The gap between the rich and the poor is growing in the United States and has been for decades. The topic came to the forefront of the national debate last year with the rise of Occupy Wall Street. However, a growing income gap may not be the problem that some make it out to be.
The evidence that growing inequality hurts the middle class and poor is weak, as Scott Winship, a fellow at Washington-based think tank the Brookings Institution, testified to the Senate Budget Committee today at a hearing about inequality and economic mobility. "There is very little evidence to suggest that the gains at the top have come at the expense of other Americans," he said.
Without question, income inequality has grown substantially in the United States. According to an October report from the Congressional Budget Office, a nonpartisan agency that provides economic data to Congress, real income for the top 1 percent of the population grew by 275 percent between 1979 and 2007. Meanwhile, household income for the middle 60 percent of the population grew by just under 40 percent, and for the bottom 20 percent, it grew by just 18 percent. That's a wide disparity, but explosive income growth for the richest Americans isn't necessarily detrimental to the poorest Americans.
As an example, Winship pointed to Mitt Romney, who made $22 million or so in 2010, and Mark Zuckerberg, who could make $5 billion off of his stock options this year. "Should we be concerned about the poorer man?" asked Winship. In other words, extreme economic inequality isn't always problematic; it's simply a fact of life as some Americans get fantastically richer and skew the numbers even further. This means that the income gap within the bottom 99 percent has grown much more slowly than that between the 99 percent and the top 1 percent. This means that a tiny segment of the richest Americans has an increasingly large impact on measures of inequality, though the negative impact on other Americans may be minimal.
"How will the typical American end up better off if the Facebook IPO were to fall through so that Zuckerberg could not exercise his options?" said Winship in his opening statement.
While the problems of inequality can be deceptive and perhaps overstated, growing income disparities can point to larger economic problems. For example, the CBO has cited a lack of skilled labor as one contributing factor to inequality, as demand and pay grow for rare skilled workers. Better education, particularly in STEM fields, could mean a better chance at a better life for many.
Likewise, while income gaps continue to grow, economic mobility--the ability to move up (or down) the income ladder--is very limited.
Continue ►
Showing posts with label finance and investment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label finance and investment. Show all posts
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Stock hold gains, erasing early losses
NEW YORK (AP) -- Stocks are ending higher as Greece appeared close to announcing a deal with creditors to reduce its debt.
The Dow Jones industrial average ended at its highest level since May 2008 Tuesday.
The Dow rose 33 points to close at 12,878. It hasn't closed higher since May 2008, before the financial crisis. It had been down as many as 62 points in the first half-hour of trading.
The Standard & Poor's 500 gained 3 points to 1,347. The Nasdaq composite rose 2 points to 2,904.
Indexes rose on a report that Greek leaders will soon tell European finance ministers they've formed a deal to reduce the country's massive debt. Stocks also rose on news that U.S. job openings soared to the highest level in nearly three years in December. Continue ►
Friday, August 19, 2011
Sound of "credit repair" as a miracle? It is not the case. It is rather a euphemism for working hard and effective!
The plight of the economy have fostered the growth of many companies, time-based. "For example, the"credit repair"emerged and commercial repair credit '.". These monikers involve a bad credit rating to become a good grade is a simple matter of applying a "solution" or "fix" your credit report, using a big, tips and techniques for all new wonderful project. Often, these companies posture themselves as lawyers ' offices, increase your confidence in their legitimacy and effectiveness. For those of us with debt problems and the problems of the credit rating, many people go to the bait, with a great sigh of relief. "phew!" I am just happy that I can pay a nominal fee and obtain my credit fixed! Then I "ll be in business!
The truth is that you must pay each debt which may be committed, or credit rating remains the same: evil! Unpaid debts remain on your report of credit for seven years, the time in which "roll-off". Seven years is long suffering from a bad credit rating, pay the highest APR in each line of credit is obtained. The loan of the car to store gas cards, debit cards: almost everything you buy on credit: will cost much more interest that methodically clean up your credit, pay their debts. Some smaller debts can be cancelled before the age of seven years, but large debts usually end by the creditor obtaining a judgment against you.
