Michael Matetich, who runs a large, family-owned auto dealership in the Dallas area, Jupiter Chevrolet, says having  Marketplace Chaplains in his dealership has been an excellent management resource in his executive’s tool box to help his employees.

“In the beginning, our dealership and employees were always worrying about their jobs, not making enough money and didn’t really like the job environment,” he said. “That’s certainly something that could carry over to our customers and in turn hurt our income and overall customer experience.”

In the last eight years, Marketplace Chaplains have worked with Jupiter’s hundreds of employees and their family members, with the change in employee satisfaction and customer loyalty being measurable.

“Now, they are more about asking for advice on personal matters on things which matter to them,” he added. “They like working here more because of the family atmosphere and they know we care. That carries over as well to the customers,” said Matetich.

Roger Burdick’s, Driver’s Village massive dealership covers dozens of acres of land outside of Syracuse, New York, which means his 300-plus employees carry with them acres personal problems as well.

“Thank God for Marketplace Chaplains,” Burdick said. “I could not possibly do what they do in helping all of our employees. They make a significant impact in the emotional life of my employees, drawing us together as a family.”

CBC study organizers said there is a clear link between employee and customer satisfaction. “Employee satisfaction leads to added value and service which produces customer satisfaction.

“When internal customers (employees) are happy, they treat external customers well. Customers will keep coming back for more. This grows the relationship and leads to customer loyalty,” said Richard Federico, Vice President and National Work-Life Practice Leader at The Segal Company in “Survey Links Work-Life Programs to Employee Performance.”

Price Waterhouse Coopers reported in April of 2002 that 47 percent of surveyed executives from multi-national companies cite employee satisfaction and decreased turnover as major contributors to long-term shareholder return.

Ray Huffines, a multi-generational, multi-location North Texas car dealership owner-operator has seen Marketplace Chaplains make a huge difference in his employees’ lives and in the hyper-competitive local auto dealership business.

“I believe that by having the Chaplain service it has helped us attract the quality team members that are a good fit for our
organization.  It sets us apart from our competition.

“Turnover in team members is costly in a lot of ways; the Chaplain service helps to keep team members satisfied by the care they receive,” said Huffines.

Marketplace Chaplain Charlotte Turner says the recurring business theme she sees in the dealership is by helping employees, it leads to increased satisfaction, productivity and loyalty.

The powerful positive impact on employees because of our chaplains’ care is frequently evident to everyone around them – including the owners/leaders of the businesses who truly appreciate our unique chaplaincy service providing support and encouragement for their employees in ways that they simply could not otherwise offer,” said Turner.

While Marketplace Chaplains began its service in Canada in 2009, it has rapidly expanded over the last two years and recently held an Executive Business Leader’s Summit in Fort St. John, British Columbia, overseen by Vice President of Canadian Operations, C.G. Maclin.

David Phibbs, CEO, Alpha Safety Ltd., Fort St. John, was also a part of the recent Canadian Executive Business Leader’s
Summit said, “We have workers from all over the country and they are separated from their families and support systems.  When they have a need, our company chaplains meet it by providing a caring hand and support for these workers who have nowhere else to turn.”

While a dozen companies are just implementing the workplace chaplaincy program in 2012, Gary McCormick, VP & General Manager of Jet-Lube Canada Ltd., based in Edmonton, has used this unique productivity tool for more than a year.

“I know our employees really enjoy seeing the chaplains in the workplace, and just knowing they can talk with someone here about a problem is very important,” said McCormick. “I hope this program continues to grow because Canadian CEOs see the benefit of having chaplains.”

Results from two recent Monster Canada Workplace Management Polls show a strong majority of Canadian workers are interested in corporate wellness programs, with only a minority of employers, actually offering them.

According to the published survey, Monster asked, “Given the labour shortage, what is your employer doing to try and keep you?” Out of 3,594 responses, 82% reported “nothing at all,” while only 9% chose “allowing for flexible scheduling and other work-life balance initiatives” and 8% chose “offering a pay raise.”

In a second poll Monster asked, “Does your company offer corporate wellness programs such as fitness/nutritional coaching, gym memberships, training seminars etc.?” 68% of 2,857 respondents replied “no, but I wish they did,” while 20% chose “yes, and I really appreciate them.” A mere 10% weren’t interested in such a program.

That’s exactly the type of employee care benefit George Bergen, owner of the Fort St. John Water Company with his wife, Marita, are looking to provide for their employees.

