
www.quickenloans.com
Total employees: 3,345
Total IT employees: 277
IT employee turnover in 2005: 8.1%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 8.9%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 5
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $2,500
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 32%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 13%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 40%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 20%

What's special

This online lender offers its IT workers personal development training and a leadership training program. IT workers can receive a year-end performance-based bonus of up to 25% of their salary; spot bonuses can be as high as $10,000. Job referrals net employees up to $2,000. Free cappuccinos, slushees and popcorn are available anytime, and free tickets to concerts and sporting events are given out every Thursday. EmployeesŐ children can receive $4,000 a year toward tuition and expenses at a college or vocational school.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 2

University of Miami

Coral Gables, Fla.
Region: South Atlantic
www.miami.edu
Total employees: 9,871
Total IT employees: 289
IT employee turnover in 2005: 6.0%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 11.9%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 8
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $2,450
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 36%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 51%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 35%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 74%

What's special

This university, located just south of Miami, provides full-tuition remission for employees and their dependents. Innovative IT workers are rewarded with promotions, expansion of responsibilities, merit-based salary increases and public recognition for their successes. Employees get 50% discounted tickets to all athletic events, free entrance to an on-campus art museum, discounted access to a wellness center, discounts at the bookstore, and discounted or free tickets to cultural events.
*****


NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 3

The Capital Group Cos.

Los Angeles
Region: Pacific
www.capgroup.com
Total employees: 6,331
Total IT employees: 1,180
IT employee turnover in 2005: 6.5%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 8.0%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 12
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $7,500
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 38%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 27%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 35%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 52%

What's special

This global investment management firm creates individual development plans for IT workers to identify areas of concentration and specific activities to gain new skills. The average length of service for IT workers is eight years. Employees receive 18 daysŐ vacation in the first year, 20 days in the third year, 23 days in the 10th year and 28 days in the 20th year with an extra five days of bonus vacation every five years. The company also provides commuter assistance of up to $200 per month in many locations. Full-time IT workers can request a community service leave of absence.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 4

American Fidelity Assurance Co.

Oklahoma City
Region: South Central
www.afadvantage.com
Total employees: 1,443
Total IT employees: 132
IT employee turnover in 2005: 3.8%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 28.0%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 6
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $1,156
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 18%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 12%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 38%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 14%

What's special

This provider of voluntary supplemental life and health insurance serves approximately 1.5 million customers nationwide. A third-generation family-owned company, it offers some IT staff a flexible schedule to help balance work and family life. An Ňall-colleagueÓ bonus program was instituted about 10 years ago as a way of thanking employees for helping the company achieve stated financial goals. During the year, a Ňfinancial scorecardÓ is published monthly as a way to measure progress.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 5

Grant Thornton LLP

Chicago
Region: North Central
www.grantthornton.com
Total employees: 4,734
Total IT employees: 128
IT employee turnover in 2005: 7.6%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 3.6%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 5
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $2,318
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 43%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 10%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 29%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 37%

What's special

This firmŐs parent company, Grant Thornton International, was founded by Alexander R. Grant in 1924 and is now one of the worldŐs largest accounting firms. The U.S. subsidiary has approximately 50 U.S. offices and offers tax services and business valuations, as well as assistance with Sarbanes-Oxley Act compliance and mergers and acquisitions. A centralized IT services model creates a multitiered support structure within the IT department. IT staffers can choose the project teams and special assignments they want to work on.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 6

SAS Institute Inc.

Cary, N.C.
Region: South Atlantic
www.sas.com
Total employees: 5,329
Total IT employees: 283
IT employee turnover in 2005: 1.8%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 19.7%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 5
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $1,200
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 35%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 4%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 28%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 17%

What's special

Incorporated in 1976, SAS is the worldŐs largest privately held software company. Ninety-nine percent of employees have their own offices and can select the chair, keyboard, mouse and office arrangement that fit them personally. Employees are allowed to set their own hours based on their needs. An on-site health care center at headquarters provides free services to employees and their covered dependents. The company provides two on-site Montessori child care facilities. SASŐs 52,000-square-foot gym includes a 17,000-square-foot natatorium with a 10-lane pool.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 7

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.

Miami
Region: South Atlantic
www.royalcaribbean.com
Total employees: 4,028
Total IT employees: 356
IT employee turnover in 2005: 11.0%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 6.7%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 7
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $1,267
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 47%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 50%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 27%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 51%

What's special

The company has two cruise brands Ń Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean International Ń which carry about 3.5 million passengers a year, making it the worldŐs second-largest cruise line. IT staffers are offered off-site formal training and seminars, on-site individual training and group formal training in technologies such as Java and Visual Basic. Employees are offered flexible work arrangements and are encouraged to participate in community events during work hours, including The United Way and the Salvation Army programs. Employees also coordinate an annual childrenŐs bike drive.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 8

The Mitre Corp.

McLean, Va.
Region: South Atlantic
www.mitre.org
Total employees: 5,924
Total IT employees: 298
IT employee turnover in 2005: 8.0%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 9.1%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 6
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $1,500
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 35%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 10%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 35%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 15%

What's special

This not-for-profit organization provides IT consulting for several government agencies. With manager approval, IT workers can take advantage of flextime, teleworking, part-time employment or job sharing either on an occasional or ongoing basis. A special summer-hours program allows employees who have finished their work and work-hour commitments to leave early on Fridays. Employees in the companyŐs retirement plan can contribute up to the maximum amount allowed by law, and the company contributes up to approximately 11% of their salaries.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 9

University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia
Region: Middle Atlantic
www.upenn.edu
Total employees: 17,300
Total IT employees: 281
IT employee turnover in 2005: 3.7%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 9.0%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 8
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $3,700
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 47%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 24%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 38%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 36%

What's special

This Ivy League university was founded in 1751 by Benjamin Franklin. The university offers a retirement plan, a 403(b) plan that the employer matches 100% up to 5% of pay, with options for additional after-tax contributions and catch-up savings for employees 50 and older. The university recently added a six-part lunchtime series on career and life strategies for baby boomers. Employees are eligible for free tuition at UPenn upon hire, and after three years, their children, spouses and domestic partners are eligible for discounted tuition.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 10

General Mills Inc.

Minneapolis
Region: North Central
www.generalmills.com
Total employees: 17,751
Total IT employees: 603
IT employee turnover in 2005: 5.0%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 22.4%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 5
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $4,000
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 46%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 8%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 38%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 12%

What's special

This food manufacturer is known for brands such as Betty Crocker, Pillsbury and Cheerios. In the past year, the company has expanded its employee-led Women in IS program to include mentoring programs covering new topics such as soft skills, gender style differences and working mothers. The IS Diversity Champions program was designed to foster an IT community that understands and values ethnic diversity. This employee-led group is sponsored by a senior IT leader.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 11

Mount Carmel Health System

Columbus, Ohio
Region: North Central
www.mountcarmelhealth.com
Total employees: 9,120
Total IT employees: 121
IT employee turnover in 2005: 2.4%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 9.0%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 2
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $300
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 38%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 6%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 50%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 18%

What's special

This health care system serves the greater Columbus area and central Ohio, has its own nursing college and trains medical students from Ohio State and Wright State universities. The organization encourages its staffers to develop their particular area of strength or expertise, recognizes individual and team accomplishments and offers work/life balance programs.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 12

FedEx Corp.

Memphis
Region: South Central
www.fedex.com
Total employees: 253,625
Total IT employees: 6,464
IT employee turnover in 2005: 4.7%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 8.0%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 5
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $2,500
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 28%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 17%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 35%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 30%

What's special

FedExŐs FedEx Express unit delivers some 3 million packages each day, and its FedEx Ground unit provides ground delivery of small packages in North America. Last year, a new program was launched to give FedEx IT employees a better-defined career path. The program offers more opportunities for in-band promotions, a comprehensive overview of career opportunities, a new structure that aligns the FedEx IT organizationŐs performance-based culture and compensation program with the external labor market, and performance standards that help managers recruit, develop and advance employees and help employees create individual development plans.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 13

Securian Financial Group Inc.

St. Paul, Minn.
Region: North Central
www.securian.com
Total employees: 2,308
Total IT employees: 393
IT employee turnover in 2005: 2.0%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 15.0%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 9
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $1,807
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 52%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 3%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 43%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 8%

What's special

Formerly known as Minnesota Life, this company offers individual and group life and disability insurance and annuities. The majority of IT hiring is at entry-level, with the goal of training and promoting IT staffers to senior technical and managerial positions. A job-posting program allows IT workers to move between all types of jobs within the company. Securian offers both technical and managerial training, as well as degree and certification reimbursement. The company also offers on-site child care.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 14

American Century Investments

Kansas City, Mo.
Region: North Central
www.americancentury.com
Total employees: 1,844
Total IT employees: 314
IT employee turnover in 2005: 3.8%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 8.0%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 15
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $3,000
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 21%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 0%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 25%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 9%

What's special

Health- and well-being-oriented benefits at this mutual funds administrator include medical, dental, vision, disability, voluntary long-term care, retiree, basic life and employee assistance programs. A retirement plan provides tax advantages through pretax contributions and tax-deferred company contributions such as a company match, an annual fixed contribution and a discretionary profit-sharing contribution. An on-site cafeteria offers subsidized meals and the on-site fitness center is staffed with personal trainers and offers aerobic and yoga classes, nutrition counseling and massage therapy.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 15

Northwestern Mutual

Milwaukee
Region: North Central
www.nmfn.com
Total employees: 4,636
Total IT employees: 1,027
IT employee turnover in 2005: 2.8%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 17.1%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 2
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $1,240
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 35%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 3%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 40%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 14%

What's special

This insurance and investment company has 31 employee clubs that offer company-subsidized activities, ranging from running, skiing and biking to gardening, fishing and bowling. The company offers a benefit pension plan and a 401(k) contribution plan with a 50% match on the first 6% an employee contributes. A business networking lunch program is offered at no cost to all employees and contract staff. The IT department has a five-level career path; employees earn promotions by expanding their technology knowledge.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 16

Hilton Hotels Corp.

