Meet the 47 Best Local Employers in the San Francisco Bay Area

BERKELEY, Calif. - April 8, 2016 - PRLog -- Google and Facebook 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 at https://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