Businesses with local ties make
top 100 list, again
By Melissa Murphy, The Reporter, Vacaville
Posted:
04/08/17, 5:34 PM PDT | Updated: 1 day ago
It wasn’t a
surprise, but it’s still a moment of pride.
For nearly two
decades, Genentech Inc. has held its spot on Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to
Work for in 2017.
The biotech
giant, with 14,815 employees and headquarters in San Francisco, ranked No. 6,
up from No. 11 in 2016. It also has a manufacturing facility in Vacaville.
Meanwhile,
Nugget Market returned to the list for a 12th year and ranked No. 30, down from
its No. 13 rank in 2016. The family-owned grocery chain out of Woodland has
1,818 employees. It too has a store in Vacaville.
It speaks to
the culture in Vacaville, said Sandy Person, president of Solano Economic
Development Corporation.
“We’re all
fortunate to have these great companies with an emphasis on their employees,”
Person said. “It’s great to have those employers that see the big picture, that
seek that qualified workforce.”
She explained
that having quality employers primes the area to attract more.
“They desire to
be a part of that culture and community pride,” she said. “It’s great, we love
it. Keep it coming.”
Vacaville Mayor
Len Augustine said it’s not unexpected to see the businesses make the list once
again.
Genentech, the
oldest and second largest biotechnology company in the world, has a location
right here in Vacaville, we’re proud of that fact, he said.
Genentech
representatives explained that at the Vacaville facility, employees produce
medicines for serious and life-threatening diseases such as cancer. The team in
Vacaville works closely with Genentech’s South San Francisco headquarters and
other sites worldwide to execute the complex manufacturing process that is
critical to bringing breakthrough medicines to patients.
Genentech said
it looked at almost 50 sites in several states as well as Europe before
selecting Vacaville. Key factors in the decision to expand to Vacaville were
proximity to a talented local workforce and the support of local government
leaders in creating an environment where biotechnology manufacturing could
thrive.
“Our excellent
working relationship with the city of Vacaville and Solano County continues to
this day and we greatly appreciate this partnership,” said Amanda Fallon,
senior manager of corporate relations for Genentech Inc.
Augustine
agreed.
“It’s one of
those win stories for Vacaville,” he said. “To have such a prestigious company
here is an amazing story for the city of Vacaville.”
Augustine added
that Genentech’s employees are proud to work for them and are also participants
in the community.
He referenced
their continued participation in Solano Transportation Authority’s bike to work
day, where employees continue to make Genentech No.1 when it comes to the
friendly competition among businesses in the county.
“They make us
proud,” he said.
Besides
monetary donations, Genentech said its employees are proud to be members of the
communities where they live and work.
“We believe
that forging deep partnerships is the best way to help local schools,
nonprofits and businesses thrive,” Fallon said. “We’re pleased to support STEM
education initiatives with both local schools and The Vacaville Neighborhood
Boys & Girls Clubs through charitable giving and employee volunteerism. We
also host an annual ‘Job Shadow Day’ for local high school juniors to learn
about career opportunities at Genentech.”
Genentech said
it has more than 1,000 employees at the Vacaville location and more than half
of them live in Vacaville or Solano County.
“Attracting and
retaining the best and brightest people is critical to our mission of bringing
breakthrough medicines to people facing serious diseases,” the biotech giant
said. “That’s why we are committed to creating an environment where every
person feels valued, included, and able to contribute their best for the
patients we serve.”
While it’s not
necessarily a goal for Genentech to be included in the top 100 list each year,
it’s proud of the recognition.
“Genentech’s
longevity on this list is testament to our employees, their passion for their
work, and their strong sense of commitment to our company’s culture and
purpose,” Fallon said.
Caught on the
phone while munching on some bread, Augustine acknowledged that the purchase
was made at The Nugget Market in Vacaville.
“It’s top
notch,” he said. “It’s a quality company and a quality store.”
Now in its 90th
year, according to its website, Nugget Markets has built a strong reputation
for extraordinary quality and service, both within the community and its own
walls. In one of the anonymous surveys that went into this year’s ranking, an
associate likened Nugget Markets to “the Disneyland of grocery stores,” where
managers feel like “just another friend at work.”
“Our associates
make all the difference,” said CEO and President, Eric Stille, in a press
release. “At Nugget Markets, it’s not just a job. Our environment is like a
family that has fun, and we all come together to create something very
special.”
“It’s not
unexpected to hear they’re on the list again,” Augustine said of both Genentech
and Nugget. “We have a great working relationship with both of them.
“Together they
contribute to the quality of life in Vacaville,” Augustine continued. “It’s
adds to the value of Vacaville. We wish them great success.”
For a 360
degree, behind-the-scenes tour of Genentech’s Vacaville facility, visit
https://youtu.be/sxvJatvqBVE.
More
information about Nugget Markets is available online at www.nuggetmarket.com.
For the full
list of top companies and their perks, visit http://fortune.com.
Fact Box:
Genentech Inc.
Perks:
• Unlimited
Sick Days.
• Onsite
Fitness Center/Discounted gym memberships
•
Telecommuting.
• Fully-paid
sabbaticals.
• Onsite
Childcare.
• College
tuition reimbursement.
Nugget Market
Perks:
• 100 percent
health coverage.
• Sick days for
part-timers.
• Health
insurance for part-timers.