Therefore, if really is buried in debt and you want to clean up your credit correctly, gradually and in good faith, what to do? "Credit repair" or "credit repair" does not exactly describes the work to be done. Here, we give a list of what to do, from top to bottom, to really solve your credit.
1 Obtain a more recent copy of your credit report. Line by line, make sure that each debt is yours, highlighting those that are not.
2 Get in contact with each creditor falsely report a debt against you. Application of test (documentation) that the debt is yours. This must be provided within 30 days of receipt of your request. If it cannot or does not provide such evidence, must remove debt from your credit report. It is the law.
3 Assume that it has several final payments showing on your credit report. The only ' credit correction "" that can be applied here speaks with its creditors, explaining the mitigating circumstances that encourages not payment in a timely manner. "" In doing that when you are on the right track, at least 3 months of payments in a timely manner under his belt. You can have the creditor waives certain end sanctions, which helps to $75 to break!
4 Take a look at small debts that shows one. It can be administered to reduce certain luxury goods and for each of these small paid articles? If so, make the!
5 Consider a debt consolidation loan, all monthly credit packages in a smaller monthly payment obligations. This improves the monthly cash flow, allowing you to get the speed on the Elimination of these guys. Go to an organization-for-profit debt consolidation services, where the rate will be less and really have a champion in your corner. Then, make the payment on time, every time!
6. In the course of this period a real "credit fix" background, Don't go for any new credit! "Work on what you already have your plate, so that you are ready.
There, you now have a precise definition of "credit repair" and a "credit repair". For it and get the benefits!
The truth is that you must pay each debt which may be committed, or credit rating remains the same: evil! Unpaid debts remain on your report of credit for seven years, the time in which "roll-off". Seven years is long suffering from a bad credit rating, pay the highest APR in each line of credit is obtained. The loan of the car to store gas cards, debit cards: almost everything you buy on credit: will cost much more interest that methodically clean up your credit, pay their debts. Some smaller debts can be cancelled before the age of seven years, but large debts usually end by the creditor obtaining a judgment against you.
Therefore, if really is buried in debt and you want to clean up your credit correctly, gradually and in good faith, what to do? "Credit repair" or "credit repair" does not exactly describes the work to be done. Here, we give a list of what to do, from top to bottom, to really solve your credit.
1 Obtain a more recent copy of your credit report. Line by line, make sure that each debt is yours, highlighting those that are not.
2 Get in contact with each creditor falsely report a debt against you. Application of test (documentation) that the debt is yours. This must be provided within 30 days of receipt of your request. If it cannot or does not provide such evidence, must remove debt from your credit report. It is the law.
3 Assume that it has several final payments showing on your credit report. The only ' credit correction "" that can be applied here speaks with its creditors, explaining the mitigating circumstances that encourages not payment in a timely manner. "" In doing that when you are on the right track, at least 3 months of payments in a timely manner under his belt. You can have the creditor waives certain end sanctions, which helps to $75 to break!
4 Take a look at small debts that shows one. It can be administered to reduce certain luxury goods and for each of these small paid articles? If so, make the!
5 Consider a debt consolidation loan, all monthly credit packages in a smaller monthly payment obligations. This improves the monthly cash flow, allowing you to get the speed on the Elimination of these guys. Go to an organization-for-profit debt consolidation services, where the rate will be less and really have a champion in your corner. Then, make the payment on time, every time!
6. In the course of this period a real "credit fix" background, Don't go for any new credit! "Work on what you already have your plate, so that you are ready.
There, you now have a precise definition of "credit repair" and a "credit repair". For it and get the benefits!
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Add a personal style with a layer of tissue Treasury account
What is the first thing that gets to open a new check below at your local bank account? In the day, which is used to be a toaster or other small device, but few places do now. On the other hand, is likely to get a couple of caps in plastic corny for new Treasury bills. I don't know about you, but I absolutely hate these things. I am the kind of person who enjoys a bit of style and color in my life and therefore immediately replaces these things in plastic with a layer of tissue of my own design Treasury account.
