Medium Business runner-up: Allied Waste

For a company whose business depends largely on trash, having a desirable work environment definitely comes in handy. That and a commitment to safety and training along with a tremendously supportive management team helped Allied Waste earn the runner-up spot in the Workplace Excellence Awards Medium Business category.

Allied Waste's commitment to safety and health begins with weekly safety meetings and truck inspections, in addition to a full staff of mechanics who inspect their fleet of trucks to ensure they are in tip-top shape. Employees are rewarded when they finish the month accident-free and they earn safety points that can be used to purchase items from the company store.

Training is also paramount for Allied Waste: Each staff member undergoes extensive preparation for their job, and a number of continuing educational opportunities are available for employees. Matthew Kueber, Allied Waste landfill manager, said effective leadership also contributes to the team's success.

“It is my job to coach employees into doing the right thing and not try to catch them doing the wrong thing,” wrote Kueber in his application accompany the nomination of the firm for the award. “Since success and excellence are the main targets, I must provide employees the tools and training to meet expectations.”

Chandra Olague is an outside sales and retention representative for Allied Waste. In her nomination form, she wrote of the company's generosity, including several instances where Allied Waste stepped in to provide services and assistance to people in need. For example, Allied Waste built a bench out of recyclable materials that was later auctioned off at the Save the Prison fundraiser, and several staffers pitched in to paint and landscape the home of an elderly couple.

“Allied Waste is a local company with over 50 employees that live in Yuma and who truly love this community,” she said.

Olague also praised general manager Chris Coyle for his steadfast support of her participation in local groups, including Women in Business, Rotary and the Yuma County Chamber of Commerce.

“In my opinion, there is no better company to work for.”

— By Molly Blake, Special to Yuma Sun