Comcast-Spectacor Recognized as 'Best Place to Work'

Comcast-Spectacor, the Philadelphia-based sports and entertainment firm, has been named one of Philadelphia’s Best Places to Work, according to the Philadelphia Business Journal. The award recognizes Comcast-Spectacor’s achievements in creating a positive work environment that attracts and retains employees through a combination of performance management, special benefits, excellent working conditions and a ‘how You doin’ corporate culture.

Comcast-Spectacor was one of hundreds to enter, securing its position on this prestigious list based on the strength of its benefits and programs, as evaluated by its employees. Comcast-Spectacor’s Performance Management program which empowers employees to create their career path and quarterly meet directly with their supervisor to monitor their progress was one of the overwhelming reasons cited by employees for making it a great place to work.

“It’s all about our people - we have an incredible staff and they are what this company is really about,” said Comcast-Spectacor President Peter Luukko. “(Comcast-Spectacor Chairman) Ed Snider has created an entrepreneurial spirit where the office atmosphere is conducive to being highly motivated and productive.

“We have created a corporate culture for all of Comcast-Spectacor where, through Performance Management, our employees are engaged and energized to increase profitability, produce quality products and services, maximize customer experience and foster a positive work environment,” added Luukko.

Comcast-Spectacor is the ownership group of the Philadelphia Flyers of the National Hockey League, the Philadelphia 76ers of the National Basketball Association, the Philadelphia Phantoms of the American Hockey League, a public assembly management firm (Global Spectrum), a food and beverage concessions company (Ovations Food Services) and a full-service ticketing company (New Era Tickets).

Comcast-Spectacor employees also created their own customer service campaign - “how You doin’” featuring an outstanding Top Ten on how to treat customers and fellow employees.

The three winning companies, included among the 50 finalists in five categories, are featured in a special supplement in the Friday, October 20 edition of the Philadelphia Business Journal. Winning companies and finalists will be entitled to use the 2006 seal in advertising and public relations outreach.

The awards program was launched in July by the Philadelphia Business Journal through direct mailings, email and fax announcements, phone calls and advertisements in the paper. The 2006 program is sponsored by the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, Grant Thornton, Littler Mendelson, Monster, Unum Provident and SB 1 Federal Credit Union.

“The best places to work are companies that recognize employees as their best asset, instrumental in maintaining the quality and reputation for services and products,” said Bernard Dagenais, Philadelphia Business Journal editor. “The right work environment can create a powerful business advantage.”

The Philadelphia Business Journal’s research partner, Wichita, Kansas-based Quantum Market Research, tabulated the results of thousands of online surveys completed by employees to establish the rank order. Common themes among top companies focused on work-life balance; respect and caring for employees; recognition of accomplishments; feeling empowered; good teamwork and commitment to community.

Thursday, September 21, 2006