I started with a layer of tissue account of Treasury about five years after I made my own when I learned to sew. A layer of tissue of the Treasury Board has seemed an ideal first project because it is relatively easy to do, it is also very convenient. I looked for some profiles online, they saw a couple of video tutorials and then I radiée on my own. It is true that they are not exactly the way he had hoped that you first, but after several attempts, I could produce a decent specimen.
I am now a new account of Treasury fabric for me covered every six months or less. I am now much better sewing and if I am able to do some fairly specific models. Bright colours and the designs are very very striking (if what I say) and I have received many gathered for my blankets. With my current inventory, I could change my coverage of the fabric Treasury account each month for a year without using the same twice. This is the kind of variety that I love you!
Around the world say that I know that it must change to an account of cash instead of plastic fabric cover. When the old plastics have tendency to crack and other signs of decomposition. We cannot say how many times I scraped I or took me a manga in a jagged edge. It was something very common and annoying, my days of plastic stoppers, but fortunately it happen more. Most of my friends is ready to make the change for this reason that only only.
I've developed more confidence in my skills with a needle and thread, I even started to create blankets as gifts for friends. It is very gratifying to see another person to use a layer of tissue account of Treasury that I spent a few hours to do, and it is good to know that the recipient is to take some advantage of Don, as well.
If you always use plastic covers for your controls, it is absent so incredible to express your personality and your sense of style. Next time, try to make or buy an account of the Treasury of cloth covered instead. I think that you be pleasantly surprised with results!
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Dollar Gaints As Bernanke Cites Economic Hurdles
NEW YORK (MarketWatch) — The dollar strengthened Tuesday as Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke highlighted obstacles to a U.S. recovery and euro-zone debt concerns, prompting a selloff in stocks and raising the value of the greenback as a safe haven.
The dollar index /quotes/zigman/1652083 DXY -0.07% , which measures the performance of the U.S. unit against a basket of six other major currencies, rose against a basket of rivals to 74.791 from 74.553 late Tuesday, picking up strength as Bernanke briefed reporters following the Fed’s monetary-policy statement and economic forecast.
“Bernanke seemed to be focused on the persistent headwinds to a U.S. recovery,” said David Watt, senior currency strategist at RBC Capital Markets. “This got the market cautious about the U.S. economic outlook.”
“As he spoke, equities faded, and the dollar rallied,” Watts said, adding that the dollar exhibited the strongest moves when Bernanke focused on the uncertainty of the recovery and the strains on the European Union.
Bernanke said there was “uncertainty” about how much of the recent U.S. slowdown was permanent or transitory. He also said that while U.S. banks’ direct exposure to Greece was small, a disorderly sovereign bond default would likely roil financial markets and have a “significant” impact on the United States.
The euro /quotes/zigman/4867933/sampled EURUSD -0.27% was last trading at $1.4360, up from $1.4305 late Tuesday but off session highs of $1.4441 . See real-time currency quotes and tools.
U.S. stocks, which had been trading near flat ahead of the afternoon press conference, ended with broad losses. The Dow Jones Industrial Average /quotes/zigman/627449/delayed DJIA -0.66% fell 80 points to 12,110, with all but two stocks lower. Read more on U.S. stocks.
The dollar’s rise during Bernanke’s appearance continued its upward movement through the day. The dollar index rose to 74.677 after the Federal Reserve released its statement on monetary policy Tuesday afternoon.
The Federal Open Market Committee kept interest rates near 0% and said, as expected, that it was ending its $600 billion bond-buying program on schedule by the end of this month. The decision was unanimous.
“The absence of a dissent for a third meeting sends a strong message to financial markets that the Fed is committed to zero interest rates for the foreseeable future,” said Michael Woolfolk, currency strategist at BNY Mellon Global Markets. But also, Woolfolk said, the committee gave no sign it was extending or embarking on a new quantitative easing program.
“Quantitative easing appears to be dead and buried, may it rest in peace,” he wrote.
