Localwise Announces the 47 Best Local Employers in the San Francisco Bay Area

Berkeley, CA, April 10, 2016 --(PR.com)-- Silicon Valley tech companies get a lot attention for their free micro-kitchens, extended parental leave and on-site barber shops. For local businesses and nonprofits, it can feel hard to compete.

The Work Local Awards shines the spotlight on the boutiques, cafes, nonprofits, startups, and all the local employers that make our community great.

The awards are presented by Localwise, the local job community in the Bay Area, in partnership with the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, Kiva Zip, and other notable community organizations.

Over 1,000 nominations were submitted for the best employers and 3 finalists were selected in each category. Check out the list of the 47 finalists below.

The goal of the awards is to not only celebrate the best local employers, but also share best practices that can help other local businesses become great employers.

So what makes a great local employer?

"It's not about the perks; it's about the people. When employees enjoy being around their co-workers and have a manager who respects and empowers them, they are more excited to come into work every day," said Maya Tobias, Co-founder of Localwise.

That's good news for local businesses. You don't need a big budget to create a happy staff, you just need to foster the right sense of community among your team members.

The winners in each category will be announced at the Work Local Awards Celebration Party on April 28th at The Port Kaiser Center in Oakland. The party will bring together local business owners, employees, nonprofits, and community members. Join the fun! Get your tickets athttps://www.localwisejobs.com/2016-work-local-awards.

Best Employer: Food & Drink

Freeland Foods, Inc.
The Hidden Vine
Duende

Best Employer: Retail

Ambiance
Modern Mouse
The Local Butcher Shop

Best Employer: Education

BrainVyne
Magoosh
YMCA-PG&E Teen Center

Best Employer: Startup

Nuvolum
Chalk Schools
Altruvistas

Best Employer: Nonprofit

San Francisco Child Abuse Prevention Center
Somos Mayfair
Computer Technologies Program (CTP)

Best Employer: Health & Fitness

Truve
The Source Chiropractic
Urban Fitness Oakland

Best Employer: Salon & Spa

Manifesta
Melt Massage
On Edge Beauty Studio

Best Employer: Professional Services

Montclair Veterinary Hospital
Lake Merritt Dental
Advent Properties Inc.

Best Manager

Bonnee and Abraham Elterman, As You Wish Frozen Yogurt
Amy Brueggemeyer, FB Design Build
Kyra Worthy, For Richmond

Best Co-workers

Annmarie Skin Care
Horizons Unlimited of San Francisco
San Francisco Suicide Prevention

Most Diverse Team

Global Glimpse
Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center
Brothers on the Rise

Most Community-Oriented Employer

The Town Kitchen
Field Day
Root & Stem Integrative Chinese Medicine

Most Fun Place to Work

Blue Door Beads
Galileo Learning
The Companion Group

Best Employee Perks

Location Labs
DZH Phillips
Albert Nahman Plumbing and Heating

Coolest Workspace

Origami Mami
Brooklyn Academy Roots
Rare Bird

Best Business Pet

Simon, The Party Staff
Enzo, Nuvolum
Cooper, Convert