REI Named to FORTUNE’s “100 Best Companies to Work For” List

Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), a national retail cooperative providing quality outdoor gear and clothing, announced today that it ranked number 12 on FORTUNE magazine’s 2009 list of “100 Best Companies to Work For.”

REI is one of five organizations to be recognized on the list each year since its inception, including two previous book versions. In addition to the co-op, five additional organizations headquartered in the state of Washington were included on this year’s list.

“REI prides itself on attracting talented and passionate employees, and it is through their dedication that we earned this recognition,” said Sally Jewell, REI president and CEO. “In these uncertain times, our employees’ commitment to helping our members and customers deepen their connection to nature and the outdoors, while supporting communities across the country with volunteerism and environmental stewardship, continues to make REI an inspiring place to work and shop.”

REI offers a unique benefits program to its employees, such as healthcare options for full- and part-time employees, employee gear grants, gear and apparel discounts, free equipment rentals, public transit subsidy, adoption assistance and paid sabbaticals after 15 years of service.

To determine the list of “100 Best Companies to Work For,” FORTUNE works with the Great Place to Work® Institute, a global research and consulting firm, to survey 400 randomly selected employees of each organization. Two-thirds of the ranking is based on these employee surveys with the remainder dependent on the company’s response to questions regarding demographics, pay and benefits, philosophy, communication and more.

The full list of “100 Best Companies to Work For” and related stories is available at www.FORTUNE.com/bestcompanies, and will appear in the February 2 issue of FORTUNE magazine, available on newsstands on January 26.

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 is committed to promoting environmental stewardship and increasing access to outdoor recreation through volunteerism, gear donations and financial contributions.