Beverly Hills, Calif.
Region: Pacific
www.hiltonworldwide.com
Total employees: 61,904
Total IT employees: 553
IT employee turnover in 2005: 10.0%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 20.2%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 15
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $2,071
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 32%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 24%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 42%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 33%

What's special

Hilton operates hotels and resorts in more than 80 countries under brand names such as Hilton, Hampton Inn, Doubletree and Conrad. A new IT career development plan includes a Jobs Map that better defines positions and titles and helps supervisors and IT staffers plot their careers. Individual development plans were also added to address training needs. Hilton is a premier-level sponsor of AIDS Walk L.A. and the largest fundraiser for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of the Mid-South. The Team Member Travel Program offers discounted room rates and seasonal spa packages at any of the almost 2,400 hotels and resorts that the company owns, manages or franchises in the U.S., Mexico and Canada.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 17

USAA

San Antonio
Region: South Central
www.usaa.com
Total employees: 21,650
Total IT employees: 2,240
IT employee turnover in 2005: 7.0%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 17.0%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 9
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $1,800
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 29%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 21%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 36%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 39%

What's special

This diversified financial services company offers an enhanced health benefits plan that includes a company-provided personal care account that employees can use to pay upfront medical and prescription expenses and free, on-site health risk assessments. Other perks include an on-site pharmacy, a free personal financial planning program, a dollar-for-dollar match up to 6% of contributions in the 401(k) plan and a pension plan. The company also offers college tuition and expense reimbursement up to $5,250 per year for full-time employees and $2,625 per year for part-time employees.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 18

Verizon Wireless

Bedminster, N.J.
Region: Middle Atlantic
www.verizonwireless.com
Total employees: 52,000
Total IT employees: 2,144
IT employee turnover in 2005: 3.4%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 11.0%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 12
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $4,500
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 29%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 25%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 31%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 33%

What's special

This wireless service provider has approximately 45.5 million customers nationwide. IT staffers are offered three career progression tracks Ń technology, applications and management. The technical track has a systems development ladder and a technology support ladder that have promotional opportunities all the way to the level of technical director, which is the equivalent of a departmental director. A performance appraisal and development plan developed for each employee every year outlines training objectives for the year, including at least seven technical, three nontechnical and two Verizon Wireless product training days.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 19

Marriott International Inc.

Washington
Region: South Atlantic
www.marriott.com
Total employees: 127,064
Total IT employees: 1,027
IT employee turnover in 2005: 8.0%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 6.4%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 6
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $1,600
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 38%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 20%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 35%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 37%

What's special

This hotelier has more than 2,700 lodging properties in the U.S. and 65 in other countries and territories. IT staffers are surveyed annually to ensure job satisfaction. In 2005, MarriottŐs IT division experienced voluntary turnover of 5.9%; the average tenure of IT staffers is nine years. A Ňcareer journeyÓ development approach gives staffers a road map of the skills and competencies they need for advancement and the opportunity to work on converged teams with business colleagues, giving them the skills and contacts to move into other functional areas at Marriott.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 20

Philip Morris USA Inc.

Richmond, Va.
Region: South Atlantic
www.philipmorrisusa.com
Total employees: 11,594
Total IT employees: 447
IT employee turnover in 2005: 4.0%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 11.6%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 5
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $1,324
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 35%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 17%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 44%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 28%

What's special

The maker of Marlboro cigarettes, the worldŐs top-selling cigarette brand, Philip Morris sells its products in 160 countries. The IT training department partners with industry leaders to offer training in new technologies. A leadership program, originally developed for the management staff, is being delivered to the entire IT organization in 2006. IT staffers participate in a deferred profit-sharing program in which the company contributes 15% of an employeeŐs eligible compensation and employees can contribute a maximum of 15% of their eligible compensation as either a before- or after-tax contribution.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 21

Tellabs Inc.

Naperville, Ill.
Region: North Central
www.tellabs.com
Total employees: 3,643
Total IT employees: 188
IT employee turnover in 2005: 15.0%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 11.3%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 5
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $1,342
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 38%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 19%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 26%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 22%

What's special

Tellabs develops software for telecommunication service providers in more than 100 countries. IT uses selective sourcing to handle peak staffing needs and augment projects with people who have specific skills. Consultants are also brought in to fill gaps in knowledge and transfer specific knowledge and skills to permanent staff. The IT department sponsors activities throughout the year to celebrate project milestones and holidays. An IT employee recognition program helps motivate workers and recognizes top performance within the IT organization. IT staffers work with technologies such as Web reporting, business-to-business and collaboration tools.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 22

HarrahŐs Entertainment Inc.

Las Vegas
Region: Mountain
www.harrahs.com
Total employees: 100,000
Total IT employees: 840
IT employee turnover in 2005: 13.0%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 16.0%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 10
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $2,444
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 31%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 19%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 39%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 20%

What's special

Professional development opportunities for IT workers at the worldŐs largest gaming company are focused on three primary areas: training, rotational assignments and advancements. IT staff goals are measured and reviewed quarterly and incorporated into the individual managerŐs annual objectives. In 2005, approximately 18% of IT employees received promotions. The Employee Life Cycle Framework is a program that follows IT workers from the day they are hired, helping them to improve their skills through development and training. Flexibility is facilitated via a company-subsidized work-at-home policy and opportunities to work at multiple corporate locations and with offshore partners.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 23

Qualcomm Inc.

San Diego
Region: Pacific
www.qualcomm.com
Total employees: 9,509
Total IT employees: 815
IT employee turnover in 2005: 6.8%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 15.1%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 3
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $1,324
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 27%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 23%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 21%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 37%

What's special

This company licenses the CDMA semiconductor technology and system software it pioneered to more than 100 equipment and cell phone makers. It offers full medical coverage to all employees at no charge. As part of QualcommŐs recognition program, employees can nominate other employees for a ŇQualstarÓ gift certificate that can be used for electronics, home products and other items. Outstanding performance is rewarded with twice-yearly merit increases and bonuses, an employee stock purchase plan and stock options.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 24

Booz Allen Hamilton Inc.

McLean, Va.
Region: South Atlantic
www.boozallen.com
Total employees: 17,303
Total IT employees: 218
IT employee turnover in 2005: 11.0%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 10.0%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 10
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $6,500
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 23%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 31%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 36%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 37%

What's special

This global strategy and technology consulting firm has more than 17,000 employees on six continents and generates annual sales of more $3 billion. IT workers are encouraged to help develop the companyŐs three-year IT strategy plan, serve on customer advisory councils and join industry councils and associations. The company forecasts business needs to identify new career opportunities. Three new career tracks that have been added are security, service operations and account management.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 25

Aflac Inc.

Columbus, Ga.
Region: South Atlantic
www.aflac.com
Total employees: 4,207
Total IT employees: 506
IT employee turnover in 2005: 11.7%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 10.1%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 4
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $1,826
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 35%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 17%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 40%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 29%

What's special

One of the largest providers of supplemental medical insurance in the U.S., Aflac insures more than 40 million people worldwide. Each year, on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, Aflac gives its workers a profit-sharing bonus equal to a percentage of their annual salaries. In 2005, employees received 5.03% of their annual salaries. Aflac provides a certification reimbursement program for IT workers. Its online e-learning system includes certification tracks that allow employees to prepare for certification tests at work or at home. More than 1,500 courses were recently added to the online e-learning program.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 26

Monsanto Co.

St. Louis
Region: North Central
www.monsanto.com
Total employees: 7,500
Total IT employees: 450
IT employee turnover in 2005: 4.9%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 6.4%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 8
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $1,500
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 36%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 9%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 37%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 20%

What's special

Monsanto was re-established in 2000 with a sole focus on plant biotechnology. The IT departmentŐs Ňrecognition pyramidÓ includes these awards programs: the Incredible Talent Award, which recognizes excellent performance over a number of years; the Value Awards, which recognize IT workers and teams that have contributed significant value to the business; the Above & Beyond awards, which are distributed quarterly; and the Rapid Recognition program, through which anyone in IT can be recognized at any time. The vacation package includes four weeks a year for employees who have been employed two years or longer, plus an additional week during the winter holidays. MonsantoŐs St. Louis headquarters feature an on-site child care facility and a fitness center.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 27

Hess Corp.

New York
Region: Middle Atlantic
www.hess.com
Total employees: 10,800
Total IT employees: 252
IT employee turnover in 2005: 4.0%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 11.6%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 4
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $2,500
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 17%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 11%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 24%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 32%

What's special

This global energy company explores for, produces and refines crude oil and natural gas. It also markets refined petroleum products, natural gas and electricity. Within the IT department, all employees have personal career development plans that tie their skills development to business objectives. Employees are also encouraged to attend training and take on stretch assignments whenever possible. Flexible work arrangements are offered, and depending on location, employees can take every other Friday off.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 28

The Vanguard Group Inc. Ę

Valley Forge, Pa.
Region: Middle Atlantic
www.vanguard.com
Total employees: 11,308
Total IT employees: 2,528
IT employee turnover in 2005: 3.0%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 7.0%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 6
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $1,115
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 24%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 10%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 33%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 31%

What's special

This investment management firm employs more than 2,600 IT workers, who make up 25% of the entire staff. In 2005, the internal IT promotion rate was 7.2%, and 93% of IT workers who participated in the job rotation program moved within six months of their request. Training includes specialized learning maps tailored for every IT position, more than 1,800 IT-specific classroom and computer-based courses and a new suite of online self assessment exercises to help IT workers identify their strengths and talents. The IT department works with voice over IP, RSS, videoconferencing, Web collaboration and portal technologies, as well as other cutting-edge tools.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 29

Principal Financial Group Inc.

