McKinley Carter Wealth Services, a financial services firm headquartered in Wheeling, W.Va, has been recognized as a Five-Diamond Certified Employer by the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce. Established to honor West Virginia-based companies that exhibit an outstanding commitment to employee development, community service, and employee empowerment, the awards were announced at the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Human Resources Conference, recently held in Charleston, W.Va. All chamber member companies doing business in the state of West Virginia were eligible for the award, and McKinley Carter was one of just a dozen companies honored statewide. To be considered for the award, the WV Chamber considered the following areas as they relate to McKinley Carter’s five-region operation: current employee policies, standard practices, continuing education opportunities, community service participation, and the ways in which the firm aims to empower its employees.

McKinley Carter President and Managing Director David McKinley, CFP®, attributes this statewide recognition to the firm’s highly professional advisors and operational staff.

“The successes we have achieved are attributed to the quality of our team members and the bonds we share,” McKinley said. “The Five Diamond Employer Award is a wonderful affirmation of what we've known for years — investments in our people produce tremendous returns for our team and the clients we serve.”

Upon awarding the Five-Diamond Employer designation, West Virginia Chamber of Commerce President Steve Roberts said McKinley Carter is one of the employers setting the standard in the Mountain State.

“Your company is raising the bar for what it means to be an employer,” Roberts said. “Through the empowerment of your employees, participating in your community, and continuing the development and integration of education opportunities for employees, you set the standard for businesses as a whole on how to pursue your goals in a manner that uplifts all.”

While headquartered in Wheeling, McKinley Carter Wealth Services operates additional West Virginia offices in Charleston and Parkersburg, as well as offices in the Pittsburgh, Pa., and D.C. Metro region. The firm has enjoyed both national and additional regional recognition of late.

Last summer, McKinley Carter was named a Top 100 U.S Fee-Only Wealth Manager by CNBC, an authority in the financial industry. The firm was ranked 80^th out of a nationwide pool of more than 15,000 fee-only wealth managers.

McKinley Carter’s Pittsburgh office has also received industry recognition as Director of Advisory Services/Chief Compliance Officer Brian Gongaware, CFP®, and Retirement Plan Specialist Rod Diaz, CRPS®, AIF®, both received the “2016 Five-Star Wealth Manager Award” from Pittsburgh Magazine. In fact, this was Gongaware’s fifth consecutive year to receive the prestigious honor.

McKinley Carter Wealth Services is an SEC-registered independent wealth management firm that provides Wealth Management and Trust Services for individuals and families committed to growing and protecting their wealth across multiple generations; Retirement Planning Services for businesses focused on the long-term financial success of their owners and employees; and Nonprofit Advisory Services for nonprofit organizations seeking long-term financial security and sustainability.

To learn more about the CNBC Top 100 Wealth Managers List, visit the CNBC website at www.cnbc.com/id/102605785