Watts said that Bernanke had appeared to offer mixed signals.
“While he said there was no more quantitative easing in the pipeline, he didn’t go out of way to show that there might not be no possibility,” said Watts, “It is a confusing hash.”
Low interest rates put a currency at a disadvantage. And for the past two years, the Fed has taken a step beyond reducing its benchmark rate to historic lows by buying bonds from the private sector. This extra monetary stimulus, known as quantitative easing, has contributed to the dollar’s 16% drop in the last year.
The dollar index /quotes/zigman/1652083 DXY -0.07% , which measures the performance of the U.S. unit against a basket of six other major currencies, rose against a basket of rivals to 74.791 from 74.553 late Tuesday, picking up strength as Bernanke briefed reporters following the Fed’s monetary-policy statement and economic forecast.
“Bernanke seemed to be focused on the persistent headwinds to a U.S. recovery,” said David Watt, senior currency strategist at RBC Capital Markets. “This got the market cautious about the U.S. economic outlook.”
“As he spoke, equities faded, and the dollar rallied,” Watts said, adding that the dollar exhibited the strongest moves when Bernanke focused on the uncertainty of the recovery and the strains on the European Union.
Bernanke said there was “uncertainty” about how much of the recent U.S. slowdown was permanent or transitory. He also said that while U.S. banks’ direct exposure to Greece was small, a disorderly sovereign bond default would likely roil financial markets and have a “significant” impact on the United States.
The euro /quotes/zigman/4867933/sampled EURUSD -0.27% was last trading at $1.4360, up from $1.4305 late Tuesday but off session highs of $1.4441 . See real-time currency quotes and tools.
U.S. stocks, which had been trading near flat ahead of the afternoon press conference, ended with broad losses. The Dow Jones Industrial Average /quotes/zigman/627449/delayed DJIA -0.66% fell 80 points to 12,110, with all but two stocks lower. Read more on U.S. stocks.
The dollar’s rise during Bernanke’s appearance continued its upward movement through the day. The dollar index rose to 74.677 after the Federal Reserve released its statement on monetary policy Tuesday afternoon.
The Federal Open Market Committee kept interest rates near 0% and said, as expected, that it was ending its $600 billion bond-buying program on schedule by the end of this month. The decision was unanimous.
“The absence of a dissent for a third meeting sends a strong message to financial markets that the Fed is committed to zero interest rates for the foreseeable future,” said Michael Woolfolk, currency strategist at BNY Mellon Global Markets. But also, Woolfolk said, the committee gave no sign it was extending or embarking on a new quantitative easing program.
“Quantitative easing appears to be dead and buried, may it rest in peace,” he wrote.
Watts said that Bernanke had appeared to offer mixed signals.
“While he said there was no more quantitative easing in the pipeline, he didn’t go out of way to show that there might not be no possibility,” said Watts, “It is a confusing hash.”
Low interest rates put a currency at a disadvantage. And for the past two years, the Fed has taken a step beyond reducing its benchmark rate to historic lows by buying bonds from the private sector. This extra monetary stimulus, known as quantitative easing, has contributed to the dollar’s 16% drop in the last year.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
FORTUNE's Best Companies to Work for 2011
by Fortune Magazine: Milton Moskowitz, Robert Levering & Christopher Tkaczyk
Each year Fortune compiles its list of the 100 Best Companies to Work For. Based largely on employee surveys, this list is significant for all those who are not just looking for a job, but also a great experience at work.
We've listed the top ten of Fortune's 2011 list below. This year eight of the top ten companies from last year were able to maintain there exclusive ranking. The two new additions are companies you've likely heard of before; they're online shoe retailer Zappos.com and outdoor product purveyor Recreational Equipment (REI)
So without further adieu, here are the top ten companies to work for...
01. SAS
Rank: 1 (Previous rank: 1)
What makes it so great?
A 14-year veteran of this list, the software firm takes the top spot for the second year running.
Its perks are epic: on-site healthcare, high quality childcare at $410 per month, summer camp for kids, car cleaning, a beauty salon, and more -- it's all enough to make a state-of-the-art, 66,000-square-foot gym seem like nothing special by comparison.
