New Richmond, Wisconsin – Family Friendly Workplaces announced today that it has certified 45th Parallel in New Richmond as a gold-level Family Friendly Workplace, their highest distinction. The certification recognizes 45th Parallel’s commitment to providing a workplace that supports the needs of families.

"We are fortunate to be a part of an amazing community with programs and resources like Halos,” said 45th Parallel. “We strive to offer our employees the pay and benefits they need to provide for their family and remain a part of New Richmond.  Programs like FFW are a privilege to be a part of because not only are we able to have a positive impact in the lives of our staff, but can also help have an impact with local non-profits."

To be certified, Family Friendly Workplaces conducted a thorough review of 45th Parallel’s human resources policies and practices, awarding points in their matrix for policies and practices which support families and children. The matrix covers a wide range of topics including health care, time off, flexible work arrangements, child care, early childhood support, and others.

As a certified employer, 45th Parallel can use the Family Friendly Workplaces logo in their marketing and recruitment efforts, as well as access a wide-range of additional resources.

“We are proud to showcase 45th Parallel and the family-supporting benefits they provide their employees,” said Neil Kline, Executive Director of Family Friendly Workplaces. “They are the first employer in the hospitality industry to be certified as Family Friendly, and are setting an example we hope others in the industry will follow.”

As part of their certification, 45th Parallel committed to annually contributing to a nonprofit that supports families. This year, they routed their donation to Halos of the St. Croix Valley, a New Richmond nonprofit that provides emotional and financial support to bereaved parents who have lost a child from miscarriage through age 20 and reside in Minnesota or Wisconsin.

Western and northwestern Wisconsin face a long-term human resources challenge which demands a strategic approach to address. The Family Friendly Workplaces Certification Program is designed to help employers compete for talent today, while also strategically addressing this long-term problem.

To learn more about Family Friendly Workplaces and its certification program, please visit www.familyfriendlyworkplaces.org.

Paul Werni from 45th Parallel presented Halos volunteer Alexa Becker with their conduit contribution to Halos of the St. Croix Valley in New Richmond May 23, 2023.

In attendance (from left to right) was Alexa Becker (Halos volunteer), Paul Werni (Owner, 45th Parallel), and Neil Kline (Executive Director, Family Friendly Workplaces).

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Family Friendly Workplaces works to address western Wisconsin's workforce shortage, and strengthen western Wisconsin families, by certifying businesses as Family Friendly, and encouraging the adoption of Family Friendly practices. For more information, visit www.familyfriendlyworkplaces.org or follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/familyfriendlyworkplaces.