"100 Best Companies to Work For"

For the twelfth consecutive year, FORTUNE magazine has honored REI as one of the "100 Best Companies to Work for in America." We currently rank number 12 on the 2009 list. Further, we are one of only 14 employers included every year since the FORTUNE first compiled the list in 1998, and one of only five companies also included in two earlier book versions.

The "100 Best" consideration process is two-fold: Two-thirds of FORTUNE's final ranking is based on the results of an employee survey conducted by the Great Places to Work Institute, where 400 randomly selected REI employees are asked their opinions on workplace pride, respect, credibility, fairness and camaraderie. The remaining one-third is based on company-provided information regarding our culture, policies and benefits.

Our ranking is reflective of our workplace culture where employees are passionate about helping customers deepen their connection to nature, and where they are engaged in volunteerism and environmental stewardship in their communities. We also recognize that our generous benefits package contributes to employee satisfaction. In addition to our healthcare and retirement benefits, employees are eligible for gear grants, discounts on gear, public transportation subsidies and paid sabbaticals after 15 years of service.

In 2008, REI also earned the highest possible rating on the Corporate Equality Index. Developed by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), this annual survey measures how well U.S. employers treat their gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender employees, consumers and vendors.

Beyond these recognitions, we are encouraged by two significant indicators – a high level of employee engagement as demonstrated in our annual survey and industry-leading retention rates. These are true measures of success that demonstrate we are fostering a welcoming and rewarding workplace.