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PIBH

Company: PIBH
Company Description: PIBH is the central non-profit agency, which markets and sells products made and services performed by persons with disabilities through member agencies in Pennsylvania. Alfred Baker, President/CEO leads 55 employees. In 2002, PIBH found itself being named the 5th best place to work in the state as a result of entering the prestigious annual 100 Best Places to Work in Pennsylvania competition
Nomination Category: Company, Office & Product Awards Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Best Overall Company

Nomination Title: The PIBH Corporation

  1. Tell the story of what this nominated company has achieved in 2002 (up to 500 words). Focus on specific accomplishments, and relate these accomplishments to past performance or industry norms. Be sure to mention obstacles overcome, innovations or discoveries made, and outcomes:

    PIBH was incorporated in 1956 and is located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Alfred Baker, President/CEO leads 55 employees. Member agencies, employing persons with disabilities, provide goods/services, i.e.; brooms, pens, safety products, window treatments, carpet installation, janitorial services, call center operators etc.

    PIBH employees enjoy flexible work schedules, a relaxed atmosphere, and benefits that include paid medical with dental/vision coverage for the employee and dependents. Another paid company benefit is life insurance policy with a short/long term disability rider. The corporation contributes 8% of the employee’s annual salary to a tax deferred retirement plan, which also accepts employee contributions. Vacation time is accrued and inflates to four weeks pay with ten years of service, 12 paid personal days per year, 11 paid holidays, and the employee’s birthday. The PIBH building is spacious; the furniture functional and attractive, the office equipment is state of the art. The fruits of labor are rewarded by annual salary increases and an annual bonus that says to each employee; we value your contribution to the organization and if the corporation is doing well so are the employees. There are many other luxuries i.e. free parking, fountain sodas, coffee, tea, spring water, daily newspaper and a work out area. The CEO of PIBH is a great person who believes in building teamwork by being part of that team. Team building sessions are everywhere including breakfast on Fridays prepared by the CEO and volunteering staff members and weekly summer cookouts for the employees and customers. We also enjoy a Halloween lunch, Christmas party and the annual employee picnic. We provide to our employees the opportunity to work in an environment that provides them with tools and resources to do their job while maintaining a fun atmosphere. The greatest benefit of all is the PIBH mission of providing employment to people with disabilities. This mission leaves our employees, with a sense of fulfillment both personally and professionally. Ours is a special organization, in a serious business with a noble purpose. It is important for all of us to remember whom we work for and what our goals are. Our job is not simple, but we can state our mission simply: We help people help themselves.

    In 2002, PIBH found itself being named the 5th best place to work in the state as a result of entering the annual 100 Best Places to Work in Pennsylvania competition. One of the competition’s principal founders, Team Pennsylvania Foundation, impressed by PIBH’s work ethic and dedication to quality encouraged them to compete for an American Business Award. The Foundation is a dynamic public/private partnership that facilitates innovative projects and programs to improve the quality of life of all Pennsylvania citizens. In the estimation of the Foundation, PIBH is a leader in the state’s business community and should be recognized for its remarkable work. There was no question that the Foundation would become a partner and supporter in this effort, and no doubt of their intrinsic desire to see PIBH recognized nationally for all its efforts.

  2. List hyperlinks to any online news stories, press releases, or other documents that support the claims made in the section above.
    To include a URL you must begin and end the URL with a square-bracket and include http://
    Example: [http://www.yourdomain.com]

    http://www.bestplacestoworkinpa.com

  3. Provide a brief (up to 100 words) biography about the leader of this nominated company:

    ALFRED W. BAKER

    Al Baker, currently President/CEO of PIBH, previously served more than 31 years in the Army retiring as Colonel.

    His military assignments included tours in Vietnam; Staff College, New Zealand; Chief, United Nations Observer Group Lebanon; Chief, Military Cooperation, Beirut; Brigade Commander; Chief, Staff Multinational Forces Sinai, Egypt; and Chief, Staff US Army Berlin.

    The Los Angeles Times Magazine quoted the Department of Defense stating Baker was one of the most decorated soldiers in the Army.

    January 2002, Harrisburg Magazine selected Colonel Baker as a Mover and Shaper of Harrisburg. Mayor Reed honored him as an “Outstanding Citizen.”