Fusionfarm, Geonetric, Hagie Manufacturing and The Iowa City Area Development (ICAD) Group were among the 41 organizations certified this year as part of the WorldBlu List of Most Democratic Workplaces™, published annually on “Democracy in the Workplace Day.” Based entirely on employee feedback, this groundbreaking global award shines a spotlight on visionary organizations that practice successful organizational democracy.
The WorldBlu survey evaluates an organization’s practice of ten democratic principles including transparency, integrity, dialogue and listening, accountability and choice on leadership, individualism, systems, and processes. Organizations become eligible for a spot on the WorldBlu List of Most Democratic Workplaces™ after employees complete The WorldBlu Design Assessment™, a survey evaluating their practice of the WorldBlu 10 Principles of Organizational Democracy™, with an overall combined score of 3.5/5 or higher.
“People would rather work in organizations that are based on freedom and democracy rather than fear and control,” comments WorldBlu Founder, CEO and Iowa native, Traci Fenton. “WorldBlu-certified organizations model how freedom and democracy in the workplace unleashes the human spirit in order to build high performing companies that change the world for the better.”
ICAD Group, Geonetric and Fusionfarm are located the greater Iowa City/Cedar Rapids area known as Iowa’s Creative Corridor. This is Fusionfarm’s second consecutive year on the list. Hagie Manufacturing is located in the North Central Iowa community of Clarion.
Regarding her home state’s presence on this global list, Fenton states, “It’s exciting to see the collective efforts in Iowa to create democratic workplaces paying off. Being raised in Iowa, I take pride in the focus the state is taking on creating impressive workplace cultures.”
 
Well-known companies to make the WorldBlu List include Zappos.com, Menlo Innovations, New Belgium Brewery, DaVita, and The WD-40 Company. The organizations ranged in size from five to 65,000 employees representing over $11 billion in combined annual revenue. For-profit and non-profit organizations from across the US, Canada, Mexico, the UK, Netherlands, Denmark, Malaysia, Haiti, New Zealand, Belgium and Romania made the WorldBlu List from a diversity of industries including technology, manufacturing, healthcare, retail, and services.
About Fusionfarm
Fusionfarm is an award-winning digital marketing and creative agency devoted to helping businesses grow in Iowa and nationally. Fusionfarm’s team is comprised of 60+ cross-functional professionals that excel in every area of the digital marketing including web development, branding, campaign development, broadcast, video, animation and more. Fusionfarm has a nimble and collaborative culture, and takes a holistic and democratic approach to growing its business.        http://www.fusionfarm.com
About Geonetric®
Geonetric is a 14–year–old software company that builds websites for hospitals around the country. The Cedar Rapids–based company employs more than 70 creative and talented individuals. Geonetric is continuously recognized for its exceptional work environment. In addition to the company’s efforts in advancing the healthcare technology industry, it has also focused on improving the Cedar Rapids community. Whether by supporting local entrepreneurship efforts or building websites for non–profits during the company’s annual Operation Overnight event, community involvement is built into the foundation of Geonetric’s culture.  http://www.geonetric.com
About ICAD Group
ICAD Group creates, collaborates and leads regional economic development initiatives that contribute to the creation and growth of companies, wealth and quality jobs through a spirit of innovation and a culture of sharing that transforms knowledge into economic opportunity. Formed in 1984, the group serves the communities of Iowa City, Coralville, North Liberty, Kalona, Solon, Tiffin, Tipton, the Amana Colonies, West Branch, West Liberty and Johnson County. http://www.icadgroup.com
About Hagie Manufacturing Group
Hagie Manufacturing is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of nutrient and crop protection application equipment. For more than 60 years, the Hagie family has operated Hagie Manufacturing Company with integrity, putting the company and employees' best interests ahead of their own. These principals show through in every aspect of the business and are the code to the company values. http://www.hagie.com