HOUSTON, Sept. 18, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Only companies with the highest quality human resources initiatives can be named "Houston's Best and Brightest Companies to Work For." This honor was highly sought after by competing companies throughout the region. These winning companies will be honored by the National Association for Business Resources (NABR) on Thursday, October 25, 2012 at the JW Marriott Galleria in Houston, located at 5150 Westheimer Road.

This year's winners practice innovative strategies and represent best practices in industries as diverse as energy, medical, financial services and nonprofit. (See the following list of honorees.)

An independent research firm evaluates each company's entry based on key measures in various categories.  They include Compensation, Benefits and Employee Solutions; Employee Enrichment, Engagement and Retention; Employee Education and Development; Recruitment, Selection and Orientation; Employee Achievement and Recognition; Communication and Shared Vision; Diversity and Inclusion; Work-Life Balance; Community Initiatives and Strategic Company Performance.

The winning companies also vie for two elite awards; "The Best of the Best Overall" and "The Best of the Best Small Business Overall." The elite award winners will be announced during the awards festivities.

The symposium and awards program will begin with registration, networking, continental breakfast and peer exchange at 8 a.m. Certified educational workshops will follow at 8:30 a.m. The topics of this year's sessions will include "Advanced Talent Management to Proactively Address the Skill Gap" and "Mission Critical: Recruitment and Retention in Today's New Economy." The luncheon and awards ceremony begins at 11:00 a.m. Bill Balleza from KPRC Local 2 News will serve as the emcee for the awards presentation.

"The selection, recognition and awarding of Houston's 101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For allows businesses to showcase their best practices and demonstrate why each of them would be an ideal place for employees to work. This year's winning companies represent high standards and are an example for other companies to emulate," said Jennifer Kluge, president of NABR. "It is a privilege to hold this event for the first time ever in Houston and honor the best that this community has to offer."

Tickets for the Workforce Symposium and Awards Luncheon are $160 for individuals and $1,300 for tables.  "Houston's Best and Brightest Companies to Work For" is sponsored by Ryan, LLC and Corp! magazine.

Sponsorships are still available. Contact the National Association for Business Resources at 866.321.1822 or visit www.101bestandbrightest.com to register or for more information. 

The "101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For" a program of the National Association for Business Resources, is presented annually in Metro Detroit, Chicago, Atlanta, Houston, Grand Rapids and now Nationally. Nominations are now being accepted for 2013. Visit www.101bestandbrightest.com to obtain an application.

Based in Warren, Mich., the National Association for Business Resources (NABR) is a business organization of small to medium-sized businesses, representing more than 20,000 members who employ over 200,0000 persons nationally. Members include attorneys, physicians, architects, accountants, construction companies, banks, retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers and the like.  Member businesses receive numerous benefits including free legal and financial consultations; discounted technology, automotive and office products; employee training and recruitment assistance; and competitive insurance rates.

SOURCE National Association for Business Resources