Des Moines
Region: North Central
www.principal.com
Total employees: 12,785
Total IT employees: 1,474
IT employee turnover in 2005: 6.9%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 9.6%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 3
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $713
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 42%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 1%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 36%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 10%

What's special

This administrator of employer-sponsored retirement plans offers a formal mentoring program, as well as a work/life balance program, which includes time off for most types of planned and unplanned absences, caregiver leave for workers who are having or adopting a baby or providing care to elderly parents or other family members (including domestic partners). Flextime is also offered: IT workers can start and end their day earlier or later than a regular schedule occasionally or regularly. A telecommuting option allows employees to work away from the office for all or a portion of a day or week as part of their regular work schedules.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 30

Universal Health Services Inc.

King of Prussia, Pa.
Region: Middle Atlantic
www.uhsinc.com
Total employees: 36,000
Total IT employees: 343
IT employee turnover in 2005: 8.0%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 18.0%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 4
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $250
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 49%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 13%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 49%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 42%

What's special

One of the largest for-profit hospital operators in the U.S., Universal Health Services owns or operates four-dozen acute care hospitals. The IT department regularly tests and pilots new technologies, including mobile computing at the bedside and RFID technologies for patient identification and tracking of assets and patients. IT employee collaboration is encouraged; IT task forces include workers from multiple disciplines and multiple hospitals. IT managers meet regularly to focus on developing leadership skills for themselves and the staff.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 31

Partners HealthCare System Inc.

Boston
Region: New England
www.partners.org
Total employees: 4,223
Total IT employees: 1,069
IT employee turnover in 2005: 11.3%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 13.1%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 6
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $1,075
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 50%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 7%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 39%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 9%

What's special

Partners HealthCare is nonprofit organization that includes primary care and specialty physicians, community hospitals, two academic medical centers, specialty facilities, community health centers and other health-related entities. Work/life initiatives include flextime, motherŐs rooms and seminars on home buying, parenting and financial planning. A personal priority program allows employees to receive up to a 50% reimbursement for select categories of expenses, including gym memberships, adoptions, computer and hardware purchases, financial planning services and postsecondary tuition for dependents.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 32

Raytheon Co.

Waltham, Mass.
Region: New England
www.raytheon.com
Total employees: 74,193
Total IT employees: 1,822
IT employee turnover in 2005: 10.0%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 13.8%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 3
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $500
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 26%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 10%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 31%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 21%

What's special

This defense contractor makes the Patriot, Hawk and Tomahawk missile systems, radar systems, and reconnaissance, targeting and navigation technologies. A leadership development program helps IT workers at each stage of their careers: Early-career employees grow their skills through a two-year series of diverse, rotating assignments. Midcareer workers are offered internal rotational programs, and a fellows program offers technical skills development for those who prefer to grow as individual technical contributors. A self-service learning portal is also available to IT workers who want to further develop their skills.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 33

Chicago Mercantile Exchange Holdings Inc.

Chicago
Region: North Central
www.cme.com
Total employees: 1,313
Total IT employees: 521
IT employee turnover in 2005: 9.4%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 24.6%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 6
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $1,512
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 18%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 25%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 19%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 37%

What's special

Founded as the Chicago Butter and Egg Board in 1898, the CME became the first publicly traded financial exchange in the U.S. in 2002, with average daily trading volume of 4.2 million contracts. IT employees are offered in-house training, tuition reimbursement and external certification courses. The IT department also sponsors lunchtime learning sessions and has formed a mentoring program. As part of its innovation program, CME awards cash bonuses and other recognition to those employees who apply for and are issued U.S. patents. Employees receive $1,500 per invention, per application and are provided legal and patent-writing support funding by CME. In 2005, CME paid more than $63,000 in innovation awards to over 40 employees.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 34

MasterCard International Inc.

Purchase, N.Y.
Region: Middle Atlantic
www.mastercard.com
Total employees: 2,954
Total IT employees: 1,789
IT employee turnover in 2005: 8.6%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 16.2%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 9
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $858
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 32%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 8%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 41%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 19%

What's special

This credit card company is owned by its 25,000 financial institution members worldwide. Training within the IT group includes leadership and team development and online business and technical learning classes. Communication outlets include a periodic breakfast chat with the head of IT, quarterly all-employee meetings and monthly face-to-face meetings with speakers from across the company. The benefits package and salaries target the 75th percentile nationally. In-house training and support for outside professional courses, certifications, seminars, trade shows and formal education programs are offered. Work/life balance options include reduced work schedules, flexible scheduling and telecommuting.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 35

Cerner Corp.

Kansas City, Mo.
Region: North Central
www.cerner.com
Total employees: 6,252
Total IT employees: 3,759
IT employee turnover in 2005: 14.0%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 31.0%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 14
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $1,900
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 39%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 8%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 38%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 17%

What's special

Cerner sells clinical, financial and administrative information management applications. Career tracks offer growth and development in both technical and management roles. A career navigation center offers career assessments and coaching, and formal development programs for individual contributors and leaders include structured role-based training and development. An on-site athletic facility features an indoor pool, a cardio room, a gym, a weight lifting area, racquetball courts and exercise classes. ThereŐs also a Montessori facility for employeesŐ children. An on-site primary care clinic offers free care, full laboratory services and on-site pharmacy.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 36

American Family Insurance Group

Madison, Wis.
Region: North Central
www.amfam.com
Total employees: 8,278
Total IT employees: 1,045
IT employee turnover in 2005: 2.5%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 7.9%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 8
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $2,346
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 37%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 1%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 36%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 8%

What's special

This mutual insurance company offers employees reimbursement for college tuition, technical certifications and other continuing education programs. Self-improvement and career-advancement courses are offered on-site and off-site. Several hundred online learning courses on IT and business-related topics, from Java programming to time management, are available. A corporate incentive program links individual financial bonuses with the companyŐs business goals. IT employees are encouraged to bring forward proposals to test a new technology or idea. If approved, workers are granted worktime (up to 200 hours) and funding (up to $10,000) to test their idea.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 37

Ohio Savings Bank

Cleveland
Region: North Central
www.ohiosavings.com
Total employees: 2,561
Total IT employees: 280
IT employee turnover in 2005: 19.0%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 6.2%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 6
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $1,700
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 18%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 13%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 27%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 20%

What's special

Founded in 1899, Ohio Savings Bank has more than 50 branches and loan offices. The IT department participates in early adopter programs with vendors to give workers access to leading-edge technology. The typical workweek for IT workers is 40 to 50 hours, with flextime and part-time hours available. Salaried employees who work more than 45 hours a week on average receive overtime pay each month. Most IT staffers have the option of working remotely when necessary, and flexible schedules are offered. The company recently instituted a monetary reward policy for employees with perfect annual attendance. ThereŐs an on-site fitness center, and an on-site wellness clinic staffed by a nurse and dietician that offers flu shots, mammograms and other services.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 38

Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp.

East Hanover, N.J.
Region: Middle Atlantic
www.novartis.com
Total employees: 11,722
Total IT employees: 409
IT employee turnover in 2005: 8.0%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 12.5%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 10
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $4,000
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 30%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 23%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 34%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 30%

What's special

The maker of Diovan and Ritalin and the U.S. arm of Swiss drug giant Novartis, Novartis Pharmaceuticals has an award program to recognize IT workers who use diversity as a guiding principle in their work. A diversity action team last year developed a plan for regular communication on diversity themes, including promoting creativity and collaboration, seeking out new perspectives and creating a culture of openness and respect. Project-based bonuses are included in project budgets and are granted to IT staffers for completing major initiatives that significantly benefit the company. Celebratory events are also held for the achievement of key project milestones. For delivery of key initiatives and discovery of new innovations and best practices, employees are eligible for IT business excellence awards.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 39

BNSF Railway Co.
Fort Worth, Texas

Region: South Central
www.bnsf.com
Total employees: 40,218
Total IT employees: 480
IT employee turnover in 2005: 4.0%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 6.3%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 10
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $1,500
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 32%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 6%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 28%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 22%

What's special

This freight transportation provider has a network of 32,000 miles of track in the western U.S. and Canada. Employees, in conjunction with their supervisors, create career development plans that might include formal education through BNSFŐs tuition reimbursement or MBA programs, training, formal and informal mentoring, and developmental movement, such as promotions within the IT organization and between IT and business groups. A business skills curriculum includes coursework on finance, vendor management, business process analysis, effective decision-making and strategic planning. The company offers two formal flexible work arrangements Ń part-time work and telecommuting Ń and encourages the use of other flextime arrangements where appropriate. Employees have 11 paid holidays and can earn up to five weeks of vacation a year.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 40

J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc

Lowell, Ark.
Region: South Central
www.jbhunt.com
Total employees: 16,700
Total IT employees: 310
IT employee turnover in 2005: 8.0%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 18.0%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 10
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $3,500
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 38%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 5%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 29%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 21%

What's special

One of the largest truckload carriers in the U.S., J.B. Hunt has a fleet of tractors, trailers and containers and provides dry-van truckload service throughout the U.S. and in Canada and Mexico. The company sponsors team-building activities such as ŇOktoberfeastÓ, a Chili cook-off and a cardboard boat race. IT employees are encouraged to take part in community charitable activities, including Habitat for Humanity programs. Full tuition reimbursement is offered, as well as continuing training and education opportunities. Other career opportunities include cross-department transfers. The company reimburses employees for work-related courses and courses toward obtaining a registered business or IT degree.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 41

Publix Super Markets Inc.

