SEATTLE — Port Madison Enterprises was named as one of the finalists for Washington’s Best Workplaces by the Puget Sound Business Journal.

The program was launched in 2007 to identify and recognize best practices in the hiring and retention of great people. More than 300 businesses were nominated and surveys were completed by nominee-company employees. Workplaces in four different categories were identified as Washington’s best based on their various employee benefit offerings, leadership culture and work/life balance philosophies. In total, 85 companies have made the grade as finalists.

Port Madison Enterprises is the economic arm of the Suquamish Tribe. PME operates a diverse collection of highly successful businesses in Kitsap County, with more than 750 people working in retail, hospitality and entertainment. The company includes Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort, White Horse Golf Course, the historic Kiana Lodge, Suquamish Village Shell, Longhouse Texaco and the Masi Shop. PME also includes a newly developed property management firm with several commercial and residential properties in North Kitsap.

In addition to complete health coverage for full-time employees, PME offers comprehensive education, training and wellness programs. The company is currently partnered with Olympic College to create a certificate program for tribal enterprises, including gaming and hospitality courses.

PME and the Suquamish Tribe are also one of the most charitable donors in Kitsap County, donating nearly $750,000 a year through the PME Fund.

“It is an extreme honor for PME, and a true testimony to our dedicated employees who work endlessly to provide quality customer service to our guests,” Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort General Manager Rich Purser said in a press release.

Gordon Prouty, publisher of the Business Journal, said, “Workforce development has never been more important – or more difficult – than it is in today’s global economy. We believe the Business Journal has an important role to play in drawing attention to innovations and excellence in the management of our region’s No. 1 resource: its people.”

The finalists will be celebrated at an awards event at Safeco Field on Aug. 9, 4:30-7:30 p.m. The celebration will include ballpark food and drink, walking the bases, speed pitching, and an awards presentation. The company with the greatest number of employees present will win a suite at a future Seattle Mariners game.