Several North Texas companies which use the strategic initiative of Marketplace Chaplains USA were recently honored in the prestigious annual “Top 100 Best Places to Work List” by the Dallas Morning News.

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.