While workplace chaplaincy is still new to many U.S. companies and employees, corporations across the country from Texas to Florida, have been honored recently and cite using the innovative employee benefit of Marketplace Chaplains USA as a component to their success.

The most recent client company honor was awarded to Irving-based Pioneer Natural Resources USA Inc., which was named as the No. 2 large company “Best Places to Work” in the recent The Dallas Morning News “Top 100 Places to Work” competition.

“We place great emphasis on our culture…,” said Pioneer President and COO Tim Dove, who has utilized Marketplace Chaplains since January 2013, to serve his thousands of employees in a multi-state company.

While the award mentioned the family-friendly atmosphere at Pioneer along with the company recreational time, Vice President Paul McDonald said having Marketplace Chaplains was a hidden benefit to the company’s rise as one of the best places to work in the area.

“The significance of Marketplace Chaplains is that we are taking the extra step in telling people we care for them and that transcends winning a nice trip,” added McDonald.

Regardless of the size of the company, region or location, innovative CEOs agree that having Marketplace Chaplains has helped improve their company and employee morale.

Houston-based client company David Weekley Homes was named 17^th nationally in the “Top 100 Best Places to Work” list, by FORTUNE Magazine. “Happy Team Members make for happy customers. At David Weekley Homes, we don’t want work to be a place where you clock in and tune out,” Weekley said after the Fortune award. “We want our people to be excited, inspired and delighted. Our secret is making David Weekley Homes an extraordinary place to work.”

The multi-state home builder has employed Marketplace Chaplains since 2002. Regal Marine Industries, Inc., has used Marketplace Chaplains in its Orlando-area luxury boat building business since 1999 and, recently, their employees gave the chaplain service 3.5 out of a possible 5 for best employee benefit.

McLane Foodservice, based in Dallas, has been honored consecutively as one of the top places to work in North Texas, since the inception of The Dallas Morning News contest in 2009.  “People stay here because they are happy,” said Tom Zatina, President of McLane Foodservice, who has used Marketplace Chaplains since 1991.

Client company Huffines Automobile Dealerships has also been honored in the large company dealerships. “Helping our employees with chaplains is one of the best things we do here. Our chaplains help honor their service and hear their needs and concerns,” said Ray Huffiness President and CEO.

Marketplace President and COO Richard S. De Witt spent most of his career working in corporate America, and said these recent awards showcase what companies using chaplains do best.  “Regardless of the size, location or even awards, it’s gratifying to see these visionary CEOs honored for doing what all businesses seek to accomplish, helping their employees help the business, by providing Marketplace Chaplains.”