Continuing with our annual tradition, The NEWS is proud to announce the winners of the 2011 Best Contractors to Work For contest. These contractors are being honored for creating work environments that not only nurture employees but also provide them with opportunities for growth and development.

When Bob Tudi founded Tudi Mechanical in Pittsburgh 25 years ago, he established a practice of valuing the tech and the office guy equally, and taking care of them and their families. The company has been named The NEWS’ Best Contractor To Work For in the East region.

When The NEWS accepts nominations for its Best Contractor to Work For contest, applicants are asked to include answers to 23 “yes” or “no” questions that have been developed as a way to measure what makes a contractor the best. When the application for Casteel Heating and Cooling came in, 22 of the 23 questions were answered with “yeses.”

With a laminated quote from Lloyd Shearer in one hand and HVAC training in the other, Don Millard began Bel Red Heating and Air Conditioning. Twenty-six years and a name change later, Bel Red Energy Solutions of Mukilteo, Wash., is being honored as The NEWS’ Best Contractor to Work For in the West region.

“We make a big deal of training here,” said Josh Bigelow, president of Great Dane Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. in Clinton Township, Mich. That statement summarizes how important training is at Great Dane, The NEWS’ 2012 Best Contractor to Work For in the North Central Region.

How does your business look now, compared to five years ago? What is the staff size? Work loads? Staff satisfaction? This may be an interesting year for The NEWS’ Best Contractor to Work For (BCTWF) contest.