OLYMPIA, Wash. – Washington State Employees Credit Union has been recognized by Washington CEO Magazine's as one of the state's "Best Companies to Work For." "New employees really notice a difference when they come to work here," said WSECU President/CEO Kevin Foster-Keddie. "It has a family feeling. Promoting a work environment that supports and rewards our employees is the best way we can ensure that, in turn, they can support and serve our members. We are thrilled to receive this recognition." Inclusion on the "Best Companies" list is determined by review of two components-an on-line employee survey that covers employment-related topics such as compensation, management's openness to employee ideas, benefits, training opportunities, reward & recognition and other areas that contribute to job satisfaction; and an extensive corporate profile explaining the company's commitment to its employees. Some of the credit union's benefits highlighted include: generous health insurance coverage; an incentive plan for all part-time and full-time employees employed by WSECU for three months or longer; an extensive in-house training department; and a shared leave program to help colleagues who cannot work for extended periods. WSECU was honored in the not-for-profit category along with eight other organizations. About 370 employees work for the credit union. "Credit unions operate with a `people helping people' philosophy," said Foster-Keddie. "Whether it's for employees or members, our outstanding board of directors have set the tone to do the right thing, not the easy thing. Recognition as a `Best Company to Work For' is a meaningful endorsement of what we already do to support our staff and an incentive to continue finding new ways to do so." WSECU employees and managers will attend a June 3 ceremony in Seattle sponsored by Washington CEO Magazine where they will receive the formal "Best Companies to Work For" award and possibly be recognized as one of the not-for-profit category's top three winners.