Lakeland, Fla.
Region: South Atlantic
www.publix.com
Total employees: 136,000
Total IT employees: 550
IT employee turnover in 2005: 9.5%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 25.0%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 14
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $1,110
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 30%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 2%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 33%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 10%

What's special

One of the largest privately owned supermarket operators in the U.S., Publix has 875 stores in Florida, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee. An IT/business alignment group provides account management and advice to business units, and an executive group provides governance and support to the IT function. Company executives serve on steering committees for high-priority IT initiatives. More than 40% of IT workers have 10 or more years of service at Publix. The company gives holiday bonuses to eligible workers; salaried workers earn a monthŐs salary as a holiday bonus during a complete calendar year. Workers can also choose to trade in up to a week of bonus pay for additional vacation time.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 42

Sutter Health

Sacramento
Region: Pacific
www.sutterhealth.org
Total employees: 42,611
Total IT employees: 945
IT employee turnover in 2005: 7.0%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 10.0%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 5
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $4,000
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 48%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 22%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 40%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 22%

What's special

Organized in 1996 through the merger of Sutter Health and California Healthcare System, this is one of the nationŐs largest not-for-profit health care systems. The IT group recently completed a Multiprotocol Label Switching network upgrade in anticipation of a new electronic health record system to be implemented within the next two years. The company allocates an average of $4,000 per employee per year for training and encourages participation in industry conferences and the pursuit of professional credentials.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 43

Paychex Inc.

Rochester, N.Y.
Region: Middle Atlantic
www.paychex.com
Total employees: 10,607
Total IT employees: 664
IT employee turnover in 2005: 6.3%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 10.0%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 15
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $956
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 49%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 1%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 39%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 6%

What's special

This payroll accounting firm processes the payrolls for about 505,000 clients. A recent IT project increased the efficiency of the human reSources department by decreasing manual involvement in the annual enrollment process, creating an electronic feed to track and transmit activity to insurance carriers and creating Web portals to allow easier self-administration for clients and client employees. The company offers IT staff flexible working arrangements such as a 9/80 program. All employees are given one paid day off per year for community service. An IT team developed and tested a plan to ensure Hurricane Katrina victims received their checks accurately and on time. In six weeks, the team processed more than 271,000 disaster relief checks.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 44

Nemours

Jacksonville, Fla.
Region: South Atlantic
www.nemours.org
Total employees: 4,231
Total IT employees: 224
IT employee turnover in 2005: 19.0%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 14.0%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 5
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $1,857
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 44%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 11%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 50%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 21%

What's special

One of the nationŐs largest childrenŐs health systems, Nemours employs more than 400 pediatric physicians, subspecialists and surgeons, and it cared for approximately a quarter of a million children in 2005. IT staffers work on projects such as a computerized physician order entry system, pharmaceutical technology and systems for tracking and monitoring patients. Another initiative involved the expansion of the data warehouse to provide business intelligence tools. Benefits include free health care for all children of eligible employees and custom health and long-term care options. IT employees use remote access and wireless technologies to telecommute from remote locations and structure their responsibilities around their lives. IT staff can also use voice-over-IP technology to answer office phones from home.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 45

Ernst & Young

Lyndhurst, N.J.
Region: Middle Atlantic
www.ey.com
Total employees: 24,353
Total IT employees: 1,118
IT employee turnover in 2005: 5.5%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 10.0%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 3
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $1,500
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 27%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 20%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 30%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 39%

What's special

This U.S. division of Ernst & Young International provides accounting, consulting, tax and legal services from its offices throughout the U.S. The IT group evaluates and recommends the latest technologies, including global messaging services, Web sites, reporting applications and remote connectivity services. IT staff are offered formal training, as well as varied work assignments that offer on-the-job learning. Benefits programs include flexible-work arrangements, elder care, backup child care, tuition reimbursement, employee discounts, full technology support, pretax spending accounts for dependent care and uncovered medical expenses, a referral bonus program and a concierge service.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 46

Dade Behring

Deerfield, Ill.
Region: North Central
www.dadebehring.com
Total employees: 3,324
Total IT employees: 148
IT employee turnover in 2005: 6.1%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 11.5%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 2
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $795
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 27%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 3%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 33%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 31%

What's special

The IT group of this diagnostic testing kit maker supports more than 6,000 employees and operations in 34 countries and serves more than 25,000 customers worldwide. IT competencies spell out the skills, knowledge and abilities IT staffers need to be successful in their jobs. In 2005, 11.5% of U.S.-based IT employees received promotions. U.S.-based IT employees are offered flexible teleworking, and the executive team travels monthly to a different site to meet with employees and hosts quarterly town hall meetings open to the global IT organization. Employees use online collaboration tools such as QuickPlace, Sametime, instant messaging and the company intranet. The companyŐs short-term disability benefit, which is available upon hire and is funded by the company, provides 100% income replacement for six months.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 47

CDW Corp.

Vernon Hills, Ill.
Region: North Central
www.cdw.com
Total employees: 4,300
Total IT employees: 209
IT employee turnover in 2005: 16.0%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 9.0%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 6
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $2,500
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 24%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 0%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 24%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 26%

What's special

This technology retailer sells more than 100,000 computer products, primarily through catalogs, phone sales and its Web sites. CDW offers employees on-site subsidized child care, adoption assistance, same-gender domestic partner benefits and a confidential employee assistance program. The company also offers an on-site gym and laundry services. Breakfast is provided for employees twice a week, and thereŐs ice cream on Wednesdays in the summer. Remote access is offered to eligible employees so they can work from home. All IT staffers have career development plans that managers review with the CIO. Other benefits include tuition assistance, customized training programs, paid days off for community service and a charitable donation match program. In 2005, CDW and its employees raised more than $600,000 in donations and matching funds for relief organizations.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 48

U.S. Postal Service

Washington
Region: South Atlantic
www.usps.com
Total employees: 706,000
Total IT employees: 1,214
IT employee turnover in 2005: 7.9%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 8.9%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 15
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $4,000
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 18%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 18%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 36%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 33%

What's special

Each day, the USPS delivers mail to nearly 140 million homes, businesses and post office boxes, serves 7.5 million customers at its retail outlets, and delivers an average of five pieces of mail to each address. The IT department supports more than 325,000 users, 175,000 desktop computers, 650 national applications and 33,000 point-of-sale workstations. It also facilitates 165 million Web site visits each year. Within its offices, the IT group supports more than 175,000 desktop computers and maintains nearly 100% network availability. IT employee performance is tracked and rewarded via a suite of Web-enabled performance tracking and compensation systems. An employee connectivity program helps employees purchase state-of-the-art PC devices from select vendors at reduced rates.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 49

United Parcel Service of America Inc.

Atlanta
Region: South Atlantic
www.ups.com
Total employees: 348,400
Total IT employees: 4,592
IT employee turnover in 2005: 4.0%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 12.0%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 4
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $3,050
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 23%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 22%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 36%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 37%

What's special

All IT projects at this package delivery company are prioritized based on the strength of their business cases, and an IT governance committee oversees day-to-day operations. In 2005, IT staff donated nearly $844,000 to the United Way and recorded more than 22,000 volunteer hours locally as part of the companyŐs volunteer program. UPS donated $1.25 million to the Hurricane Katrina recovery effort, while setting up a separate employee relief fund, to assist employees who were affected by the storms. The company offers its full- and part-time employees full health benefits, including medical and dental coverage and tuition assistance. Staffers can purchase UPS stock at a 10% discount through payroll deductions. An education assistance program helps workers with personal advancement, self-development and advancement within UPS. A mentoring program, begun in 1999, has matched 340 pairs of participants.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 50

Total System Services Inc.

Columbus, Ga.
Region: South Atlantic
www.tsys.com
Total employees: 6,370
Total IT employees: 2,725
IT employee turnover in 2005: 8.0%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 20.0%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 5
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: NP
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 40%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 18%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 39%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 28%

What's special

A subsidiary of Synovus Financial Corp., this U.S.-based credit-card transaction processor serves bank and private-label card issuers in North America, Japan and Europe. IT staffers are offered in-house and external training opportunities, and tuition assistance allows workers to earn undergraduate or graduate degrees in various IT and business fields. IT employees are encouraged to find their niche -- either working face to face with clients or in front of a computer. The company offers profit sharing, money purchase pension and 401(k) plans. Based on the financial performance of the company, employees can receive up to 21% of annual salary toward those plans.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 51

Vision Service Plan

Rancho Cordova, Calif.
Region: Pacific
www.vsp.com
Total employees: 1,900
Total IT employees: 228
IT employee turnover in 2005: 11.0%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 7.5%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 4
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $1,031
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 33%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 21%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 38%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 19%

What's special

Communication is a top priority at this eye care benefits provider, which has 44 million members. A new Ňclear requirements policyÓ for IT work includes formal one-on-one meetings. Lunch gatherings, staff and division-level meetings, surveys and focus groups, weekly communication on the company intranet and a year-round schedule of open forums also keep IT employees informed and connected. Many IT staff members are on the corporate softball or cycling teams. A quarter of the participants in the formal company mentor program are from IT, as both mentors and mentees.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 52

Southern California Edison

Rosemead, Calif.
Region: Pacific
www.sce.com
Total employees: 14,828
Total IT employees: 1,123
IT employee turnover in 2005: 4.0%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 19.0%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 6
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $1,400
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 26%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 40%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 36%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 54%

What's special

This subsidiary of Edison International provides power delivery across more than 50,000 square miles. The IT group tracks the skills of staffers through a Ňrole frameworkÓ that identifies staff training opportunities, both within IT and on a corporate level, and develops individual development plans that are included with each employeeŐs performance appraisal. IT managers are taught to use the framework for performance appraisals and to coach staff in their career development. A biannual work environment survey gauges employee satisfaction with their work environment. An executive-sponsored team reviews the findings and develops an action plan.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 53

L.L. Bean Inc.

