Three Albert Lea businesses were recognized last week as some of the best places to work in southeast Minnesota.

During an awards banquet sponsored by Workforce Development Inc., the Best Places to Work award was given to Alliance Benefit Group, Alamco Wood Products and Innovance Inc.

The three companies were classified as mid-size employers with between 76 and 400 employees.

“We were greatly honored, and we felt humbled by it,” said Steve Pulley, president of Alliance Benefit Group.

It was the first year the company — which provides employee benefits administration and consulting —had applied for the award.

“Some of our employees got together and said we really love working here,” Pulley said. “They said you should apply.”

Alliance Benefit Group, founded by Al Arends in 1974, has three locations, with the primary location being in downtown Albert Lea. There are just over 90 employees at the Albert Lea building and 110 at all three locations.

Alamco Wood Products, a timber beam and arch manufacturer, is off of West Ninth Street in Albert Lea. The company has received the recognition in two prior years.

General Manager John Forman said there was some concern when the company was sold about the commitment to its employees; however, the award shows the company is still committed.

“Our employees are the reason for our success, and we’re glad that they’re recognized.”

Innovance officials could not be reached for this story.

The awards came about after a commissioned study by Workforce Development Inc. The purpose of the program was to recognize some of the best employers in the local area and to provide information to companies about the practices they use to attract and retain employees.

Each participating company was required to complete a 40-question survey about their employment practices that was analyzed by a consulting firm.

The data was measured on parameters such as turnover, rate of growth, promotion rates, employee evaluations and feedback, benefits offered and percentage of employees injured, among others.

Overall, there were 15 employers from across 11 counties that received the award.

Pulley said he was proud that out of the five companies awarded in the mid-size group, there were three that were from Albert Lea.

“It’s a great reflection of our community,” he said.