Coalition Announces 1st Annual List of Colorado's Best Workplaces for Commuters

DENVER--April 28, 2004--

151 employers representing nearly 90,000 workers qualify for EPA's growing list of Best Workplaces for Commuters(SM)

Today, Colorado's Best Workplaces for Commuters(SM) Coalition recognized 151 Colorado employers covering nearly 90,000 employees that qualify for EPA's first annual list of Colorado's Best Workplaces for Commuters(SM). The list commends the state's best employers when it comes to offering outstanding commuter benefits. Colorado's Best Workplaces for Commuters(SM) Coalition is a group consisting of Colorado business, transportation, human resource, and environmental organizations, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

In addition to recognizing individual employers, the coalition is recognizing four Best Workplaces for Commuters(SM) Districts in Colorado: City of Aspen, Downtown Boulder, FlatIron Shopping District, and the Stapleton Area. The commuter benefit packages offered by these Districts meet the National Standard of Excellence and provide 32,000 commuters at nearly 1,600 organizations a variety of transportation alternatives and incentives.

"The Denver metro region has the tenth longest rush hour delay in the country -- for each commuter, that's about 62 hours a year stuck in traffic," said Robin Snyder, EPA Best Workplaces for Commuters(SM) program manager. "We're proud to be partnering with the Regional Transportation District, Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, and a host of other leading organizations to demonstrate how individual employers and communities are working to turn this trend around."

Employers that have been designated as Colorado's Best Workplaces for Commuters(SM) include CH2M HILL Denver Regional Operations, Aspen Skiing Company, REI, Denver Health Medical Center, IBM Corporation, University of Colorado, and TIAA-CREF. For a complete list of Colorado's Best Workplaces for Commuters(SM) visit www.bwc.gov/colorado.

To qualify as one of Colorado's Best Workplaces for Commuters(SM), organizations must provide:

- At least one primary commuter benefit, which can include a monthly transit/vanpool pass subsidy, cash in lieu of free parking, or a significant telecommuting program.

- At least three supporting commuter benefits, which can include benefits such as carpool/vanpool incentives, lockers/showers for bikers or walkers, incentives for living near work, or onsite amenities such as day care or dry cleaning.

- A central point of contact for information, who actively informs employees of available commuter benefits.

- Access to a regional or employer-provided Emergency/Guaranteed Ride Home program.

"TIAA-CREF is proud to offer our employees programs and benefits to help them get to work stress-free, while helping the community," said Gary Mauger, Vice President of Client Services at TIAA-CREF. "Being included on the first annual Colorado's Best Workplaces for Commuters(SM) list is a great sign that we're on the right track in our efforts to contribute to the health of our employees and help reduce air pollution and congestion in our neighborhoods."

"The organizations on Colorado's Best Workplaces for Commuters(SM) list are committed to saving their employees time and money, while reducing congestion and pollution," said Shepard Nevel of the Denver Regional Council of Governments. "More employers in Colorado are recognizing the importance of offering commuter benefits. Fewer cars on the road means substantial savings for employees and a cleaner and healthier Colorado."

About the Best Workplaces for Commuters(SM)

The Best Workplaces for Commuters(SM) list recognizes employers that are leaders in offering superior commuter benefits, such as subsidized transit passes, vanpool subsidies, or telework programs, to their employees. Like the list of FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For, employers are recognized for their excellence and leadership. It's a win-win for everyone: employers earn prestige from being recognized as one of the best; employees enjoy more options in balancing their personal and work life; and communities benefit from reduced traffic congestion and cleaner air. For more details and to see if an organization qualifies, visit www.bwc.gov.

About Colorado's Best Workplaces for Commuters(SM) Coalition

Colorado's Best Workplaces for Commuters(SM) Coalition is comprised of leading government and business organizations in Colorado working to reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, and make commuting less stressful and costly. Members include Colorado Department of Transportation, Colorado Human Resource Association, Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, Denver Regional Council of Governments, Downtown Denver Partnership, Inc., Regional Air Quality Council, Regional Transportation District, Rocky Mountain Chapter of the Association for Commuter Transportation, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Other supporting organizations and programs include the City of Aspen, City of Boulder, City of Glenwood Springs, FlatIron Shopping District Transportation Management Association, Smart Trips(SM), Stapleton Area Transportation Management Association, Southeast Transportation Authority/The Link, Transit Alliance, Transportation Solutions, and U.S. 36 Transportation Mobility Organization.