Freeport, Maine
Region: New England
www.llbean.com
Total employees: 3,966
Total IT employees: 213
IT employee turnover in 2005: 3.0%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 5.0%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 6
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $1,200
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 61%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 7%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 39%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 1%

What's special

This outdoor apparel and gear maker was founded in 1912 by Leon Leonwood Bean and is now controlled by his descendants. The company mails more than 200 million catalogs per year and operates half a dozen retail stores and about 15 factory outlets throughout the Northeast. Employee perks include product discounts and a lottery for the use of the wilderness camps owned and maintained by L.L Bean. All professional and management employees are entitled to up to five paid days to participate in outdoor activities, such as hunting, fishing, kayaking and cycling.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 54

Discover Financial Services LLC

Riverwoods, Ill.
Region: North Central
www.discoverfinancial.com
Total employees: 13,445
Total IT employees: 1,337
IT employee turnover in 2005: 10.0%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 10.0%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 5
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $1,450
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 36%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 8%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 36%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 28%

What's special

A business segment of Morgan Stanley, this company issues the Discover-brand credit cards, which are used by some 50 million members. Training opportunities include instructor-led classes, online learning and monthly lunch sessions with in-house subject matter experts; a formalized mentoring program; motivation, coaching and team development workshops; and on-site technical and management training courses. The average workweek for IT employees is 40 hours, and flexible scheduling and summer hours are offered. A 19,000-square-foot fitness center has full-service strength training, cardiovascular training area, personal trainers, massages and instructor-led classes. Outdoor facilities include basketball and volleyball courts and a 1.8-mile running trail. A 20,615-square-foot cafeteria includes salad bars and pasta and sushi stations and serves Starbucks coffee.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 55

Thomson West

Eagan, Minn.
Region: North Central
www.west.thomson.com
Total employees: 10,214
Total IT employees: 1,548
IT employee turnover in 2005: 6.9%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 6.3%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 12
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $2,500
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 40%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 5%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 27%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 19%

What's special

This subsidiary of The Thomson Corp. provides online information and research services to the U.S. legal market. One high-profile IT project involved migrating from a mainframe environment to an XML-based, distributed environment with thousands of blade servers. The IT group also recently completed a multimillion-dollar expansion of the companyŐs data centers, tripling capacity. Employees can purchase Thomson stock at discounted rates and receive discounts on child care, health club memberships, computers and books. The company also offers tuition reimbursement programs and a scholarship program for employeesŐ children. In 2005, IT employees received $390,027 in reimbursements. Employees are offered paid time off to volunteer in their communities, and an awards program recognizes employees who invest time in volunteering.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 56

Northern Trust Corp.

Chicago
Region: North Central
www.northerntrust.com
Total employees: 9,076
Total IT employees: 981
IT employee turnover in 2005: 5.0%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 13.0%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 5
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $1,450
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 37%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 17%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 32%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 35%

What's special

This multibank holding company has offices in 18 states and 11 countries. The company has a centrally managed technology group that enhances opportunities for education, career growth and idea exchange, yet individual IT employees are aligned with business units to connect with clients and products. Work/life balance programs include alternative work schedules, remote working options and career tracks for part-time employees. Some flextime options include four 10-hour days or 9-hour days with an extra day off every other week. Some IT personnel, including managers, work from home a few days per month or even per week, and a few work remotely full time.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 57

KPMG LLP

New York
Region: Middle Atlantic
www.us.kpmg.com
Total employees: 20,212
Total IT employees: 900
IT employee turnover in 2005: 12.4%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 9.6%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 5
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $2,400
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 24%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 18%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 30%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 43%

What's special

The Ňsummer jump-startÓ program at this U.S. member firm of KPMG International, one of accountingŐs Big Four, allows all employees to leave at 3 p.m. on Fridays during the summer months. More than 1,600 training courses are offered to IT professionals. ThereŐs also a formal mentoring program, which currently enrolls 100 IT employees. A new shared leave program gives IT workers the ability to transfer vacation time that they might otherwise lose to other staffers during emergency situations and bereavement. Employees in need can make requests for a block of time or intermittent hours up to a total of 12 weeks. Over the past two years, KPMG employees have donated more than 12,000 hours to the program.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 58

Edward D. Jones & Co.

St. Louis
Region: North Central
www.edwardjones.com
Total employees: 30,916
Total IT employees: 1,010
IT employee turnover in 2005: 8.0%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 10.7%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 4
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $1,635
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 40%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 10%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 38%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 17%

What's special

Turnover among the IT ranks at this financial services firm was just 7% last year. A flat organization, the IT group drafts Ňresponsibility statementsÓ rather than job descriptions, and cubicles are the standard workspace for leaders and nonleaders alike. Flexible work arrangements include job sharing, working at home or working longer hours and fewer days. The company has not had any layoffs since 1969. When the operations division moved about 120 jobs to its Tempe, Ariz., campus, workers had the choice of moving to Arizona or transitioning to different jobs in St. Louis.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 59

Eastman Chemical Co.

Kingsport, Tenn.
Region: South Central
www.eastman.com
Total employees: 10,359
Total IT employees: 343
IT employee turnover in 2005: 5.0%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 7.0%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 7
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $2,347
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 24%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 3%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 39%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 8%

What's special

Divided into three business segments, this manufacturer produces chemicals, fibers and plastics. The IT group receives training and experience in the latest technologies, including e-commerce, Web applications, service-oriented architecture and Web services. Rotating assignments outside of IT are offered. IT professionals can decide whether to advance via a technical ladder or a managerial ladder. Flexible work schedules include the option to work from home using company-provided high-speed Internet access.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 60

Ford Motor Co.

Dearborn, Mich.
Region: North Central
www.ford.com
Total employees: 124,270
Total IT employees: 3,503
IT employee turnover in 2005: 3.7%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 10.0%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 20
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $3,400
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 35%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 21%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 30%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 31%

What's special

This auto giant manufactures the Aston Martin, Ford, Jaguar, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo brands. IT employees are involved in researching and developing applications for Ford vehicles, such as streaming audio and video, Wi-Fi capabilities, GPS navigation, Internet search and VoIP. Supervisors meet regularly to discuss employeesŐ developmental needs and provide learning opportunities, stretch assignments and special projects. Employees are often paired with technical mentors. Employee resource groups include the Ford Hispanic Network, the Ford African Ancestry Network, the IT Diversity Action Team and IT Women in Leadership. Through the Ford Volunteer Corps, IT employees can take on voluntary international service assignments that last two to three years.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 61

National Information Solutions Cooperative Inc.

Lake St. Louis, Mo.
Region: North Central
www.nisc.coop
Total employees: 562
Total IT employees: 375
IT employee turnover in 2005: 4.0%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 10.0%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 10
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $450
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 24%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 2%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 42%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 2%

What's special

NISC provides data processing services and billing software for the energy and telecommunications industries. A comprehensive medical plan is provided to employees and their families at no cost, and NISC reimburses 100% of tuition for employees after one year of service. Learning opportunities include lunchtime learning sessions and in-house and computer-based training and educational assistance. In 2005, NISC opened a fully equipped IT training facility called the National IT Learning Center that enables employees and customers to become certified in NISC software. The company offers an employee-administered benevolence fund, designed to help employees and their families in times of need or tragedy, that employees can contribute to through payroll deductions, with matching contributions from NISC.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 62

Allstate Insurance Co.

Northbrook, Ill.
Region: North Central
www.allstate.com
Total employees: 37,216
Total IT employees: 4,171
IT employee turnover in 2005: 8.0%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 5.0%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 15
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $5,000
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 45%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 18%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 43%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 31%

What's special

Allstate is the second-largest U.S. personal insurer, selling auto, homeownerŐs and life insurance in Canada and the U.S. The IT group provides training allowances, sponsors training events on-site and encourages job rotations to keep IT closely aligned to the business. IT employees helped equip the companyŐs field workers with wireless tools that have made them more mobile and increased their speed in serving hurricane victims. Employees are given desktop tools, Web conferencing, mobile applications and streaming media software to help them work remotely. Flexible work schedules are offered, as well as on-site IT training events and a variety of online learning opportunities. Personal development benefits include Weight Watchers and smoking cessation programs. Personal amenities include on-site services such as day care, gyms, cafeterias and convenience stores.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 63

Comerica Inc.

Detroit
Region: North Central
www.comerica.com
Total employees: 11,000
Total IT employees: 709
IT employee turnover in 2005: 4.9%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 16.0%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 7
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $5,113
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 39%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 14%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 45%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 29%

What's special

Each of the senior IT managers at this bank-holding company hosts a bimonthly luncheon to discuss diversity issues. All IT employees have a requirement in their annual performance plan to complete a ŇWalk-A-MileÓ session Ń a structured learning activity that matches IT workers with key clients. The Information Services Activity Committee was formed shortly after a large merger to enable the transition from two entities to one. The group has expanded its charter and now helps to enhance the work environment through social activities and community service, planning events such as casual days, a trip to the Detroit Tigers opening day game at Comerica Park, Halloween costume contests and employee appreciation days.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 64

Sallie Mae

Reston, Va.
Region: South Atlantic
www.salliemae.com
Total employees: 10,899
Total IT employees: 891
IT employee turnover in 2005: 7.0%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 19.0%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 2
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $918
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 37%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 9%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 38%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 16%

What's special

The No. 1 source of education loans in the U.S., Sallie Mae strengthens the working relationship between IT and business operations with periodic shifts of IT workers into business units and of business workers into IT. The IT division has put together a collection of best practices for IT management called the IT Infrastructure Library. The company actively implements components of the Zachman Framework to guide service-oriented architecture and IT investment decisions. All employees earn stock options.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 65

Quest Diagnostics Inc.

