The “Family-Friendly Business Awards” program was developed by the Solano Alliance of Business for Children, a group of Chamber of Commerce and Solano EDC members from across the county that advises First 5 Solano on ways to increase awareness and support in the business community for early childhood investments.
“The Solano Alliance of Business for Children has been invaluable in helping us strengthen and deepen our partnerships with businesses and economic development collaboratives in
The 2011 “Family-Friendly Business Award” honorees, nominated by their employees, are:
· AT&T California
· First Northern Bank
· NorthBay Healthcare
· Panera Bread
· State Farm Insurance
· Travis Credit Union
A Panera Bread employee wrote “Panera is not only great to every customer that walks in the door, but they also strive for having a ‘Panera family’. There is great flexibility with short notice time off and [they are] spectacular with any family emergencies.”
A State Farm employee noted “Specifically in the Vallejo Operations Center, State Farm benefits includes paid time off to care for an ill relative, paid family leave, and paid time to volunteer for a school.”
“Policies and practices such as these are the backbone of a healthy and vibrant business climate,” said Sandy Person , Solano EDC President. “We join First 5 Solano in congratulating these local leaders who understand that their profitability rises when employees have reliable child care and other support to meet both family and work responsibilities.”
First 5 Commission Chair Dan Ayala and County Supervisor/First 5 Commission Vice-Chair Linda J. Seifert will present the awards. The theme of the June 29 event is “Closing the Achievement Gap: How Investments in Early Learning Increase the Bottom Line” and features speakers from the Bay Area Council and Solano County Office of Education.
