“Outside” magazine put two brewing companies — New Belgium Brewing in Colorado and Alaskan Brewing in Alaska — on its third annual list of “The 50 Best Places to Work.”
New Belgium is second on the list and Alaskan 17th.
“It was such an honor to be a part of the inaugural list of companies in 2008, especially as the only company from Alaska,” Alaskan Brewing CFO Ann Metcalfe said for a press release issued by the brewery. “We are lucky enough to brew award-winning beer in one of the most incredible natural playgrounds on earth. To make the list again this year, affirms that we are fulfilling our mission statement and continuing to have fun while we grow.”
The magazine includes a mini-interview with, and retro picture of, Alaskan founder Geoff and Marcy Larson.
“We whole-heartedly follow the old ‘work hard, play hard’ mentality,” Marcy Larson said for the press release. “We all are passionate about putting out an outstanding and quality product but we also work hard to ensure that we are enjoying all that Alaska has to offer. Around here, we call that . . . living life Alaskan.”
It’s not unusual for employees to schedule their work hours around prime fishing times or ski seasons. Last year, 22 members of the 80 member Brew Crew traveled to Skagway to compete in the Klondike Road Relay — a 110 mile road relay between Skagway and Whitehorse, Canada. At the same time, another group of the Brew Crew was climbing local peaks in preparation for their summit of Mt. Rainier to celebrate a co-workers 50th birthday.
Outside’s “Best Places to Work” list was compiled with the help of the Outdoor Industry Association and Best Companies Group . The year-long selection process began with an outreach effort that identified a wide range of non-profit and for-profit organizations with at least 15 employees working in the United States. Participating companies were then sent confidential employee-satisfaction surveys and employer-questionnaires to collect information about benefits, job satisfaction, environmental initiatives, and community outreach programs. All of the results were analyzed by Best Companies Group experts, who selected the 50 companies that strive to enhance their employees’ enjoyment of active endeavors, and environmental and social involvement.