MPC Earns National Honor as a Best Workplace for Commuters

MPC, along with five other area employers, was recently recognized for achieving the National Standards of Excellence as a Best Workplace for Commuters. This designation is awarded by the National Center for Transit Research (NCTR) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Prior to this, only one other company in the state of Tennessee held this designation. An awards ceremony was held March 29 at Market Square to honor the local winners.

Julie Bond, Program Manager for the Best Workplaces for Commuters initiative, presented awards to MPC, Elizabeth Eason Architecture, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Mast General Store, Red Chair Architects, and The Tennessee Valley Authority, each of which participate in Smart Trips, the commuter awareness program housed within MPC.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, City of Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero remarked, "One of the first questions prospective businesses ask when considering moving to or expanding in Knoxville is about air quality. By earning this designation, these businesses have shown their commitment to improving air quality and the quality of business in Knoxville." Also on hand to honor the Best Workplaces designees was Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett.

To earn Best Workplaces for Commuters recognition, employers must offer a mix of primary and secondary transportation benefits to employees. MPC, for example, provides a significant telework and compressed work week program and also offers KAT bus passes to its employees. Smart Trips provides many of the secondary benefits necessary for businesses to qualify for the designation, including an Emergency Ride Home program, a Commuter Rewards gift card recognition program, and free carpool ridematching.

Specific details on the Best Workplaces for Commuters standards can be found at http://www.bestworkplaces.org/about1/standard-of-excellence/. More information about the Smart Trips programcan be found on its website.

Posted 4-04-2012, written by Alisa Ashouri