BUSINESS NORTH CAROLINA'S 2023 BEST EMPLOYERS in NORTH CAROLINA.

Attracting and retaining employees has never been more challenging, prompting compimies to make unusual efforts to build strong workforces. Business North Carolina's annual list of Best Employers highlights companies that rank highly in their efforts to motivate teammates and draw strong employees.

The program recognizes the state's best places to work with a unique awards program for small, medium and large companies that are taking steps to build positive, enduring cultures. These companies will be honored during a June 22 dinner and awards ceremony at the Crandover Resort in Greensboro.

We partnered with the DataJoe market research company to create and implement a survey that polled employers and their employees. The survey covers essential workplace topics, including organizational health, leadership, engagement, work-life balance, pay, training, benefits and corporate social responsibility. Employment numbers are as of Jan. 1, 2023.

EXTRA LARGE EMPLOYERS (300+)

First Bank Southern Pines financial services 11,470 employees Mike Mayer, CEO

The biggest North Carolina-based community bank operates 118 offices across the Carolinas. During its "Good Deeds Week," First Bank gives $20 to each employee and asks them to use the money to perform a good deed in the community. First Bank also matches employee donations to nonprofits and offers employees flexible work-from-home practices.

Furnitureland South

Jamestown retail furniture store 1600 employees Jeffery Harris, president and CEO

Billed as the world's largest furniture store, Furnitureland South partners with more than 1,000 manufacturers to sell products from a 1.3 million-square-foot showroom, which includes 300,000 square feet of outlet space. The company has an on-site fitness center.

Workplace Options

Raleigh workplace consultant 1366 employees Alan King, president and CEO

In more than 40 years of business, consultants at Workplace Options have worked with 116,000 organizations to help more than 79 million employees find solutions to workplace stresses. Programs support physical and emotional needs. Employees consult with businesses over corporate mindfulness, tobacco cessation and other issues.

Wilmington Health

Wilmington medical practice 11,000 employees Jeff James, CEO

The largest physician-owned and multi-specialty practice in southeastern North Carolina helps develop new treatments and medications for patients with more than 50 clinical trials underway. The company's vision is to develop collaborative solutions that demonstrate quality, reduce the cost of care and improve the patient experience.

LARGE EMPLOYERS (76-299)

Aspida

Durham insurance company 1130 employees Lou Hensley, CEO and president

Aspida's business focuses on annuities and life insurance, but the insurer challenges its workforce to: "Get $#!+ Done, Do It with Moxie, and Have Fun." Employees committed to building a future together is part of the story of Aspida. With offices in Durham and Bermuda, the insurer gives its employees data-driven tech solutions to help customers while applying an entrepreneurial spirit.

Bobbitt Construction

Raleigh general contractor 1104 employees Brian Denisar, president and CEO

The general contracting business offers its employees flexibility, inclusivity and security. In 2000, Bobbitt became 100% employee owned after creating an employee stock ownership plan 20 years ago. When Bobbitt partnered with former N.C. State quarterback Devin Leary and linebacker Drake Thomas in a name, image and likeness deal last year, employees got in on the fun with a video. The company helps sponsor golf tournaments and food banks and teaches high school students about construction at various events. Female employees were treated to a wine tasting night in support of Women in Construction.

Smith Anderson Law Firm

Raleigh law firm 1250 employees Bill Wiggins, executive director

The full-service business and litigation firm provides legal services to both start-up companies and those considering billion-dollar IPOs. Founded in 1912, it has clients in 45 states and 26 countries, and about one-third of its approximate 150 attorneys have experience with either national or international firms, allowing them collectively to punch above their weight. The Wake County Bar Association named Smith Anderson its 2021 Equity Champion.

Jackrabbit Technologies

Huntersville software solutions 1110 employees Mark Mahoney, CEO and co-founder Mike Carper, CTO and co-founder

A love of sports coupled with technology skills helped the founders create an online classroom management program that now reaches 15,000 schools in 36 countries. Youth activity centers can access programs in gymnastics, swimming, music and more, while helping them with billing, immunization management, and registration. A parent portal gives notice of new skills learned and payment options. Jackrabbit has a 100% remote workforce.

