Three Albert Lea businesses were named Best Places to work in southeastern Minnesota this week in a commissioned study by Workforce Development Inc.

The purpose of the program is to recognize some of the best employers in the area and to let companies know about practices to recruit and retain employees, according to a news release.

Recognized from Albert Lea were Minnesota Freezer Warehouse Co., the city of Albert Lea and  Innovance Inc.

The companies received an award at a banquet Thursday.

Each company participating was required to complete a 40-question survey that allowed their employment practices to be analyzed by consulting firm Personnel Dynamics of Florida. Some of the data measured were turnover, rate of growth, promotion rates, employee evaluations and feedback, percent of injured employees, diversity of management and benefits offered, among others.

The participating companies will receive a detailed 20-page report with the information on their company and the results of the survey. They can use it as a tool to recruit and retain workers.

The following is the full list of the companies recognized:

 

Small employer (under 75 employees)

• Custom Alarm/CCI, Rochester

• Minnesota Freezer Warehouse Co., Albert Lea

• Semcac, Rushford

• Southeast Service Cooperative, Rochester

 

Mid-size employer (75 to 200 employees)

• Austin Utilities, Austin

• City of Albert Lea

• Cooperative Response Center, Austin

• Family Services, Rochester

 

Large employer (over 200 employees)

• Hearth and Home Technologies Inc., Lake City

• Henkel Co., Cannon Falls

• Innovance Inc., Albert Lea

• Pace Dairy Foods, Rochester