[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 17 (Thursday, February 4, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E154]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             TRIBUTE TO RECREATIONAL EQUIPMENT, INC. (REI)

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DAVID G. REICHERT

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 4, 2010

  Mr. REICHERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a company 
headquartered in the Eighth Congressional District that has been 
recognized this month by Fortune magazine as one of the ``100 Best 
Companies to Work For.'' Recreational Equipment, Inc., REI, was ranked 
14th on Fortune's 2010 list. With this year's acknowledgment, REI is 
now one of only five companies nationwide to appear on Fortune's list 
every year since it was first unveiled in 1998.
  Headquartered in Kent, Washington, REI employs 9,137 people across 
the country and takes care of them through a variety of health care 
options, store discounts, paid sabbaticals for veteran employees, and 
generous retirement plan contributions. REI produces state-of-the-art 
outdoor equipment and clothing for people to enjoy everything our 
country's landscape has to offer. Additionally, the company promotes a 
culture of sustainability and is committed to protecting our precious 
natural resources and lush, open spaces.
  In selecting companies for this list, Fortune collects random 
employee interviews and written surveys to determine an organization's 
willingness and ability to care for its employees. REI's consistent 
recognition is a testament not only to its sound business model but 
also its dedication to providing for the well-being of its people. 
Businesses like REI are the heart and soul of the American economy. We 
should do everything possible to promote the innovation and sound 
practices of our job creators, and I believe Fortune's ``100 Best'' 
list is a valuable tool to do that. I offer my heartfelt 
congratulations and thanks to President and CEO Sally Jewell and her 
many employees for setting the gold standard that other companies would 
be wise to follow.

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