Summit Credit Union

Greensboro financial services 1112 employees Sam Whitehurst, CEO

The credit union has eight full-service financial locations and serves 37,000 individual members and 300 business partners. It started as Tri-City Telco Credit Union in 1935. Community events include a "Taste of Reality Fair" where members can bring their children for a financial "adulting" class. Each Friday, the credit union spotlights a scholar in college on its Facebook pages to build camaraderie.

North State Bank

Raleigh community bank 1181 employees Larry D. Barbour, founder, president and CEO

The community bank that opened in 2000 is passionate about community and has sponsored Summer Salute, which allows its team to raise funds for a cause while having a good time. Since 2004, more than $1.9 million has been donated to Transitions LifeCare.

Burns & McDonnell

Raleigh construction and design 194 employees Ray Kowalick, CEO

As an employee-owned firm, Burns & McDonnell provides generous year-end, performance-based incentives during profitable years. Performance appraisals form the basis for salary adjustments, incentive bonuses, career planning and development, promotions, transfers and training. The company offers a choice of three medical plans.

Brunswick Electric Membership Corp.

Supply electric cooperative 1200 employees Josh Winslow, general manager and CEO

The enterprise, which was started in 1939, has 85,000 members and serves Brunswick, Columbus, Bladen and Robeson counties. The utility provides two $5,000 college scholarships each year and matches up to $50,000 in donations to help those facing difficult financial times to pay their utility bills. It operates two community solar farms and leases panels to its members who want to go green.

Bernard Robinson & Co.

Greensboro accounting firm 1200 employees Alisa Moody, CEO

The company notes that descendants of the firm's first three clients in 1947 remain customers. The late Bernie Robinson started the company in a one-room office in downtown Greensboro, and it now has offices in Greensboro, Charlotte, Dunn, Raleigh, Wilmington and Winston-Salem. The founder's son, Freddy Robinson, is a partner, while Moody became CEO in 2018.

Dogwood State Bank

Raleigh financial institution 1112 employees Steven W. Jones, CEO

Between its board and executive management team, Dogwood's leadership has more than 200 years of combined banking experience. The state-chartered community bank has about $1 billion in assets. In 2019, Dogwood completed a $100 million recapitalization in a push toward growth. Its seven branches stretch from Morehead City to Charlotte.

Schunk

Morrisville tools and automation technology 1130 employees Milton Guerry, president

The family-owned company recently celebrated 30 years of operating in the U.S., initially opening an office in 1992. In 1996, the company added its first plant outside of Germany in Morrisville. Chairman Henrik Schunk ran the company's Intec unit there for many years. It makes equipment used by manufacturers in many industries. Flexible working hours are offered.

Transimpact

Emerald Isle business intelligence solutions 178 employees Berkley Stafford, CEO

Using the motto that happy employees make good customers, the supply chain consultants stage quarterly outings that include fishing trips, islandwide scavenger hunts and bowling. The headquarters has cornhole boards and bicycles available for nearby rides. Gym membership reimbursements are offered. Employees spent 1,378 hours on community projects in 2022, most of it on paid time off. The company's benefits include pet insurance.

HonorBridge

Winston-Salem nonprofit organ donation and tissue recovery 1180 employees Danielle Niedfeldt, CEO and president

The state's largest organ procurement organization provides a benefits plan that includes 100% paid medical benefits, paid holidays, a professional development program that promotes growth and a life balance account that funds employee spending for wellness activities. A new Donor Care Center was recently constructed.

Tencarva Machinery

Greensboro industrial equipment supplier 1124 employees Ed Pearce, president

The industrial pump equipment distributor has provided solutions throughout the Southeast region since 1978. Tencarva, which started with 19 founding members, gives its team members opportunities for growth and performance-based bonuses.

Barringer Construction

Charlotte builder 1171 employees Glenn Barringer, owner

Through the annual Wake County Connect for Success program, Barringer led an all-female team of high school carpentry students who spent a week learning about construction work. The company fosters a positive work environment by holding bring-your-pet to work days, gingerbread house builds overthe holidays and recognizing Women in Construction week. Workplace outings include fitness events, clay target shooting and Bacon and Brews. The company also assists the American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity and Dress for Success.

DMJPS

Greensboro tax & accounting firm 1165 employees Michael Gillis...