We are happy to announce that Jennifer Lesher was asked to return as a guest judge to help determine the Orlando Sentinel's 2011 Top 100 Companies for Working Families.  This will be her third year acting as an independent HR expert for the Top 100 awards program.

Every year, the Orlando Sentinel invites family-friendly companies in Central Florida to submit applications for consideration, which consisted of a series of questions to determine what benefits are provided in categories of core benefits, family-related benefits, work environment, communication, and training.  Applications were scored on a point basis.

Companies were split into two categories: companies with 249 employees or less, and companies that have 250 employees or more.  The final list was composed of the companies with the top 50 scores in each size category, which collectively form the Top 100.  The companies with the highest score in each size category were named the Corporate Champions of the Year.  An independent panel of seven local human resources experts reviewed the applications and supporting documents uploaded by the applicants to determine the winner for the Cutting Edge Award and the Community Service Champion Award.  The judges also selected the Family Champion Award and Employees' Choice Award based on nomination letters submitted by employees.  The top 100 list and award results were released in a special edition of the Orlando Sentinel on Sunday August 7th, 2011.

The Top 100 Companies for Working Families program is coordinated by the Orlando Sentinel.