“One of our employees was terribly frightened because of the cancer he was facing.  But when our chaplain came alongside him and walked with him through this deep valley, his fear was relieved because he knew he was not alone.”  said George Bergen.

An Alberta Venture magazine article “Mutual Benefits,” mentioned in today’s tight labour market, even the smallest employers are offering benefit packages in a bid to stay competitive and to attract and retain “Top Talent.”

“I think what dozens of Canadian company CEOs are realizing is that it simply makes good business sense to take good care of your employees and their family members,” said Maclin.

According to a recent U.S. district court ruling, an employee sued an employer for being insensitive to their grief. Taking care of the employees as Marketplace Chaplains does for hundreds of companies nationally and abroad is an applicable and legally sound workplace management practice.

“The Marketplace chaplain team has always been there for our employees – in good times and in bad,” said Britton Lui, Director of Human Resources for Hoselton Auto Mall in East Rochester, New York.

“The chaplain team has been present at funerals for our employees and their families, whether here in town or across
the country. Their care and support have been such a blessing in that time of great need. We are grateful for this level of support for our employees and their families.”

According to a landmark 2003 study by the Grief Recovery Institute in Sherman Oaks, California, employee heartbreak costs U.S. employers $75 billion a year in lost productivity, absenteeism, and increased errors and accidents. The most costly grief incident for businesses is a death of a loved one, accounting for $37.5 billion per year in losses. About 1 in 4 employees is grieving at any given time.

“Our chaplain team was with us along the way during his treatment –calling and comforting and praying,” said Carlsbad, New Mexico, Intrepid Potash Human Resources Director Jackie Webb, whose husband passed away after a long battle with cancer earlier this year. “I will say, even though I had good support from my own family, friends and church, I know our chaplains grieved right along with me.”

Marketplace Chaplains’ more than 2,500 chaplains are specially trained in helping employees deal with grief, which in turn allows the employees to productively return to work quicker.

“As chaplains, we have the privilege of coming alongside people who are drowning in grief to give them hope as we help them better understand and work through the many dimensions of their sorrow toward acceptance of the new reality they face,” said Dallas-based Marketplace Chaplain Charlotte Turner.

Chaplain Wes Sullivan of Long Beach, California, holds grief training seminars, working with other Marketplace Chaplains to expand their grief preparedness for every situation.

“The most important thing to remember is that this death is uniquely and individually tragic,” Sullivan said.  “There are no cookie cutter remarks or services that can be appropriate.”

Jamie Whyte, Director of Risk Management and Human Resources for multi-state Intrepid Potash, said having Marketplace Chaplains specially trained in grief management has been a huge help to his company.

“Marketplace Chaplains continues to be the most profound service we offer our employees,” said Whyte. “They meet a need that just cannot be met by any other service provider.”

Chaplains help alleviate the growing responsibility companies and Human Resources professionals have in helping
employees deal with grief; this difficult burden can last for years with any one person.

Vernon, 58, who was accompanied by his wife Peggy Jo, received the honor during a company and clients gathering in Asheville, North Carolina. “I am so honored that they have given me a place to serve,” Vernon said about the surprise announcement. “I’m overwhelmed.”

Potential Chaplain of the Year candidates are nominated by their respective client companies and then chosen by the Marketplace Chaplains’ Executive Nominations Committee.

Vernon was presented the Divine Servant sculpture by noted artist Max Greiner, and a check for $500 from Marketplace Chaplains’ President and COO Dick De Witt.

“We are so delighted to honor those who serve,” De Witt said in presenting the award to Vernon.” “David joins a special list of Chaplain of the Year Awardees along with every Marketplace Chaplain serving selflessly around the clock, proactively caring for employees.”

Vernon, has a business degree from Cal-State Fullerton, and still owns the business he started more than 30 years ago, DataMicroImaging.  He also received a theological degree from Fullerton Seminary in Pasadena, California, and began serving as a Marketplace Chaplain 3 ½ years ago. Vernon works at several Marketplace client companies in the Southern California area and is also active in his local church.

Among the many nominations describing Vernon, there were those that read: “He walks with every person in the plant,” “He restores hope,” “He has walked us through tough times.”

Founded in Dallas, Texas, in 1984, the largest and most experienced workplace chaplain provider has recently seen explosive growth in its Canadian Division, as CEOs from New Brunswick to Vancouver are embracing Marketplace Chaplains Canada.

