West Bend, IA (December 15, 2025) – Country Maid, Inc. has been named one of two recipients of the 2025 National Best Place for Working Parents® Innovator Award, a national recognition presented by the Best Place for Working Parents®. The award honors organizations that demonstrate an exceptional commitment to creating a family-friendly workplace through research-backed policies and practices.
Selected from thousands of applicants nationwide, Country Maid was recognized in the Small Business category for its comprehensive approach to supporting working parents and caregivers. The award is determined by the Best Place for Working Parents® steering committee and reflects both policy innovation and demonstrated impact on employees.
Country Maid offers a range of family-focused benefits, including paid parental leave, a “Ramp On/Off” program to support transitions before and after maternity leave, nursing benefits, and a “Bundle of Joy” monetary bonus to help offset costs during a child’s first year. Additional offerings include flexible work arrangements, remote options, and paid time off for college visits. The company also regularly reviews its policies by gathering employee feedback on how work and home responsibilities intersect.
“With a large family, I know firsthand that when people feel supported at home, they can bring their best to work,” said Darin Massner, CEO of Country Maid, Inc. “From our earliest days, our founders believed if we honored God and cared for people, we would be successful. A family-friendly workplace is one way we continue that legacy today.”
The National Innovator Award highlights organizations that serve as models for other employers seeking to strengthen their workplace culture while supporting working parents. Country Maid joins Bank of America, the Large Business recipient, as the two national honorees for 2025.
About Best Place for Working Parents®
Best Place for Working Parents® is a national network of businesses committed to implementing evidence-based, family-friendly workplace policies that support working parents and strengthen business outcomes. The organization offers a competitive designation and recognizes innovation across key policy areas that benefit both employees and employers.
For more information, visit https://bestplace4workingparents.com/.
About Country Maid, Inc.
Country Maid, Inc., a 100% employee-owned company, manufactures an extensive selection of premium bakery items and iconic brands that are available in both fundraising and retail markets, including the “famous” Butter Braid® Pastry. Country Maid, together with its national network of dealerships, has helped fundraising groups across the nation raise over $360 million for thousands of worthy causes. Employing over 90 workers from 30 northwest Iowa communities, Country Maid continues to grow and live out its mission of “Helping Others Help Each Other”.
For more information on Country Maid, Inc., visit www.countrymaid.net.
