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2009-04-01

CONTACT: REI Public Affairs (253) 395-5958

REI Announces 2009 Board Election Results at Annual Membership Meeting

Outdoor gear and apparel retailer Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) announced its 2009 board election results during its annual membership meeting held Monday, March 30 at the Seattle flagship store.

Cooperative members voted to return incumbents Ivar Chhina, Joanne Harrell and Chuck Katz to three-year terms. 

Chhina of Burlingame, Calif., was elected to his second term on the REI board of directors. Chhina is a venture partner in a capital/private equity firm.  In 2008, he served as the vice chair for the co-op’s board and chair of the REI’s Audit and Finance Committee.

Harrell of Seattle, Wash., was elected to a third term on the board after her initial appointment in 2001.  Last year, she served as the chair of REI’s Compensation Committee. Harrell is an executive at a worldwide software company.   

Katz of Palo Alto, Calif., was elected to his ninth year on REI’s board.  He is the manager of a family investment business and charitable foundation.  In 2008, he was a member of REI’s Nominating and Governance Committee.

The board of directors also selected its officers for 2009.  Anne Farrell, former president and CEO of the Seattle Foundation, was re-elected as chair.  Ivar Chhina of Burlingame, Calif., was re-elected vice chair.

About REI
REI is a national outdoor retail co-op dedicated to inspiring, educating and outfitting its members and the community for a lifetime of outdoor adventure and stewardship. Founded in 1938 by a group of Pacific Northwest mountaineers seeking quality equipment, REI operates retail stores nationwide, two online stores – http://www.rei.com and http://www.REI-OUTLET.com – and an adventure travel company, REI Adventures. REI offers products from all of the top brands for camping, climbing, cycling, fitness, hiking, paddling, snow sports and travel, including its own line of award-winning outdoor gear and apparel. While anyone may join or shop at REI, members pay a one-time $20 fee and receive a share in the company’s profits through an annual member refund based on their purchases. As an active supporter of the communities in which it does business, REI is committed to promoting environmental stewardship and increasing access to outdoor recreation through education, volunteerism, gear donations and financial contributions.

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