When a corporate giant like E. I. Du Pont De Nemours and Company (DuPont), the Delaware based diversified manufacturer, makes Respect for People one of its four core values, alongside Safety, Exhibiting the highest Ethical Standards and Protecting the Environment, they must be onto something.

Respect has always been a key value within Johnsonville Sausage, a Wisconsin-headquartered company committed to excellence in every facet of sausage making. Respect is a key component of their Guiding Principles and one of their Supporting Values, which Johnsonville defines as: Respect, to show consideration for someone else as a person and to treat him or her as you would want to be treated, at all times.

In the summer of 2010, Medical Mutual of Ohio partnered with Legacy Business Cultures to help launch Mutual Respect, an initiative that would build on the company’s already-strong employee satisfaction ratings and turn it into an active force to improve many areas, including customer service, employee commitment and trust.

“We need to continue to change to be successful,” was the realization reached by Hank Kelm, general manager of Hyson Products, Brecksville, Ohio. The company was struggling with change, not only with their product mix, but also their place in the global market, and even technology on the plant floor.

There is no secret that small business drives the American economy and employees drive small business. Century Federal Credit Union (CFCU) of Cleveland, Ohio recognizes that it is their staff that will keep members satisfied and partners for years to come.