THE ROANOKE REGION OF VIRGINIA

ROANOKE, Va. (April 6, 2010) – Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing near Roanoke has been named to Outside magazine’s third annual “Best Places to Work” list. Wilderness Adventure was ranked No. 25 of 50 selected companies. The full list and related story will be published in the May issue of Outside magazine, available on newsstands April 13.

Outside’s “Best Places to Work” 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 the United States. Participating companies were then sent confidential employee-satisfaction surveys and employer-questionnaires to collect information about benefits, compensation, policies, job satisfaction, environmental initiatives, and community outreach programs. All of the results were analyzed by Best Companies Group experts, who selected the 50 companies that strive to enhance their employees’ enjoyment of active endeavors, and environmental and social involvement.

“It’s gratifying to see a national magazine recognize our devotion to our loyal, hard-working and hard-playing staff, “said Gene Nervo, founder and president of Wilderness Adventure. “We would be nothing without our staff, and that’s why we provide a workplace that is rewarding, challenging and fun.”

Among the perks: meals, personal cabin, flexible work schedule, staff outings, ongoing training and use of any outdoor equipment, including gear discounts for new equipment. There’s also a “staff happiness fund” to provide fun events and activities for the team. “Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing employs people with a high standard of moral character and a desire to teach in a wilderness setting,” Nervo says. “This is a special group of employees with a passion for the outdoors.”

Julia Bradford, group program director, credits Nervo for making it such a great place to work. “Colonel Nervo is an amazing man who has always put the needs of his employees above the needs of himself and even sometimes the company,” Bradford says. “He is loved and respected by all his staff.”

“These 50 companies come from a vast array of industries but they're all following the same enlightened path,” said Michael Roberts, Executive Editor of Outside. “They’re successful businesses in a challenging economy precisely because they support a proper work-life balance. They know that benefits like on-site gyms and fitness classes, reimbursements for ski passes and sports racing fees, and support for community service efforts during work hours make their employees happier and thus more productive.”