BY GREG LINDBERG
PHOTOS PROVIDED
Since 1993, Greater Lafayette Commerce has been selecting Small Business of the Year winners, and this year Express Employment Professionals was selected due to its prominence and success within the Greater Lafayette community for the 2024 year. Notably, Express Employment Professionals originally won Small Business of the Month in August 2023.
The success in 2024 can be attributed to the exceedingly passionate staff and leadership of owner Chuck Fish and director of operations Katie Westfall. The local effort of the company can be credited to meeting the goals and fulfilling the company’s mission statement:
“Our mission is to honor the unique value of every applicant, associate, and client, fostering an environment that enhances the quality of life and business success for all.”
In response to winning Small Business of the Year, Westfall says, “We were truly excited and honored to receive the notification. It brought a deep sense of satisfaction and accomplishment, knowing that we were meeting the needs of our community and making a positive impact in the Greater Lafayette area.”
Fish and Westfall state that several key changes in the organization helped improve service, including enhancing recruitment and training processes to ensure that Express Employment Professionals consistently matched the right talent with the right clients. It also has invested in new advanced technology that has helped the business to “streamline communication, improve efficiency and better track performance,” according to Westfall.
Westfall adds that improvements also have occurred that focus on fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability. This effort has promoted continuous improvement, making sure the team stays motivated and united with the needs of the clients.
These various changes have permitted Express Employment Professionals to provide exceptional service and generate a meaningful impact in the community. Westfall adds, “Express Employment Professionals of Lafayette plays a vital role in supporting the Greater Lafayette community by connecting businesses with reliable, skilled talent and providing job opportunities to individuals.”
One main goal of the staffing agency has been to fill the gap between employers’ needs and the skills of those seeking jobs. These employment solutions allow Express Employment Professionals to contribute to all local businesses and permit candidates to build a career that is impactful and meaningful to them.
“We are committed to improving the overall quality of life in the Greater Lafayette area by fostering a strong workforce, promoting community development and being a trusted partner to both employers and job seekers,” Westfall says.
The company’s future goals include expanding the reach throughout Greater Lafayette to assist even more businesses and job seekers. Westfall emphasizes they also want to skillfully maintain their commitment to personalized, high-quality service.
With technological advances that will continue to improve the recruitment process, Express Employment Professionals can better ensure connections with top talent that will be given the most appropriate opportunities based on their skills and background. With the addition of expanding to more specialized markets, Westfall says their main goal is to “continue being a trusted partner in driving local economic growth and helping individuals build successful careers.”
Westfall and Fish are grateful to Greater Lafayette Commerce for awarding the company Small Business of the Year.
“This recognition is an honor, and we are incredibly thankful for the opportunity to contribute to the growth and success of our community,” Westfall says. “We are proud to be part of such a vibrant and supportive network of local businesses, and we look forward to continuing our work to make a positive impact in the Greater Lafayette area. Thank you for your continued support and partnership.” ★
Express Employment Professionals has been operating globally since 1983 but started providing job placement and work solutions in Greater Lafayette in 2002. The Lafayette branch is located at 2200 Scott St., Lafayette. Call Express Employment Professionals at 765-449-5200 for pricing, hours and directions.