Lyndhurst, N.J.
Region: Middle Atlantic
www.questdiagnostics.com
Total employees: 42,000
Total IT employees: 1,847
IT employee turnover in 2005: 8.0%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 13.0%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 4
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $560
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 31%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 11%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 36%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 27%

What's special

This clinical laboratory company provides diagnostic services to physicians and patients around the clock. Most IT employees work the first shift and can start their workdays as early as 6 a.m. or as late as 9 a.m. Second- and third-shift workers earn shift differential payments. IT employees are often able to work from home. Quest offers medical, dental, life and short- and long-term disability insurance, flexible spending accounts and employee assistance programs. In May 2005, the company started the Healthy Quest initiative, which includes free diagnostic medical screenings for employees and their partners. Another benefit allows employees to accrue hours that can then be used for vacation, personal needs and incidental sick time. Based on years of service, employees can accrue up to 38 days annually for personal use.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 66

PHH Mortgage Corp.

Mt. Laurel, N.J.
Region: Middle Atlantic
www.phhmortgage.com
Total employees: 5,686
Total IT employees: 301
IT employee turnover in 2005: 13.6%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 16.3%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 3
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $1,400
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 53%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 25%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 29%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 33%

What's special

Jeans and sneakers are typical attire at this residential mortgage company, a division of PHH Corp. IT employees are offered flexible schedules and home Internet reimbursement averaging $600 annually. Other perks include game rooms and full-service exercise rooms in every building. An on-site wellness center offers free blood pressure screenings and flu shots. Employees are eligible for adoption reimbursements of up to $5,000 per child, domestic partner benefits and tuition reimbursement of $4,000 annually at the undergraduate level and $6,000 annually at the graduate level. At monthly leadership meetings with the IT group, the CIO introduces new technologies, presents projects and initiatives and encourages attendees to ask questions. Each major functional business area has an IT advocate who acts as the IT liaison and helps identify where IT may need to be engaged in business projects, initiatives and process re-engineering.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 67

Raymond James Financial Inc.

St. Petersburg, Fla.
Region: South Atlantic
www.raymondjames.com
Total employees: 5,324
Total IT employees: 720
IT employee turnover in 2005: 11.6%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 14.4%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 4
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $705
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 38%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 4%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 38%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 11%

What's special

The IT department at this investment and financial planning services provider has created systems for regulatory compliance alerts, business intelligence, customized trade confirmations, Internet-based research and imaging workflow. Training opportunities include industry- and technology-related courses, membership in professional associations, the opportunity to attend conferences and a mentoring program. IT workers are given time off to help others in the community and to participate in special company events and activities, such as Halloween decorating contests and an IT fall festival fundraiser. A buddy system pairs new IT workers with more senior ones to help in the acclimation process. All employees receive a securities discount on trade transactions.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 68

National Rural Electric Cooperative Association

Arlington, Va.
Region: South Atlantic
www.nreca.coop
Total employees: 709
Total IT employees: 119
IT employee turnover in 2005: 7.0%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 25.0%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 10
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $3,332
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 33%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 6%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 28%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 39%

What's special

The NRECA represents consumer-owned power cooperatives. For the third consecutive year, results from the Gallup Q12 Employee Engagement Survey, which measures workplace satisfaction, put IT workers in 95th percentile relative to the Gallup database, up from the previous year. IT employees work with the latest technology, including wireless and desktop systems, .Net-based architectures, advanced security technologies, multimedia Web applications and more. The company offers its IT staffers training and educational assistance, including tuition reimbursement. In any given year, about 15% of IT employees receive tuition reimbursement.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 69

HSBC North America Holdings Inc.

Prospect Heights, Ill.
Region: North Central
www.us.hsbc.com
Total employees: 47,335
Total IT employees: 3,430
IT employee turnover in 2005: 6.6%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 9.3%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 9
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $954
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 28%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 15%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 34%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 32%

What's special

A subsidiary of HSBC Holding PLC, this company offers personal and commercial banking, mortgage, consumer finance, private banking, insurance and corporate investment banking services. Career development opportunities include training and coaching, technical and nontechnical classes on subjects such as such as internal consulting, project management and mentoring. The Catch a Career on the HSBC Express, or CACHE, program lets new employees meet members of the HSBC technology and services senior management team and employees from different areas of the technology unit. Employees learn about career development, training, networking and the internal consulting model. More than 1,000 Web-based classes are offered.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 70

University of Oklahoma

Norman, Okla.
Region: South Central
www.ou.edu
Total employees: 11,000
Total IT employees: 177
IT employee turnover in 2005: 5.0%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 3.0%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 5
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $1,000
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 30%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 20%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 25%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 11%

What's special

Created by the Oklahoma Territorial Legislature in 1890, the University of Oklahoma is a doctoral degree-granting research university, with 20 colleges and more than 30,000 students. Employees are eligible for tuition reimbursement and have the opportunity to hold adjunct faculty positions. Cultural enrichment opportunities include access to campus art and natural history museums. Family-friendly benefits include flexible schedules, scholarship programs for employeesŐ dependents and on-site day care. Academic, administrative and student-centered leadership development and mentoring programs are also offered. Annual IT staff awards recognize exceptional performance, community service and leadership. Winners receive bonuses.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 71

Antares Management Solutions Inc.

Westlake, Ohio
Region: North Central
www.antaressolutions.com
Total employees: 507
Total IT employees: 387
IT employee turnover in 2005: 8.8%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 8.9%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 5
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $1,200
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 29%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 7%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 37%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 15%

What's special

Benefits at this IT and business process outsourcing firm include prescription drug coverage, flexible spending accounts and retirement plans. Other perks include employee assistance programs, on-site fitness centers or discounts on memberships to local health clubs, Weight Watchers programs, free health screenings and brown-bag lunch sessions that address topics such as stress management. A new and more flexible telecommuting option allows IT workers to perform their daily tasks from home via an Internet connection and a VPN. The company also offers tuition assistance, certification reimbursement, on-site training, a computer boot camp, a project management program and computer-based training on subjects such as desktop applications and programming languages.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 72

Temple University

Philadelphia
Region: Middle Atlantic
www.temple.edu
Total employees: 5,433
Total IT employees: 242
IT employee turnover in 2005: 4.5%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 5.0%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 5
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $1,500
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 33%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 29%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 29%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 39%

What's special

This Philadelphia university enrolls more than 34,000 students and has 17 schools and colleges. Recent technology initiatives include the development of identity management, data warehousing and disaster recovery systems as well as a tool for tracking research projects. IT workers also received enhanced training in Oracle, Linux and Microsoft software. Temple offers family tuition benefits, including full undergraduate tuition for dependent children, access to health club facilities and participation in a full range of university programs. The IT group has its own internal training department that provides courses to help individuals develop in their chosen areas of expertise. Recently, 14 IT staffers completed TCP/IP training and 40 completed project management training.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 73

Schneider National Inc.

Green Bay, Wis.
Region: North Central
www.schneider.com
Total employees: 20,505
Total IT employees: 434
IT employee turnover in 2005: 9.3%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 2.0%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 5
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $716
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 18%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 2%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 37%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 10%

What's special

This truckload and intermodal service company provides work/life balance programs, including flexible work options, a free counseling service for help with personal choices and special needs, including child care, elder care, parenting, college alternatives for children and transition to retirement living. In 2005, Schneider was recognized as an AARP Featured Employer for its commitment to recruiting, hiring and retaining older workers. IT workers in the military receive full pay and benefits for up to 18 months while theyŐre on active duty. In addition, each worker in the military is assigned a family sponsor from the company who stays in touch with his family or spouse to assist them with benefits questions, family issues and other matters.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 74

State Street Corp.

Boston
Region: New England
www.statestreet.com
Total employees: 12,994
Total IT employees: 2,754
IT employee turnover in 2005: 11.0%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 26.1%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 3
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $1,000
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 33%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 17%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 35%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 28%

What's special

This Boston-based financial services firm spends 20% to 25% of its operating budget each year on technology. Employees are offered flexible work arrangements, the opportunity to work from alternative locations and work-from-home opportunities. IT managers assist employees in their career growth and identify and develop key performers. Individual career plans are designed to help employees develop a range competencies for improved depth and breadth of departmental knowledge. Managers are required to evaluate employees semiannually. At State Street Global Advisors, the investment management arm of State Street Corp., an IT career development and mentorship program includes 30 year-round internships and ongoing opportunities for employee advancement via lateral moves, lunchtime learning workshops and training in written and verbal communication, project management, Web technology and securities industry subjects.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 75

Calence LLC

Tempe, Ariz.
Region: Mountain
www.calence.com
Total employees: 521
Total IT employees: 521
IT employee turnover in 2005: 5.0%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 33.0%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 5
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $700
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 18%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 16%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 16%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 21%

What's special

Formed this year through the merger of Calence Inc. and Avnet Enterprise Solutions, this IT company builds and maintains voice, video, data and wireless networks for financial services firms, health care organizations and public schools. IT employees learn the latest technologies, including the companyŐs own networking technologies, and build IT systems in advanced environments and lab environments. The company supports IT workers gaining certifications and pegs compensation rates to industry standards. The company also sponsors team events and fosters a culture of teamwork.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 76

