Country Walkers has been named named to Outside magazine s (www.outsideonline.com) second annual Best Places to Work list. Country Walkers was ranked No. 11 out of 30 selected companies. The full list and related story will be published in the May issue of Outside magazine, available on newsstands April 28, 2009.
We are honored to be named as one of Outside magazine s best places to work in 2009, said Timo Shaw, President of Country Walkers. As we celebrate our 30th anniversary, this recognition allows us to commend our remarkable staff, whose dedication, hard work, and lively sprit have helped us solidify our reputation as an innovator in adventure travel.
Outside s Best Places to Work list was compiled with the help of the Outdoor Industry Association (outdoorindustry.org) and Best Companies Group (bestcompaniesgroup.com). The year-long selection process began with an outreach effort that identified a wide range of non-profit and for-profit organizations with at least 15 employees working in the United States. Participating companies were then sent confidential employee-satisfaction surveys and employer-questionnaires to collect information about benefits, compensation, policies, job satisfaction, environmental initiatives, and community outreach programs. All of the results were analyzed by Best Companies Group experts, who selected the 30 companies that best enable employees to balance productivity with an active, eco-conscious lifestyle.
These 30 companies share a common belief: that the secret to success in any economy is empowering employees to live balanced lives and remain committed to their communities and the environment, said Michael Roberts, Executive Editor of Outside. Our winners know that happy workers are good for the bottom line. So even in the current financial storm, they re offering on-site fitness classes and massage, reimbursements for gym memberships and ski passes, flexible hours, amazing travel benefits, and opportunities for on-the-clock community service.
Established in 1979, Country Walkers is the world s leading small-group walking tour provider, offering adventures in more than 75 destinations worldwide. From Vietnam to Vermont and nearly everywhere in between, Country Walkers tours feature local guides who lead guests on journeys filled with behind-the-scenes experiences, authentic cultural immersion, and exceptional cuisine and accommodations. The company recently launched new walking tours in destinations including Egypt, Laos & Vietnam, Maine, Alaska, Utah & Arizona, and Ecuador.
ABOUT COUNTRY WALKERS
Country Walkers, based in Waterbury, Vermont (www.countrywalkers.com) was established in 1980 and is the world s premier small group walking tour provider. Country Walkers offers well-crafted itineraries for Walking à la Carte, Classic Walking, Hiking, and Private & Custom vacations. All trips highlight superb cuisine, outstanding tour guides, and authentic accommodations.
First Choice Holidays PLC is a leading international leisure travel company. It operates from 17 major source markets, has 8 million customers and 72 brands. For more information visit First Choice Holidays PLC www.firstchoiceholidaysplc.com.
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.
ABOUT THE OUTDOOR INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION
Founded in 1989, Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is the premier trade association for companies in the active outdoor recreation business. OIA provides trade services for over 4000 manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, sales representatives and retailers in the outdoor industry. Outdoor Industry Association seeks to ensure a healthy and diverse specialty retail and supply chain based on quality, innovation and service. To this end, OIA works diligently to raise the standards of the industry; increase participation in outdoor recreation to strengthen business markets; provide support services to improve member profitability; represent member interests in the legislative/regulatory process; promote professional training and education; support innovation; and offer cost-saving member benefits.
Source: Country Walkers. Waterbury, VT (April 9, 2009)