This year, strong employee feedback sent its numbers even higher. Says one manager: "People stay at SAS in large part because they are happy, but to dig a little deeper, I would argue that people don't leave SAS because they feel regarded -- seen, attended to and cared for. I have stayed for that reason, and love what I do for that reason."
2009 revenue ($ millions): 2,310
02. Boston Consulting Group
Rank: 2 (Previous rank: 8)
What makes it so great?
The consulting giant not only avoided layoffs in the downturn, but hired its largest class of recruits ever in 2010.
They're drawn by the firm's generous pay and a commitment to social work: Its Social Impact Practice Network (SIPN) offers a chance to work with the U.N. World Food Program and Save the Children, while BCG pulled its consultants off client projects to provide on-the-ground support in Haiti following the earthquake.
The company jumps up from no. 8 last year.
03. Wegmans Food Markets
Rank: 3 (Previous rank: 3)
What makes it so great?
This customer-friendly supermarket chain cares about the well-being of its workers, too. This year, 11,000 employees took part in a challenge to eat five cups of fruit and vegetables a day and walk up to 10,000 steps a day for eight weeks.
Another 8,000 took advantage of health screenings that included a flu shot and H1N1 vaccine -- all covered by Wegmans.
2009 revenue ($ millions): 5,193
04. Google
Rank: 4 (Previous rank: 4)
What makes it so great?
The search giant is famous for its laundry list of perks including free food at any of its cafeterias, a climbing wall, and, well, free laundry.
Last year, with revenue up more than 20%, Google sweetened this already rich pot of perks by giving every employee a 10% pay hike. Googlers can also award one another $175 peer spot bonuses -- last year more than two-thirds of them did so.
2009 revenue ($ millions): 23,651
05. NetApp
Rank: 5 (Previous rank: 7)
What makes it so great?
It was a rebound year for the data-storage firm (no. 1 in 2009), as revenues jumped 33% and it hired hundreds of new employees.
Hourly executive assistants make $76,450 a year here, supplemented by a bonus of $21,917.
Employees also enjoy perks like free fruit on Tuesdays, free bagels and cream cheese on Fridays, and free espresso all the time.
2009 revenue ($ millions): 3,931
06. Zappos.com
Rank: 6 (Previous rank: 15)
What makes it so great?
The online shoe retailer makes a big leap from no. 15 to no. 6 this year.
Now part of the Amazon.com family, the company's quirky, happy culture remains: Employees enjoy free lunches, no-charge vending machines, a full-time life coach on hand, and "create fun and a little weirdness" as one of the company's guiding tenets.
2009 revenue ($ millions): 1,190
07. Camden Property Trust
Rank: 7 (Previous rank: 10)
What makes it so great?
The Houston-based apartment management firm weathered the recession as employees pitched in to trim $6 million in costs, largely by renegotiating contracts and reducing pay.
One team sent a scrapbook to the CEO to show how much they love the company, while another planned and organized a "flash mob" dance routine for leaders' benefit.
One popular perk: Staffers can rent furnished apartments for $20 a night in locations like Orlando, San Diego, Denver and Austin for use on personal vacations.
2009 revenue ($ millions): 624
08. Nugget Market
Rank: 8 (Previous rank: 5)
What makes it so great?
Rallies are an everyday event at this nine-store Northern California supermarket chain, where management uses a big flat screen computer monitor in each store to deliver important information about products, messages from the leadership team, employee awards, and pump up the troops.
Employees who watch diligently can be rewarded with bonuses that range from $20 to $1,500. Universal perk: everyone receives a 10% discount on store purchases.
2009 revenue ($ millions): 288
09. Recreational Equipment (REI)
Rank: 9 (Previous rank: 14)
What makes it so great?
After 15 years of service, employees at this adventure gear retailer are entitled to a four-week paid sabbatical; after that, they can take one every five years.