Miami-Dade County

Miami
Region: South Atlantic
www.miamidade.gov
Total employees: 623
Total IT employees: 623
IT employee turnover in 2005: 4.5%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 5.0%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 21
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $983
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 46%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 73%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 39%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 83%

What's special

One of the largest municipal governments in the southeastern U.S., serving some 2 million residents, Miami-Dade offers its employees medical, dental and vision coverage, and discounts on products and services such as computers, car rentals and admission to sporting events. Work areas in the main facility have been refurbished in recent years, with new carpeting and redesigned office and cubicle space. Recent IT projects include the development of a system supporting the computer-aided dispatch of 911 calls, a new Web portal and the countyŐs 311 Answer Center, which provides a single point of contact for information about many county services. The 311 Center became the hot line number for citizens in the aftermaths of hurricanes Katrina and Wilma and has more than 1 million calls since it became operational. The county is seeking to expand telecommuting options for IT workers.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 77

Sharp HealthCare

San Diego
Region: Pacific
www.sharp.com
Total employees: 13,343
Total IT employees: 303
IT employee turnover in 2005: 11.0%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 7.0%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 5
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $3,500
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 46%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 15%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 42%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 32%

What's special

This group of hospitals and health care facilities in the San Diego area includes four acute-care hospitals and three specialty hospitals. It employs 2,600 physicians. IT employees work on projects that cover a range of technologies, including electronic medical records, digital radiology imaging, wireless, biometrics and Web technologies. Company employees gather three times a year for food and fun Ń at a summer picnic, a Thanksgiving potluck and a holiday lunch. The IT department holds quarterly meetings to help employees stay connected.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 78

W.W. Grainger Inc.

Lake Forest, Ill.
Region: North Central
www.grainger.com
Total employees: 15,550
Total IT employees: 500
IT employee turnover in 2005: 2.7%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 4.0%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 5
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $2,500
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 20%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 6%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 50%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 8%

What's special

Grainger distributes supplies such as compressors, motors, signs, lighting and welding equipment and hand and power tools through 600 branches and 20 distribution centers in the U.S, Canada and Mexico. The IT departmentŐs performance management program emphasizes ongoing development of hard and soft skills and supports an alignment of IT reSources to corporate objectives and results. IT employees recently completed an enterprisewide SAP project, with applications running on Linux. Supporting the SAP environment is a new nationwide communications network that uses VoIP technologies.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 79

Discovery Communications Inc.

Silver Spring, Md.
Region: South Atlantic
www.discovery.com
Total employees: 3,508
Total IT employees: 332
IT employee turnover in 2005: 6.3%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 16.8%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 1
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $655
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 33%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 20%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 28%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 46%

What's special

The company reaches out to 86 million households through its Discovery Channel, The Learning Channel, Travel Channel and Animal Planet, and operates Discovery Channel retail stores. DiscoveryŐs LifeWorks Strategies team offers more than 40 programs for health and wellness, employee and family services, workplace flexibility, community involvement and management support. In late 2004, an on-site full-service wellness center opened, staffed with medical professionals who serve as primary care physicians, offering medical services and specialty services such as on-site mammograms, physical exams and complete blood labs, free of charge. Each summer, Discovery sponsors an annual Employee Body Challenge Competition designed to promote healthier lifestyles through daily exercise, nutritional education and overall personal wellness.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 80

The ReaderŐs Digest Association Inc

Pleasantville, N.Y.
Region: Middle Atlantic
www.rd.com
Total employees: 2,400
Total IT employees: 146
IT employee turnover in 2005: 5.0%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 15.0%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 5
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $5,000
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 21%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 3%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 28%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 22%

What's special

ReaderŐs Digest is one of the worldŐs most popular general interest magazines; it has 100 million readers and is translated into some 20 languages. The IT team participates in activities such as cook-offs and trips to ball games and other and other events. Many IT employees work at home some days. The IT team holds monthly meetings with the business side, and IT workers are often included on cross-functional teams. Employees are connected by an intranet, allowing IT employees to work on global projects. Other perks include a gym, a cafe, a company store, an on-site dry cleaner, an art gallery and a salon.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 81

Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co.

Columbus, Ohio
Region: North Central
www.nationwide.com
Total employees: 34,626
Total IT employees: 4,977
IT employee turnover in 2005: 5.7%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 12.2%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: NA
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: NA
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 35%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 12%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 37%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 20%

What's special

Nationwide offers personal and commercial property and casualty coverage, life insurance, financial services, professional liability and workersŐ compensation insurance and managed health care services. A skills assessment application lets IT workers assess their skill levels for their current jobs and for other IT jobs they might want to pursue. This year, those assessment results will be used to determine skills gaps in the department and identify training opportunities that will help close those gaps. Communication channels include town hall meetings, team lunches and one-on-one meetings. Many IT workers use flextime to manage their work schedules. Telecommuting, part-time schedules and job sharing options are also offered.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 82

GMAC Insurance Holdings Inc.

Winston-Salem, N.C.
Region: South Atlantic
www.gmac123.com
Total employees: 2,548
Total IT employees: 397
IT employee turnover in 2005: 7.1%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 8.8%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 10
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $2,000
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 29%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 11%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 42%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 17%

What's special

This financial services subsidiary of General Motors Corp. provides automobile insurance to about 1 million policyholders. The IT department stresses open communication and investment in technology. IT employees are allotted a minimum of 10 days of training. GM employees and their families receive discounts on products and services such as mortgages, automobiles, insurance, books and Internet and cell phone service through the Family First program.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 83

Aetna Inc.

Hartford, Conn.
Region: New England
www.aetna.com
Total employees: 27,543
Total IT employees: 3,012
IT employee turnover in 2005: 8.0%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 7.0%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 3
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $1,640
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 39%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 7%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 45%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 15%

What's special

This health insurance company provides coverage to almost 15 million individual policyholders, more than 13 million dental plan members and more than 14 million group insurance members. Aetna uses all major operating systems, applications and infrastructure technologies, giving IT workers a chance to diversify their training and career opportunities. IT employees are have access to the most up-to-date work-at-home technologies. The company also offers flexible work schedules, mentoring programs and project rotations. IT workers can receive reimbursement on college tuition, up to a $3,000 annual cap.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 84

LexisNexis Group

Dayton, Ohio
Region: North Central
www.lexisnexis.com
Total employees: 10,005
Total IT employees: 1,951
IT employee turnover in 2005: 3.0%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 3.0%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 5
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $1,000
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 24%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 21%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 14%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 8%

What's special

This subsidiary of Reed Elsevier is a publisher of legal, business, government and academic materials, offering more than 30 products to customers via the Web, dial-up connections, CD-ROMs and hard-copy printed materials. The company sponsors an Employee Spirit organization, a volunteer committee that organizes health and fitness programs, sports leagues and athletic tournaments, an annual corporate challenge road race in conjunction with other local businesses, a Toastmasters club, a Weight Watchers program, religious study and prayer groups, and a brown bag lunchtime workshops. The committee also supports a dry cleaning service and hosts special annual events for employees and their families. Immediately after Hurricane Katrina in 2005, LexisNexis offered emergency funding to help employees pay for shelter, clothing and personal necessities.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 85

The George Washington University

Washington
Region: South Atlantic
www.gwu.edu
Total employees: 6,000
Total IT employees: 230
IT employee turnover in 2005: 19.0%
IT employee promotions in 2005: NP
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 14
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $1,522
Percentage of IT managers who are women: NP
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: NP
Percentage of IT staff who are women: NP
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: NP

What's special

When it was founded in 1821 as Columbian College, the school had three faculty members, one tutor and 30 students. In 1904, the name of the institution was changed to The George Washington University, and it now enrolls more than 19,000 undergraduate and graduate students in nine schools. Employees and their families can earn degrees at little or no cost, depending on the type of school and the degree program they choose. Other benefits include training programs and a retirement savings plan with matching contributions.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 86

Burlington Coat Factory Warehouse Corp.

Burlington, N.J.
Region: Middle Atlantic
www.coat.com
Total employees: 27,000
Total IT employees: 243
IT employee turnover in 2005: 14.0%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 3.0%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 3
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $700
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 38%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 8%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 29%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 28%

What's special

This retailer, which sells coats and other apparel, bath items, furniture, gifts, jewelry, linens and shoes, was acquired by affiliates of Bain Capital earlier this year. IT employees are offered flexible work schedules, telecommuting options and the chance to work with the latest technology. Workers are rewarded with promotions, increased responsibility, additional compensation, bonuses and extra time off.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 87

Honeywell International Inc.

Morristown, N.J.
Region: Middle Atlantic
www.honeywell.com
Total employees: 116,000
Total IT employees: 1,278
IT employee turnover in 2005: 5.0%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 10.0%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 5
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $2,200
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 29%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 21%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 41%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 21%

What's special

This aerospace companyŐs largest business segment, Honeywell Aerospace, makes products such as turbofan and turboprop engines and flight safety and landing systems. An IT career path outlines roles within each job family with a set of competencies and expected proficiency levels. Using these career paths, IT employees can self-assess and create learning plans, either for a current role or a future role within IT. The IT group works with Web-enabled e-commerce applications and is now pilot-testing RFID applications. Thanks to advanced collaboration and connectivity tools employees can telecommute and work flexible hours. All IT groups in Honeywell are now at least Level 3 in the Six Sigma process improvement program.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 88

BAE Systems Information Technology

McLean, Va.
Region: South Atlantic
www.baesystems.com
Total employees: 4,410
Total IT employees: 150
IT employee turnover in 2005: 24.3%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 10.0%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 5
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $790
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 27%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 27%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 18%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 20%

What's special

This provider of IT services, subsidiary of BAE Systems PLC, is one of the largest foreign companies in the U.S. defense market. Each employee receives 23 paid days off with 11 federal holidays per year and is eligible for stock appreciation rights and participation in an employee pension plan. Current employees can change jobs within the company for career enhancement or personal and organizational development. Program managers work directly with human reSources personnel to analyze current, near- and long-term company staffing needs, so employees involved in completing projects experience minimal loss of productivity and personal career disruption.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 89

Standard Pacific Corp.

