Creating a More Ethical, Socially Responsible Work Environment a Priority for 2008 Companies That Care Honor Roll Recipients

March 21, 2008

CHICAGO, IL – MARCH 20, 2008 – Center for Companies That Care has named 41 companies to its 2008 Honor Roll, announced Marci Koblenz, Co-founder and President of the organization.

Honor Roll recipients are selected for their strong commitment to elevating the quality of life for their employees and for people in the broader community as well as adhering to all ten of the 10 Characteristics inherent to a “Company That Cares.” Each applicant completes an application that is reviewed by an independent panel of seasoned business professionals. Employee survey data is also reviewed to validate what has been written in the application. A media search on each applicant rounds out the selection process.

“Sometimes applicants are surprised to hear that their survey results in the 65 – 70% range don’t qualify them for the Honor Roll. We remind them that while those results are very respectable, we seek to recognize all of those employers who are the best at caring for their employees and communities,” states Cynthia Cobb, SPHR, Board Member and Honor Roll Program Chair.

Those named to the 2008 list feature large, medium, and small, public and private, for-profit and not-for-profit U.S.-based companies in diverse industries across 18 states:

Each of the organizations named to the Honor Roll sustains a work environment founded on dignity and respect for all employees, develops great leaders, and actively supports the community, among other outstanding attributes. “We’ve definitely seen an increase in the number of Honor Roll employers offering wellness programs and health assessments. Some even extend this often life-saving benefit to employees’ immediate family members. A greater focus on communicating standards of ethics and integrity is another noticeable trend,” shared Cobb.

“Being named to the Honor Roll requires a steadfast commitment to employees and communities and detailed proof that a company adheres to all 10 Characteristics of Companies That Care. Given our rigorous evaluation process, we are truly excited to announce that the number of employers named to the Honor Roll increased by 17% this year. We applaud this year’s recipients, and are extremely pleased that a growing number of organizations are focusing on their social responsibility in the workplace and the community. Fortunately for all, when employers care, it not only benefits individuals, families and communities, it also can give them an advantage with customers, employees and investors,” commented Koblenz.

The Honor Roll is announced annually on the third Thursday of March in conjunction with the annual launch of CAREDAYS, a month-long, national initiative to engage individuals and employers in activities addressing a significant societal issue in our communities. This year, CAREDAYS08: Terrific Tales, supports childhood literacy by ensuring that under-resourced classroom libraries have age-appropriate books for children to read. Individuals and organizations are encouraged to either donate books or raise funds that will be used to purchase books for 1000 classrooms over the next three years. If we all do a little, we can accomplish a lot!

About Center for Companies that Care

Center for Companies That Care is a national, not-for-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the well-being of employees and communities by encouraging employers to integrate the 10 Characteristics of Companies That Care into their daily business practices. For more about the Center for Companies That Care, the Honor Roll process, 2008 Honor Roll recipients or CAREDAYS08: Terrific Tales, visit www.companies-that-care.org or call 312.661.1010.