Employees also receive 50%-75% discounts on full-price REI branded apparel and equipment, free rental of equipment like skis and kayaks, and an annual gift of REI gear.
A separate Challenge Grant program provides up to $300 worth of gear to employees that participate in a challenging outdoor adventure (one cycled 500 miles across Iowa).
2009 revenue ($ millions): 1,455
10. DreamWorks Animation SKG
Rank: 10 (Previous rank: 6)
What makes it so great?
The creators of Shrek and Kung Fu Panda are lavished with free breakfast and lunch, movie screenings, afternoon yoga, on-campus art classes and monthly parties.
CEO Jefferey Katzenberg still takes time to call job candidates to encourage them to join.
Any DreamWorker can pitch a movie idea to company executives -- and can take the company-sponsored "Life's A Pitch" workshop to learn how best to do it.
2009 revenue ($ millions): 725 Continue ►
Each year Fortune compiles its list of the 100 Best Companies to Work For. Based largely on employee surveys, this list is significant for all those who are not just looking for a job, but also a great experience at work.
We've listed the top ten of Fortune's 2011 list below. This year eight of the top ten companies from last year were able to maintain there exclusive ranking. The two new additions are companies you've likely heard of before; they're online shoe retailer Zappos.com and outdoor product purveyor Recreational Equipment (REI)
So without further adieu, here are the top ten companies to work for...
01. SAS
Rank: 1 (Previous rank: 1)
What makes it so great?
A 14-year veteran of this list, the software firm takes the top spot for the second year running.
Its perks are epic: on-site healthcare, high quality childcare at $410 per month, summer camp for kids, car cleaning, a beauty salon, and more -- it's all enough to make a state-of-the-art, 66,000-square-foot gym seem like nothing special by comparison.
This year, strong employee feedback sent its numbers even higher. Says one manager: "People stay at SAS in large part because they are happy, but to dig a little deeper, I would argue that people don't leave SAS because they feel regarded -- seen, attended to and cared for. I have stayed for that reason, and love what I do for that reason."
2009 revenue ($ millions): 2,310
02. Boston Consulting Group
Rank: 2 (Previous rank: 8)
What makes it so great?
The consulting giant not only avoided layoffs in the downturn, but hired its largest class of recruits ever in 2010.
They're drawn by the firm's generous pay and a commitment to social work: Its Social Impact Practice Network (SIPN) offers a chance to work with the U.N. World Food Program and Save the Children, while BCG pulled its consultants off client projects to provide on-the-ground support in Haiti following the earthquake.
The company jumps up from no. 8 last year.
03. Wegmans Food Markets
Rank: 3 (Previous rank: 3)
What makes it so great?
This customer-friendly supermarket chain cares about the well-being of its workers, too. This year, 11,000 employees took part in a challenge to eat five cups of fruit and vegetables a day and walk up to 10,000 steps a day for eight weeks.
Another 8,000 took advantage of health screenings that included a flu shot and H1N1 vaccine -- all covered by Wegmans.
2009 revenue ($ millions): 5,193
04. Google
Rank: 4 (Previous rank: 4)
What makes it so great?
The search giant is famous for its laundry list of perks including free food at any of its cafeterias, a climbing wall, and, well, free laundry.
Last year, with revenue up more than 20%, Google sweetened this already rich pot of perks by giving every employee a 10% pay hike. Googlers can also award one another $175 peer spot bonuses -- last year more than two-thirds of them did so.
2009 revenue ($ millions): 23,651
05. NetApp
Rank: 5 (Previous rank: 7)
What makes it so great?
It was a rebound year for the data-storage firm (no. 1 in 2009), as revenues jumped 33% and it hired hundreds of new employees.
Hourly executive assistants make $76,450 a year here, supplemented by a bonus of $21,917.
Employees also enjoy perks like free fruit on Tuesdays, free bagels and cream cheese on Fridays, and free espresso all the time.
2009 revenue ($ millions): 3,931
06. Zappos.com
Rank: 6 (Previous rank: 15)
What makes it so great?
The online shoe retailer makes a big leap from no. 15 to no. 6 this year.
