Eclipse Awards Named British Columbia's Best Employer

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - March 13, 2012) - Eclipse Awards, a leading designer of recognition awards and programs that drive change in businesses and organizations, from Microsoft to the US Marine Corps, has been named BC's Best Employer.

The company was recognized earlier this month by Small Business BC, for its commitment to creating a healthy, safe and inspiring place to work, as well as significant contributions to Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, where the company is based.

"Our resiliency has been because of our commitment to our staff, the community and the environment, not in spite of it," says Toby Barazzuol, President of Eclipse Awards. "That is the lesson that we hope to share with other small businesses."

In 2010, Eclipse, which specializes in hand-crafted crystal recognition awards as well as eco-friendly green awards made from reclaimed materials, became the 8^th company in British Columbia to be recognized as a member of the Living Wage for families campaign.

In addition to paying its employees a living wage, the company offers subsidized transit passes and cash incentives for staff who walk or bike to work, and the work space features abundant natural light and a 2000 sq. ft. green roof with gardening plots for staff.

When the economic downturn hit in November of 2008, rather than laying off employees, the company was able to transition to a four day work week, a move Barazzuol says was only possible because of the transparent work environment and supportive culture developed through the company's commitment to its employees.

"As a company, our mission is to help other organizations recognize and celebrate the human side of business and sustainability," says Barazzuol. "This philosophy guides how our company operates and how we value our team. This award is a great reminder of why we do what we do."

Founded in 1998, Eclipse Awards is an experienced, world-class supplier of crystal awards, green awards and glass recognition awards. Clients include NASA, Microsoft, Molson, Canada Green Building Council and the U.S. Marine Corps. For more information visit: http://www.eclipseawards.com.