“We are in a very unique situation here; with the low unemployment rate, we do not always have enough workforce for all of our needs,” said Steve Troyer, CEO of Troyer Ventures, Ltd., a collection of companies in British Columbia and Alberta.

“To be able to provide high quality benefits for our workers helps us provide an extra edge for employees going through tough times.”

While Troyer’s companies were among the first to use Marketplace Chaplains Canada, they were far from the last as other international companies such as Jet-Lube of Canada Ltd. and GE Oil & Gas ESP, based in Alberta, also employ this unique chaplain service for their workers.

“I know our employees really enjoy seeing the chaplains in the workplace and knowing they can talk with someone here about a problem is very important,” said Gary McCormick, VP & General Manager, of Jet-Lube of Canada Ltd.  “I hope this program continues to grow because Canadian CEOs see the benefit of having chaplains.”

By the first quarter of 2012, there will be 2 dozen chaplains serving 15 different Canadian Marketplace client company locations and over 1,000 employees.

“The growth has really come at breakneck speed, and it proves that this service of care for employees will work wherever we are,” said Assistant National Canada Director Dan Truitt.

In Mexico, the growth has been constant as well as Pace Industries and Royal Prestige are among the companies using Marketplace Chaplains south of the U.S. border. Between the two companies there are a total of 1,100 employees served by 15 chaplains.

The local companies were honored for their creative strategies, including Marketplace Chaplains, to make the workplace better for their employees, vendors and customers.

Dallas’ McLane Foodservice and its visionary President Tom Zatina were honored for the third consecutive year in the Mid-Size company category. Huffiness Auto Dealerships based in Plano, TX, was honored for the first time in the Large Company category while McKinney’s Independent Bank Group was also selected for the first time in the Mid-Size segment.

“Talking to employees at these winning companies makes the connection clear between happy campers and successful companies,” said Dallas Morning News Business Editor Dennis Fulton, who oversees the awards competition.

“And, as part of our culture, we try to ensure a meaningful and sincere level of caring,” Zatina added “We know that many value the additional care and concern that our chaplains provide. The Chaplain service is a great extension of our benefits program that is centered around taking care of the teammate.”

While pleased with his first-time company recognition for his employees, Huffines CEO Ray Huffines was not surprised about the help his chaplains have given his multi-location, 600-employee dealership.

“The Marketplace Chaplain service provides personal assistance and care for our team members in their time of need through the loving and compassionate chaplains that know the team members personally. We consider the chaplains to be a vital part of our team,” Huffines added.

More than 100 North Texas Companies currently use the unique, cutting edge program of Marketplace Chaplains USA, which is headquartered in Dallas, but has since grown to 43 states, 4 additional countries and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

“We are honored to have been chosen as a Top 100 Place to Work. One of the many positive comments made by our employees was our emphasis on Christian values. The Marketplace Chaplains service reinforces that value,” said Independent Bank Vice Chairman Dan Brooks.

Marketplace Chaplains’ Dallas Division Director Jim Tereschuk added the chaplains have helped thousands of North Texas employees and their family members for more than two decades.

“We are thrilled that these forward thinking companies, which utilize Marketplace Chaplains to serve the needs of their employees and families, were recognized as some of the best places to work in North Texas.

“What we have seen both locally and nationwide is that the presence of a caring and compassionate Marketplace Chaplains team can aid employees with the hopes and hurts of life. Work and life challenges are great for employees today. Companies that assist their employees in facing those challenges create a top-notch workplace and culture,” said Tereschuk.

“In this day and time, chaplains are sought out and in high demand because we are all struggling with the daily trials in life and workplace chaplains are a valuable part of our culture,” said Don Barton, VP of Human Resources at Austaco, which operates 75 Taco Bell restaurants from Waco to Del Rio, Texas.

Austaco is one of 12 largest Taco Bell franchises in the country and has been named one of Taco Bell’s elite franchises, seeing their employee turnover more than cut in half after hiring chaplains nearly 20 years ago.

“Their lives can be chaotic, like this business some of the time, but with chaplains, things calm down,” said Dirk Dozier, CEO of Austaco.  “When employees have lost hope, they struggle, and the chaplains help them find that hope again,” he added.

Among the other fast food restaurant franchises utilizing Dallas-based Marketplace Chaplains’ service are several McDonald’s locations in North Texas and elsewhere, plus Subway locations in Lima, Ohio.

Marketplace Chaplain Larry Palacios, who serves in Dallas, says the frenzied nature of the fast food business gives the chaplains a unique opportunity in today’s hectic workplace environment.

