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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 14, 2008
CONTACT:
Jeanne O’Brien
Office: 307.335.2236
Mobile: 307.349.0595
jeanne_obrien@nols.edu
Outside Magazine Names NOLS As One of America's Best Places to Work in 2008
The National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) today was named to Outside magazine’s (www.outsideonline.com) inaugural “Best Places to Work” list. NOLS, a non-profit school, was the only Wyoming-based organization to make the list of 30 companies from across the nation. The full list and related stories will be published in the May issue of Outside magazine, available on newsstands April 15, 2008.
“To be included on a list of recognized industry leaders like Google, REI, Intel and Patagonia is very gratifying,” said John Gans, NOLS executive director. “We are proud of every one of our employees. Through their work they make educational experiences that truly change the lives of our students. In delivering this ‘product’ they create a fun, exciting and stimulating place to work.”
“A NOLS experience speaks for itself, regardless of whether you’re in the backcountry or frontcountry,” said Riley Hopeman, who works in NOLS marketing department. “I was fortunate to land a job right out of UW at a place where the employees are as value driven as the organization and are incredibly fun to be around. The relaxed, positive atmosphere gives you the ability to turn your passion into work and your work into your passion.”
Outside’s “Best Places to Work” list was compiled with the help of the Outdoor Industry Association (www.outdoorindustry.org) and Best Companies Group (www.bestcompaniesgroup.com) (BCG). The magazine conducted extensive surveys – based on benefits, compensation, job satisfaction, environmental initiatives and community outreach programs – designed to identify, recognize and honor the best employers in the country.
The extensive, year-long process initially identified a wide range of non-profit and for-profit organizations with at least 15 employees working in the United States. The companies were then sent a confidential employee-satisfaction survey and employer-questionnaire to collect information about benefits, policies and practices. All of the results were analyzed by BCG’s experts, who selected the top 30. The winners where then broken down into three categories: small (15-49 employees); medium (50-249) and large (250+). The result is a list of 30 U.S. companies that make it possible for employees to balance productivity with an active, eco-conscious lifestyle.
"These 30 companies figured out that there is a way to have it all and understand the growing need for work/quality of life balance," said Chris Keyes, Editor of Outside. "From New Belgium Brewing Company's rock climbing wall, cyclocross track and free beer after work, to SmartWool's annual company ski-day at Steamboat and 40 paid hours a year working at a nonprofit of their choice, to Osprey Packs’ renewable energy initiatives and paying employees $.50 per trip to walk or bike to work, these organizations have found a way to bring company morale to a whole new level while at the same time being responsible to their local communities and the environment. It's a trend that we only see increasing in the years ahead."
ABOUT NOLS
Founded in 1965 by legendary mountaineer Paul Petzoldt, the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) is the leader in wilderness education and sets the industry standard for responsible, high-quality educational expeditions. NOLS provides an awe-inspiring, transformative experience that develops active, positive leaders with lifelong environmental ethics and outdoor skills to more than 10,000 students each year. A private nonprofit school, NOLS runs courses from 10 days to a full academic year in length on five continents. NOLS students, ages 14 to over 70, explore the most remote wilderness the Rocky Mountains, Idaho, Pacific Northwest, Southwest, Alaska, Western Canada, Mexico, Patagonia (Chile), India, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Baffin Island, and Scandinavia have to offer. College credit and scholarships are available. For more information, call NOLS at (800)710-NOLS (6657).
ABOUT OUTSIDE MAGAZINE
Outside is America’s leading active lifestyle magazine, with over two million readers a month. For more than 30 years, the magazine has covered travel, sports, adventure, health, and fitness, as well as the personalities, the environment, and the style and culture of the world Outside. Along with receiving many other accolades, Outside is the only magazine to win three consecutive National Magazine Awards for General Excellence. Visit the magazine online at www.outsideonline.com.
ABOUT BEST COMPANIES GROUP
Best Companies Group was formed in January of 2004, with the purpose of identifying and recognizing best companies around the country. By using state-of-the art survey and indexing tools, BCG has been able to achieve that purpose on national, state-wide, city, and industry stages. BCG will partner with B-to-B and consumer media and other business or human resource organizations to publicize the opportunity, encourage participation and to recognize those who are good enough to make the lists of “Best Places to Work”. BCG currently manages 25 similar programs around the US and in Canada. For more information and a complete list of “Best Employer” programs, visit www.bestcompaniesgroup.com Best Companies Group is headquartered in Harrisburg, PA.
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