Companies striking the right balance of taking care of employees while operating a successful organization were recognized tonight at the Indiana Roof Ballroom by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce. The group unveiled rankings for the 70 companies from throughout the state that made the 2011 Best Places to Work in Indiana list (which was released February 22). The awards dinner was presented by Comcast.

Two Central Indiana companies walked away with top honors. E-gineering, a technology consulting firm on the northeast side of Indianapolis that began operations in 2000, garnered first place in the small to medium-sized employer category. Among large employers it was the Microsoft Corporation, whose local office has delivered business consulting on software and technology solutions for more than 20 years. Both companies are new to the top spot; for E-gineering, this is the first year participating in the program.

Five companies — Ash Brokerage (Fort Wayne), Columbus Regional Hospital, Edward Jones (statewide), Katz, Sapper & Miller (Indianapolis) and KPMG (Indianapolis) — have made the Best Places to Work list all six years of the program’s existence.

The top companies in the state are determined through employer reports and comprehensive employee surveys. Winners were selected from two categories: small to medium-sized companies of between 15 and 249 U.S. employees, and large-sized companies consisting of 250 or more employees nationwide. Out-of-state parent companies were eligible to participate if at least 15 full-time employees are in Indiana.

The Best Companies Group, which handled the selection process, oversees similar programs in 21 other states.

"E-gineering and Microsoft embody what strong workplaces should look like – they are rooted in respect, teamwork and good communication, and, where possible, promote professional growth," states Indiana Chamber President Kevin Brinegar. "All the organizations honored tonight are exemplary employers that foster a positive and productive work environment."

See the full release here.