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July 2009

Ten Thousand Villages Named "Most Ethical" for Second Year

Once again in 2009, with selection based on factors such as corporate citizenship and responsibility, legal, regulatory and reputation track record, internal ethics/compliance program, and innovation that contributes to public well-being, The Ethisphere Institute and Forbes Magazine recognized Ten Thousand Villages as one of the “World's Most Ethical Companies.” The 99 recipients of the internationally acclaimed award were revealed by the Ethisphere Institute in April, its third annual listing designed to encourage ethical practices within the global business community. Winners were chosen among nominations from 100 countries and 35 industries.

“We are, once more, honored to be recognized among this selection of major companies,” said Ten Thousand Villages Chief Executive Officer, Craig Schloneger. “As a nonprofit retail operation, even in difficult economic circumstances, we continue to strive to be fair trade leaders, coupling our mission with sustainable economic and environmental practices. This repeat recognition validates our continuing commitment to fair trade and to serving the needs of both the artisans who supply our products, and the customers who purchase them.”

Researchers and analysts with The Ethisphere Institute reviewed more than 10,000 of the world’s leading companies on six continents using a rigorous, multi-step evaluation process. Among Ten Thousand Villages’ peers recognized in the class of specialty retail operations were IKEA, Gap, Best Buy, Marks & Spencer and Trader Joe’s.

“Ten Thousand Villages is proud to promote ethics in the marketplace, and to treat people fairly, from the beginning of the supply chain to its very end,” Schloneger said. “We continue to be called to act justly, love mercy and to walk humbly for we have a big responsibility and a tremendous opportunity … to motivate our customers with our business ethics, to empower our suppliers on a daily basis and to make a positive impact on the world in which we live.”