For the second year in a row, Kent State University has been ranked one of the 99 great workplaces for top talent in Northeast Ohio by the Employers Research Council. A recipient of a 2008 NorthCoast 99 Award, Kent State previously received the honor in both 2007 and 2005. Kent State is the only local university honored this year.

“Our more than 4,400 faculty, staff and administrators can take great pride in the recognition of their ongoing efforts to make Kent State University not only a great place to receive the highest quality education, but also to pursue a rewarding career,” Kent State President Lester A. Lefton says. “Our ability to add the most talented faculty and staff members to our team helps fulfill Kent State’s excellence agenda by contributing to the success of every student and community we serve.”

Since 1999, hundreds of companies have been nominated and applied for the award. To date, the program has recognized more than 300 organizations for their ability to maintain great workplaces that support the attraction, retention and motivation of employees.

“In today’s challenging economy, it’s more important than ever for organizations to support the ongoing development of their employees,” Willis Walker, interim vice president for human resources, says. “The NorthCoast 99 Award recognizes the many workplace initiatives — from benefits to communications, diversity to health and safety — that Kent State continues to explore to make the university an attractive option for top performers throughout Northeast Ohio and beyond.”

NorthCoast 99 is an annual recognition program that honors 99 great workplaces for top talent in Northeast Ohio. The program was developed and is presented by the Employers Research Council, Northeast Ohio’s leading and largest professional organization dedicated to human resources practices, programs and services.

Recipients of NorthCoast 99 Awards demonstrate excellence with policies and practices that successfully address seven workplace characteristics: flexibility, opportunity, recognition, development, security, support and talent integrity. Other recipients this year include Avery Dennison, Cintas Corporation, Cleveland Clinic, Deloitte & Touche LLP, Medical Mutual of Ohio and Timken Company.

The 2008 NorthCoast 99 winners will be recognized Wednesday, Sept. 17, at LaCentre Conference and Banquet Facility in Westlake. More information is available on the NorthCoast 99 Award Web site at http://www.northcoast99.com.

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Media Contact:

Christa Skiles, 330-672-8588, cskiles@kent.edu