Irvine, Calif.
Region: Pacific
www.standardpacifichomes.com
Total employees: 2,633
Total IT employees: 80
IT employee turnover in 2005: 10.0%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 15.0%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 5
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $3,500
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 20%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 30%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 36%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 37%

What's special

The company builds about 9,100 homes per year, mostly in California and Florida, but also in Arizona, North and South Carolina, Colorado, Nevada and Texas. The average cost of a home built by the company is $383,000. Employees with one year of service receive a 1% discount on the purchase of a new Standard Pacific home; those with two or more years of service receive 3% discounts.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 90

Pfizer Inc

New York
Region: Middle Atlantic
www.pfizer.com
Total employees: 44,000
Total IT employees: 860
IT employee turnover in 2005: 10.0%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 10.0%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 5
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: NA
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 23%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 17%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 32%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 24%

What's special

Pfizer is the worldŐs largest research-based pharmaceuticals firm, manufacturing brands such as Viagra, Celebrex, Zoloft and Lipitor, as well as over-the-counter remedies Benadryl and Sudafed. A new health management system for employees encourages prevention and proactive health care. Other benefits include coverage for domestic partners, an elder care program and full prescription drug coverage.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 91

Nielsen Media Research Inc.

New York
Region: Middle Atlantic
www.nielsenmedia.com
Total employees: 6,645
Total IT employees: 488
IT employee turnover in 2005: 9.0%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 6.0%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 6
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $831
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 48%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 16%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 36%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 22%

What's special

This media researcher and subsidiary of VNU produces weekly TV ratings based on audience data from randomly selected households. IT employees are given the opportunity to learn and exercise new skills and create a balance between their professional and personal lives. Innovation is encouraged and new technical challenges are available.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 92

OCLC Online Computer Library Center Inc.

Dublin, Ohio
Region: North Central
www.oclc.org
Total employees: 977
Total IT employees: 336
IT employee turnover in 2005: 9.7%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 5.6%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 4
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $1,245
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 20%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 2%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 29%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 14%

What's special

Founded in 1967, OCLC Online Computer Library Center is a nonprofit, membership, computer library service and research organization. More than 54,000 libraries in 109 countries use OCLC services to locate, acquire, catalog, lend and preserve library materials. Alternative work schedules include flexible hours, compressed workweeks, reduced work hours, job sharing and telecommuting. After two years of service, employees can participate in a company-funded, retirement plan to which the company contributes 7.15% of an employeeŐs salary. Other benefits include an on-site fitness facility and wellness programs such as health screenings, massage therapy and reflexology.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 93

Saint LukeŐs Health System Inc.

Kansas City, Mo.
Region: North Central
www.saintlukeshealthsystem.org
Total employees: 7,056
Total IT employees: 118
IT employee turnover in 2005: 7.6%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 5.7%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 18
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $2,631
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 29%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 10%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 39%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 19%

What's special

Saint LukeŐs Health System Information Technology is a member of the Saint LukeŐs Health System, a voluntary not-for-profit regional health care system. The IT group supports hospitals and physician organizations from a central location in LeeŐs Summit, Mo., with an 11,000-square-foot data center. The IT group usually fills positions with people who have business and clinical experience and teaches them the information systems aspects of their jobs. IT staffers receive personalized education plans geared to their professional career development. An initiative known as the Appreciative Inquiry program allows employees to give input about improvements they would like to see in the IT department.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 94

CNA Financial Corp.

Chicago
Region: North Central
www.cna.com
Total employees: 8,202
Total IT employees: 1,140
IT employee turnover in 2005: 12.1%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 5.6%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 5
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $1,670
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 35%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 19%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 34%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 33%

What's special

This insurance provider has earmarked more than $200 million for new software development this year, part of a $1 billion technology investment planned over the next three years. A recent review identified applications that were to be sunset, and 71 of those applications have now been outsourced, freeing up the equivalent of 40 full-time employees to work on more important programs. Rewards programs include bonuses and an annual IT awards ceremony to recognize the achievements of employees. More than 200 employees received individual and team awards at the 2005 event.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 95

MemorialCare Medical Centers

Long Beach, Calif.

Pacific
www.memorialcare.org
Total employees: 9,825
Total IT employees: 175
IT employee turnover in 2005: 5.7%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 9.2%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 2
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $1,000
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 27%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 32%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 45%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 35%

What's special

The IT group at this not-for-profit hospital network supports 200 applications on multiple platforms. The group also works with multiple technologies, including storage, clustering, VoIP, redundant data centers, firewalls, virtual LANs, and wireless data and voice networks. The IT organization is diversified; each hospital campus has its own staff with a lead director who reports to the corporate CIO. Committees bring campus employees together in value-added teams, data operations teams and project review groups, sometimes via weekly conference calls.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 96

Kennametal Inc.

Latrobe, Pa.
Region: Middle Atlantic
www.kennametal.com
Total employees: 7,000
Total IT employees: 181
IT employee turnover in 2005: 0.0%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 2.0%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 4
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $1,300
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 14%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 3%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 27%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 6%

What's special

Kennametal manufactures metal-cutting tools and mining and highway construction equipment. It also offers engineering services. Training is offered to help employees improve both technical and soft skills. Communication channels for sharing information on major activities within the department include semiannual off-site meetings, a monthly IT newsletter, an IT Web page on the company intranet and periodic group meetings. Many IT employees have traveled to countries such as Germany, England, France, Brazil, China, Japan and India to support SAP implementation projects. A summer off-site meeting includes a day of golf.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 97

Charles Schwab & Co.

San Francisco
Region: Pacific
www.schwab.com
Total employees: 14,024
Total IT employees: 1,528
IT employee turnover in 2005: 8.0%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 2.3%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 5
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $1,100
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 39%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 26%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 30%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 34%

What's special

This discount broker serves more than 7 million individual and institutional clients from approximately 270 offices in the U.S. All employees, regardless of level, are eligible for annual bonuses. The company sponsors a volunteer day and has a 50% match program for employeesŐ charitable contributions. Employees with five years of service are entitled to a paid four-week sabbatical. The CIO answers employee e-mail within 24 hours and has one-on-one meetings with staffers.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 98

Fairfax County Government

Fairfax, Va.
Region: South Atlantic
www.fairfaxcounty.gov
Total employees: 11,739
Total IT employees: 300
IT employee turnover in 2005: 12.0%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 5.0%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 4
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $1,200
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 24%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 56%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 47%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 42%

What's special

Incorporated in 1742, Fairfax County is the most populous jurisdictions in the state of Virginia and the Washington metropolitan area. A program called the Framework for Excellence lets employees at all levels of the organization build leadership and performance skills. The benefits package includes a retirement plan. The county offers its IT workers flexible work schedules: There are core hours that employees are required to be in the office, but flexible and/or compressed work schedules are available based on work needs, with supervisor approval.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 99

J.C. Penney Co.

Plano, Texas
Region: South Central
www.jcpenney.net
Total employees: 1,174
Total IT employees: 1,174
IT employee turnover in 2005: 11.5%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 11.5%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 16
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $1,800
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 38%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: 26%
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 39%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: 32%

What's special

J.C. Penney is one of the largest brick-and-mortar, catalog and e-commerce retailers in the U.S. The IT group works with the latest technologies, including .Net and DB2. Average tenure for IT workers is 14 years. The training program includes more than 2,000 technical courses, 50 general management courses and an online reference library of more than 1,500 e-books. Technical classes are presented weekly. The companyŐs headquarters facility in Plano, Texas, is a 1.9-million-square-foot complex on a 125-acre site, which includes large open spaces, livestock ranching, a six-acre lake and walking trails. On-site amenities include a fitness center, a child care center, a health center, a sundries shop, a full-service mail and shipping center, visitor centers, a cafeteria, coffee shops, private dining facilities and training facilities, including distance-learning studios.
*****

NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.





Overall Rank: 100

Infosys Technologies Ltd.

Fremont, Calif.
Region: Pacific
www.infosys.com
Total employees: 6,602
Total IT employees: 6,275
IT employee turnover in 2005: 15.4%
IT employee promotions in 2005: 8.4%
Training days offered per IT employee in 2005: 16
Training budget per IT employee in 2005: $429
Percentage of IT managers who are women: 6%
Percentage of IT managers who are minorities: NA
Percentage of IT staff who are women: 18%
Percentage of IT staff who are minorities: NA

What's special

One of IndiaŐs top technology consulting firms, Infosys has U.S. headquarters in Fremont, Calif., and operations in more than 15 countries. Infosys benchmarks its compensation packages against those of best-in-class companies to ensure that its salaries are competitive. Training and ongoing learning programs focus on technical processes, management and leadership skills. An integrated performance management program helps identify employeesŐ training needs, and an integrated training program addresses those needs through technical and personal development.
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NA= Company doesnŐt track these figures. NP= Company doesnŐt release these figures.
Regions are as follows: New England = Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island; Middle Atlantic = New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania; South Atlantic = Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; North Central = Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri; South Central = Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas; Mountain = Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico; Pacific = Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Guam
Sources: Company-submitted surveys, company Web sites, Hoovers.com. Survey data was gathered in January 2006.