Hinesburg, VT —At NRG Systems, protecting the environment is more than a mantra, it’s a way of life for the owners and their 78 employees. Now, the manufacturer of wind measurement technology is being recognized for its green mission and the way it instills this environmental ethic throughout its organization. The Hinesburg (VT) company learned today that it has been named a 2007 Top Small Workplace by The Wall Street Journal and Winning Workplaces.

“We are thrilled to be recognized by The Journal for something that is so core to our mission,” said NRG Systems CEO and President Jan Blittersdorf. “Our company lives and works by its environmental and social values every day, and we strive to encourage and support our employees to do the same.” 

NRG Systems was recognized for its innovative workforce practices and benefits that have created a strong organizational culture and promote environmental consciousness among its employees. In addition to working in a gold LEED certified “green” manufacturing facility, which has been nationally recognized for its healthy, energy efficient and environmental design, NRG employees enjoy nontraditional benefits that encourage them to live lightly on the planet. Employees receive cash incentives up to $2,300 per year for purchasing hybrid vehicles, installing renewable energy systems, and making energy efficiency improvements to their homes. NRG employees also participate in a monthly cash profit sharing program, which has provided up to 35 percent above their base level of pay. Longer term employees are eligible for a paid six-week sabbatical at ten years of service (and every five thereafter).

Perhaps the biggest contributor to the company’s positive culture has been a careful and strategic team approach to hiring to ensure that prospective employees have a values alignment with the organization. The efforts seem to be paying off. In 2006, NRG reported a 98.3 percent employee retention rate and a turnover rate that was less than 2.0 percent.

“As a growing company serving a rapidly expanding worldwide industry, it’s wonderful to be recognized as a top workplace,” said NRG Systems Human Resources Director Julie Goodhart. “We are always looking for people who share our passion for the environment, and this recognition allows us to reach out in a much broader way.”

NRG Systems was among 850 small companies nominated for the Top Small Workplace Award. Thirty-five finalists were selected from a pool of nearly 400 companies that participated in a thorough application and interview process. From this group of 35 companies, The Wall Street Journal selected 15 for the Top Small Workplace Award. Founded in 1982, NRG Systems is celebrating 25 years in the global wind energy industry. NRG Systems wind measurement equipment can be found in more than 120 countries, serving electric utilities, wind farm developers, research institutes, government agencies, universities, and homeowners.