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Contact:
Tracy Warren, NRECA
703-907-5746
Mobile: 703-517-3411

ARLINGTON, VA, September 25, 2008 – AARP has named the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) as one of the 50 best employers for Americans 50 years of age and older. 

According to the nation’s premier association for seniors, NRECA ranks 27th in the nation, first among organizations in Northern Virginia and second in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. 2008 is the first year AARP has included NRECA on its list.

AARP specifically points to NRECA’s flexible work options and a defined benefit pension in explaining the ranking: “The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s (NRECA) flexible work options appeal to employees, and approximately 80 percent of the company’s employees choose their preferred work schedules. The company’s defined-benefit pension includes a phased-retirement option that allows employees to continue working past normal retirement age.”

“NRECA is proud to be included on AARP’s list and we are especially proud for such a high ranking among the many organizations in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area,” said NRECA CEO Glenn English. 

“Creating a workplace that can help NRECA recruit and retain older workers makes good sense. Thirty-six percent of NRECA employees are fifty or older, and NRECA benefits hugely from their maturity, wisdom and experience,” English said.

AARP selected NRECA because its practices meet the needs of mature workers. Key areas AARP considered include: recruiting practices, opportunities for training, education and career development; workplace accommodations; alternative work options, such as flexible scheduling, and phased retirement; employee health and pension benefits; and retiree work opportunities.

“A diverse group of corporations and not-for-profits are increasingly recognizing the importance of innovative policies as employers seek to retain and recruit experienced workers,” Bill Novelli, AARP CEO, said in announcing the winners. “Progressive practices lead to more productive workers.”

AARP announced its list of 2008 Best Employers on September 24 with a Wall Street Journal ad. An in-depth article on the companies who made the 2008 list appears in this month’s edition of AARP The Magazine. The complete article and list can also be found online at www.aarpthemagazine.org.

NRECA and the 49 other honorees will receive their award at a dinner on October 7 at the Intercontinental Chicago.

NRECA is the national service organization that represents the nation’s more than 900 private, not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric cooperatives, which provide service to 40 million people in 47 states.

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