Christian publisher Tate Publishing was recently named a finalist for the “Best Places to Work in Oklahoma” program. Most of the other 15 companies that were finalists have been operating for many years, and some are publicly owned.

“We would have been thrilled to be ranked as # 15 – to be included in this group is validation for everything that we have worked for and tried to provide for our great employees. So when the top 10 were named and we weren’t among those, we were even more elated. To be named #2 in the state was an incredible affirmation that we are on target,” commented Ryan Tate, CEO and President of the Mustang, Oklahoma publishing house.

There were two size categories participating in the contest. Small corporations qualified with under 250 employees. Then large corporations were represented with 250 or more employees. Currently Tate Publishing has 100 employees. The contest is based on staff surveys that include questions about training, support, environment, and work schedules. Following are the top five 2008 winners in the under 250 employees category.

CFR Insurance & Risk Management, Tulsa

TATE PUBLISHING & ENTERPRISES, Mustang

Tullius, Taylor, Sartain & Sartain, Tulsa

Scott & Goble Architects, Inc, Tulsa

Coppermark Bank, Oklahoma City

In keeping with their “Best Place to Work” reputation, all Tate employees were given the afternoon off the next day after the announcement was made. “It was the responses and feedback of the staff that made the difference in the survey—everyone deserved to be rewarded!” said Ryan Tate. The company has recently launched a new Christian music label, Tate Music Group, and currently has several artists in production.