Several biotech companies operating in Arizona made Fortune magazine's "100 Best Companies to Work for 2007" list.

Genentech, which has a presence in Scottsdale and in Higley, was ranked No. 2. Fortune highlighted the company's sabbatical program that allows employees to take a six-week paid sabbatical every six years of service.

W.L. Gore and Associates, which has a location in Flagstaff, placed 10th nationwide. Gore was featured for using a "nonhierarchical" system of management and for promoting from within the company.

Genzyme, which has a diagnostic testing location in Phoenix, was listed as No. 43 for giving 96 to 98 percent of its employees stock options each year for the past 15 years.

Mayo Clinic, which has a campus in Scottsdale, ranked 62nd for its comprehensive employee healthcare plan. The plan includes extras like a pregnancy advisor, a 24-hour nurse hotline, and air ambulance services. Retirees also get full coverage.

Drug company AstraZeneca, which is currently moving its western region operations to the Collier Center in downtown Phoenix, came in at No. 71. The company was featured for its efforts to align staff via town hall meetings, newsletters, road shows, and breakfasts with the U.S. CEO.

Tempe-based Medtronic held the No. 72 position. Fortune highlighted the medical device company for its holiday parties, where employees gather to hear the stories of patients whose lives were improved or saved by Medtronic's products.

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More information:

"100 best companies to work for 2007," CNNMoney.com, 01/22/2007