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.”