CHARLOTTE, N.C., Aug. 7, 2012­ /PRNewswire/ — EUROPA SPORTS PRODUCTS today was named to Outside Magazine‘s fifth annual “Best Places to Work” list. EUROPA SPORTS PRODUCTS was ranked No. 69 out of 100 selected companies. The full list of 100 is available online at outsideonline.com and includes national and international companies including: Clif; Patagonia; Taylor Made Adidas Golf; and TREK Bicycles.

Outside‘s “Best Places to Work” project celebrates the innovative companies setting a new standard for a healthy work-life balance. The list was compiled with the help of the Outdoor Industry Association and Best Companies Group. 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 an office in the United States. Participating companies were sent confidential employee-satisfaction surveys and employer-questionnaires to collect information about benefits, compensation, policies, job satisfaction, environmental initiatives, and community outreach programs. The experts at the Best Companies Group then analyzed the results and selected the companies that best enable employees to pursue active lifestyles while also supporting their social and environmental contributions.

In past years, Outside has highlighted 50 outstanding companies. This year, Best Companies Group determined that there were so many top-quality applicants that the list needed to be expanded. Outside editors agreed, and doubled the size of the list.

“This honor is a testament to our team and the passion we have for our industry and lifestyle,” states Jeff Compton, COO and co-founder of Europa Sports Products.

According to Eric Hillman, CEO and co-founder, “Our company culture has evolved to where it’s one based on overall health and fitness starting with our employees and ending with our customers. It’s gratifying to see our employees running laps outside of our building as well as grabbing a workout in our gym. The Outside Magazine honor is proof that we are on track with creating an outstanding environment for employees.”

“We’re thrilled to celebrate all 100 of these forward-thinking companies,” says Michael Roberts, Senior Executive Editor of Outside. “They believe success depends on helping their employees live more active and fulfilling lives. The kinds of benefits they’re providing―free fitness classes, flexible hours, subsidized healthy meals, lots of time out of the office―result in a more productive and engaged staff.”

About Europa Sports Products

Based in Charlotte, NC, Europa is recognized as the industry leader in the distribution of nutritional supplements, sports drinks and accessories to mass market retailers, gyms, health food stores and specialty supplement retailers. Europa offers more than 5,800 products representing 265 of the industry’s leading brands. With 336,500 sq. ft. of warehouse space in seven strategically located offices nationwide, Europa’s expedited delivery process allows customers to keep “Just in Time” inventory. Europa is setting the industry standard in quality, product assortment, customer service and satisfaction. www.europasports.com

CONTACTS:
Tammy Tufty, 704-405-9128 or 704-641-1128
Kim Counts, 704-641-0485 or 704-641-0485

OUTSIDE MAGAZINE: Jada Williams/ Jada@giantnoise.com / 646.649.4933

About Outside
Outside is America¹s leading active lifestyle brand. For more than 30 years, Outside has covered travel, sports, adventure, health, and fitness, as well as the personalities, the environment, and the style and culture of the world Outside. The Outside family includes Outside magazine, the only magazine to win three consecutive National Magazine Awards for General Excellence, The Outside Buyer’s Guides, Outside Online, Outside Television, Outside Events, Outside+ tablet edition, and Outside Books. Visit us online and on Facebook.

ABOUT THE BEST COMPANIES GROUP
Best Companies Group works with national and local partners around the country to establish and manage “Best Places to Work,” “Best Companies,” and “Best Employers” programs on a national, statewide, and regional basis. Through its thorough workplace assessment, utilizing employer questionnaires and employee-satisfaction surveys, BCG identifies and recognizes companies who have been successful in creating and maintaining workplace excellence.

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. Search for outdoor-industry jobs is at OIA’s career center: www.outdoorindustry.org.

SOURCE Europa Sports Products