FISC San Diego wins Best Company Award - Around NAVSUP

Navy Supply Corps Newsletter, March-April, 2003 by Susan A. Civitillo

SAN DIEGO, Dec. 11--The Fleet and Industrial Supply Center San Diego, San Diego, a field activity of the Naval Supply Systems Command, headquartered in Mechanicsburg, Pa., was named one of the "best companies to work for in San Diego" in 2002 by the San Diego Business Journal. It is the second time FISC San Diego received this distinction in the past three years. FISC and 41 other finalists were recognized at the 4th Annual Awards Luncheon held on Dec. 10.

The Best Companies Award program recognizes local companies who have worked hard to create positive, productive, committed work environments for their employees. Organizations were nominated for the award by their employees and evaluated on the following criteria: company mission statement, employee recognition, employee turnover rate, employee satisfaction, training and education programs, equality and diversity, work-force empowerment, communication, benefits, and overall working environment.

Nominees were divided into three separate categories--small, medium and large business--based on their number of employees. FISC San Diego was one of three winners in the medium business category.

FISC distinguished itself as one of the best employers in San Diego based on its ability to share power and information throughout the organization, its employee empowerment and involvement strategies, its compelling vision, its ongoing learning initiatives, its relentless focus on customer service and results, and its energizing systems and structures.

The culture throughout FISC San Diego stems from a shared value--the belief that "none of us is as smart as all of us." This value underpins the sharing of power and information. Recruitment and work-force training enforces the values of shared power, self-empowerment, and employee involvement.

"One of FISC San Diego's strategic goals is to develop our people into a skilled and flexible logistics team that is involved, motivated and focused on enterprise goals," said Ann Braeutigam, Workforce Development Division director. "Each employee must have an Individual Development Plan established, which identifies training and related developmental requirements."

According to Human Resources Director Lynne Lester, the low turnover rate provides a strong statement that employees do want to work at FISC San Diego. "The primary reasons the turnover rate stays at around 3 percent are excellent employee benefits, job stability even in turbulent times, and the opportunity to serve our nation by contributing to its national defense," she said.

FISC San Diego's robust communication program keeps employees informed and motivated. "Our program emphasizes two-way communication between command leadership and employees," explained Nannette Davis, the command's public affairs officer. "It's important for employees to have opportunities to ask questions and have a voice in decisions that affect them."

"FISC San Diego is known across the Navy as a leader and our work is worthwhile because it stays cutting edge," remarked business analyst M. E. "Gene" Hepler. "We lead with innovative products and services, excellent employee training, a diverse and talented work force, and a safe work place," he said. "Our leaders empower us to take risks, to create new business and do the right things for our customers. And, we have the passion and commitment to know we can do it."

The award nomination for FISC San Diego was written and submitted on behalf of the command's 750 military and civilian employees by Braeutigam, Davis, Lester, Hepler, business analyst Terry Koch, and employee development specialist Terri Bratcher.

The San Diego Business Journal, a weekly newspaper serving the area since 1994, focuses on the region's business community.

For more FISC San Diego news, go to www.sd.fisc.navy.mil.

Susan A. Civitillo FISC San Diego Public Affairs