“You have to be patient when workers are so busy, and wait for the window of opportunity,” Palacios said.

Former owner Steve Sullins, who recently sold eight McDonald’s located south and east of Dallas to current Marketplace client
company owner Larry Ingram, says he sees the need for Marketplace Chaplains every day.

“During the rush times, this can be a very stressful business,” he said. “It takes a lot of hard work and teamwork to serve the
needs of customers.  Our chaplains are a vital resource to make sure nobody slips through the cracks.”

Today, more than 2,500 Marketplace Chaplains in 43 states serve in more than 2,400 client locations across the US and in 4 foreign countries.

Today, hundreds of companies from one end of the country to the other use the same type of support and encouragement, workplace chaplains provided by Dallas-based Marketplace Chaplains USA, to provide help, hope and care.

While every NFL team has a team chaplain which helps the players prepare for their weekly game, more cutting edge businesses are using the strategic innovation of Marketplace Chaplains in their regular workplace battles.

“We just didn’t want to support those (employees) with our voice, we wanted to put feet to that commitment. That’s what our chaplains do,” said North Dallas Bank CEO Mike Shipman.

In today’s tough economic times, Shipman said the bank is looking at every part of their benefit program to cut down on expenses, but the chaplain program is a vital part of caring for their people.

“We look at it as a long-term investment for our people. Any employee can excel in a healthy environment and chaplains help us achieve that healthy environment.”

Today, more than 2,500 Marketplace Chaplains serve in more than 2,400 client locations in 43 states and 4 foreign countries, providing help, hope, love and care to those in the workplace.

Marketplace Chaplains President and COO Dick De Witt underscores Mike Shipman’s words.  “Today’s businessmen and women are finding it just makes good business sense to take care of their most valuable investment, their employees and their family members.

“One of the reasons we have seen such a great growth in companies asking about our services is that life, just like the NFL, is a daily battle, and while piling on is illegal in football, it happens all too often in life. That’s what Marketplace Chaplains are for, to be there for others.”

In the Cisco survey, Senior Vice President, Marthin De Beer, said most people and employees use video technology to access essential and professional services.

“Video is happening and it’s happening today,” De Beer said in his report. By comparison, more than 2,500 Marketplace Chaplains in 43 states serving more than 2,400 client locations report most employees still seek out chaplains for face-to-face discussions about the hurts, joys and hopes of life.

“The fact a corporate chaplain has made his or her weekly visit to their place of business on a regular basis, and knows the employee by name or by sight, means more than video technology ever can,” said Greater Western Region Vice President, George Cotter, who oversees chaplains from Texas to California.

“The personal problems, crises events and strategic initiative solutions never change when helped by a caring and concerned chaplain who has a relationship of trust and confidence with employees.”

Today, Marketplace Chaplains, based in Plano (Dallas), Texas, works in every imaginable industry; from family owned to Fortune 500 companies, serving blue and white collar employees whose needs are all the same.

“Technology may always be marching on in each one of our lives every day, but the daily needs of a person’s well-being will never change,” said Marketplace Chaplains’ President and COO, Richard S. De Witt. “We all need a helping hand on occasion with the daily problems of life in today’s stressful workplace.”

Headquartered in Fayetteville, Arkansas, Pace has more than 3,000 associates, operating in dozens of states and Mexico, providing quality die-casting, manufacturing and engineering solutions. CEO Scott Bull has seen the positive impact their Chaplain Care Team has had on their associates and families for many years.

“When a manufacturing company chooses compassion as one of its core values, regardless of good intentions, following through and sustaining this characteristic is extremely difficult,” said Bull.

“We asked Marketplace Chaplains to become part of our team because we know that after our individual expressions of compassion, one of the most important elements of a compassionate company is to give people a place to go in times of crisis.”

Marketplace Chaplains Area Team Leader Chaplain John Lindsey, who oversees the 50 Pace Chaplains serving around the country, was not surprised to see this great organization implement a proactive individual care service for their employees.

“The culture of compassion and concern at Pace Industries is a direct reflection of the executive leadership. Their care for their
associates is why Marketplace Chaplains is such a good and valuable addition to their company,” said Lindsey.

“The wisdom of our choice has been proven many times over through specific and meaningful interactions of our chaplains in the lives of our associates,” Bull added.

Marketplace Chaplains already serves in 2,459 client company locations, which cover 869 cities across 43 states, and 5 foreign locations, with over 2,500 chaplains.