Kootenai County offers some of the best places to work in Idaho, according to a report released by an independent human resource and marketing firm.

Populus, located in Meridian, released its Best Places to Work in Idaho rankings for 2015 based on employee surveys.

Twelve employers that have a presence here - seven in the Large employer category of 100 or more employees and five in the Small category of 20 to 99 employees - were recognized in the report.

Moneytree, Inc., a provider of retail financial services, was ranked seventh, D.A. Davidson and Co. ninth and Ednetics 10th in the Small category.

Ednetics in Post Falls was the lone local company based here that was recognized. The company, which has 69 employees in Idaho, provides technical solutions for education and government operations. This was the first year the company participated in the contest.

"We place an incredible importance on our team and are thrilled to be recognized," said Shawn Swanby, Ednetics president. "We truly care about our employees and see this as both a validation of our efforts to make Ednetics a great place to work and also as motivation to find new and creative ways to provide an outstanding and meaningful work environment."

According to the company's narrative, "We offer a fun geek culture that includes Nerf gun wars, chili cookoffs... We have Happy Fridays several times throughout the year as a way to help our employees unwind at the end of the week. These can be anything from milk and cookies to beer and wine tastings. Twice a year, we host a themed team-building meeting that includes employees from all offices."

D.A. Davidson offers an employee scholarship program, cellphone and computer discounts, holiday gifts and free financial advice.

Companies with local offices that earned honorable mention in the Small category were Hawley Troxell LLP and Syringa Property Management.

In the Large category, Edward Jones was ranked second, TitleOne Corporation third, Encompass Home Health and Hospice sixth and Potlatch No. 1 Federal Credit Union seventh. Idaho Housing and Finance Association, Title Financial Corporation and Zions Bank received honorable mention.

Title One has made the top 10 list for the past four years.

"It's more and more important for workplaces to not only address the needs of their customers, but also of their employees in innovative and interactive ways," said Mark Tidd, CEO. "As a growing escrow and title company, it is important for us to monitor how we are doing as we expand.

"This workplace award reinforces our environment and culture as well as our ability to retain and recruit great employees, who in turn provide legendary service to our customers."

As part of the survey, employees anonymously share what it's like to work at their company by rating their overall satisfaction with management as well as workplace factors such as work-life balance, compensation and benefits and career advancement opportunities.

To participate in the contest, employers must register online. In addition, anyone can nominate a company with 10 or more Idaho-based employees. Nominated organizations must complete the registration process to be included in the contest.

This is the eighth year that Populus has released employer rankings.