Employer Profile

Top 10 ranking: No. 6 for training The IT department at this tobacco company, based in Richmond, Va., has been kept busy the past few years. IT has supported the spin-off of two companies, integrated the systems of two acquired companies, and supported direct-to-consumer communications. Other major IT initiatives under way or planned include delivering new Web-based tools to the field sales force, investing in data warehousing technology, optimizing IT manufacturing systems, and relocating the data center to a state-of-the-art green facility. To build the team that can tackle this amount of work, the IT department offers IT University, where employees can complete project management or business analyst certifications, take courses in technology areas, or develop leadership, communication and other business skills. Pot of perks: After one year of service, employees are eligible for a company contribution to their deferred profit-sharing account that ranges from 10% to 15% of their base salary. Employees aren't required to contribute anything to receive this benefit, although they can contribute a maximum of 15% of their eligible compensation as a before- or after-tax contribution. The Altria Recognition Award program is a monetary award designed to recognize and reward employees who adhere to the company's values and produce exceptional business results.