Now part of the Amazon.com family, the company's quirky, happy culture remains: Employees enjoy free lunches, no-charge vending machines, a full-time life coach on hand, and "create fun and a little weirdness" as one of the company's guiding tenets.
2009 revenue ($ millions): 1,190
07. Camden Property Trust
Rank: 7 (Previous rank: 10)
What makes it so great?
The Houston-based apartment management firm weathered the recession as employees pitched in to trim $6 million in costs, largely by renegotiating contracts and reducing pay.
One team sent a scrapbook to the CEO to show how much they love the company, while another planned and organized a "flash mob" dance routine for leaders' benefit.
One popular perk: Staffers can rent furnished apartments for $20 a night in locations like Orlando, San Diego, Denver and Austin for use on personal vacations.
2009 revenue ($ millions): 624
08. Nugget Market
Rank: 8 (Previous rank: 5)
What makes it so great?
Rallies are an everyday event at this nine-store Northern California supermarket chain, where management uses a big flat screen computer monitor in each store to deliver important information about products, messages from the leadership team, employee awards, and pump up the troops.
Employees who watch diligently can be rewarded with bonuses that range from $20 to $1,500. Universal perk: everyone receives a 10% discount on store purchases.
2009 revenue ($ millions): 288
09. Recreational Equipment (REI)
Rank: 9 (Previous rank: 14)
What makes it so great?
After 15 years of service, employees at this adventure gear retailer are entitled to a four-week paid sabbatical; after that, they can take one every five years.
Employees also receive 50%-75% discounts on full-price REI branded apparel and equipment, free rental of equipment like skis and kayaks, and an annual gift of REI gear.
A separate Challenge Grant program provides up to $300 worth of gear to employees that participate in a challenging outdoor adventure (one cycled 500 miles across Iowa).
2009 revenue ($ millions): 1,455
10. DreamWorks Animation SKG
Rank: 10 (Previous rank: 6)
What makes it so great?
The creators of Shrek and Kung Fu Panda are lavished with free breakfast and lunch, movie screenings, afternoon yoga, on-campus art classes and monthly parties.
CEO Jefferey Katzenberg still takes time to call job candidates to encourage them to join.
Any DreamWorker can pitch a movie idea to company executives -- and can take the company-sponsored "Life's A Pitch" workshop to learn how best to do it.
2009 revenue ($ millions): 725 Continue ►
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Disney bags contain high levels of lead
The Center for Environmental Health (CEH), a national eco-watchdog group, is always on the lookout for toxins in consumer products, particularly in children's products. They found them recently in high levels in Disney shopping bags.
CEH's independent lab testing found high levels of lead, in violation of California law, in Disney “Toy Story” and “Cars” reusable plastic shopping bags purchased from Safeway. The bags contained more than 15 times the federal limit for lead in children’s products.
CEH has sent legal notices to Disney, Safeway and Advanced Publisher — the company that produces the bags — informing them of the testing results and subsequent violation. The Walt Disney Co. said in a statement that they were looking into the claims.
"The safety of products bearing the Disney name or our characters is of utmost important to us," the company said. "We require that all Disney products must be tested by our licensees and manufacturers, and that they comply with all laws before being shipped. We are currently in contact with our licensee, Advance Publishers, to ensure that these bags were tested and are in compliance." Continue ►
CEH's independent lab testing found high levels of lead, in violation of California law, in Disney “Toy Story” and “Cars” reusable plastic shopping bags purchased from Safeway. The bags contained more than 15 times the federal limit for lead in children’s products.
CEH has sent legal notices to Disney, Safeway and Advanced Publisher — the company that produces the bags — informing them of the testing results and subsequent violation. The Walt Disney Co. said in a statement that they were looking into the claims.
"The safety of products bearing the Disney name or our characters is of utmost important to us," the company said. "We require that all Disney products must be tested by our licensees and manufacturers, and that they comply with all laws before being shipped. We are currently in contact with our licensee, Advance Publishers, to ensure that these bags were tested and are in compliance." Continue ►
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