Philadelphia, PA, June 23, 2010 – Inc. Magazine and Winning Workplaces have announced the winners and finalists of the 2010 Top Small Company Workplaces competition – the best small and mid-sized places to work in the country – in Inc.’s June issue. Based on its strong commitment to providing a stimulating, intellectually challenging and open environment for its employees, Azavea , an award-winning geospatial analysis (GIS) software development company, secured a place in the list of 20 finalists nationwide. Over 500 completed applications were submitted by companies nationwide for the contest. A national panel of experts in leadership and small to mid-sized business judged the finalists based on specific metrics and qualitative assessments of their success in creating the kind of workplaces that engage employees and deliver successful results. The common characteristics of the Top Small Company Workplaces winners and finalists include a commitment to aligning their workforce with a clear vision, mission, and values; communicating with openness and trust; and investing in employees’ continuous learning and development. These values are in line with Azavea’s recent B Corporation certification, which resulted from a comprehensive survey meant to verify the company’s transparent social and environmental performance standards, as well as its commitment to creating benefit for all its stakeholders. Inc. Magazine writes about Azavea, “This 24-person firm prides itself in its ability to hire smart people to engage in intellectually challenging work that has real social value. Their interdisciplinary approach in a relaxed work setting allows them to consistently create highly crafted, user-friendly web solutions solving tough geospatial problems. Leadership generously shares profits with employees and continually challenges them to pursue their own research projects to stretch their abilities and open up new avenues for the firm. Despite the recent downturn that severely impacted many of their government and nonprofit clients, Azavea more than doubled in size from 2006-2009.” “It is truly an honor to have been selected for the list of the Top Small Company Workplaces nationwide. When I founded the firm, I was seeking to combine the intellectual vibrancy of a research organization with the social values of a non-profit and the drive of a private firm. From the office layout and monthly Brown Bag Lunches to our benefit package that includes 10% time for personal research projects, training and continuing education expense reimbursements, we try to create a place where smart people can collaborate more effectively and feel intellectually stimulated.” says Robert Cheetham, President and CEO of Azavea. "This year’s honorees show that the quality of the workplace can be a competitive advantage. I’m amazed at how well they have come through the recession. Clearly, their commitment to their values and people practices are an important part of this success," says Gaye van den Hombergh, President of Winning Workplaces. The 2010 Top Small Company Workplaces list of winners and finalists is available at: http://www.winningworkplaces.org/honorees/ In 2009 and 2010 Azavea was awarded placement on several notable ‘winning businesses’ lists: In 2010 Azavea was also named a 2010 ESRI Business Partner of the Year.