2003 Judges Comments Indicate That Despite Tough Economy and Increased Benefits Costs, Companies Must Hold Strong

A distinguished panel of business leaders and benefits experts selected The Principal^® 10 Best Companies for Employee Financial Security for 2003 from more than 1,800 growing businesses nominated for recognition. The judges noted that despite today's economy, this year's entrants stepped up to the plate and illustrated their commitment to their workforce.

"People tend to perceive that just large companies have the ability to offer benefits they think would qualify for recognition in a program like this, but actually there are many small-and middle-sized companies that were doing great things for their employees."

~Deborah Lucas, Household International Professor of Finance, Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University

"We saw companies providing access to long term care insurance; a greater focus on education, helping people understand why they need to prepare for financial security; and more and more focus on education of people relative to healthcare. These are new developments, new trends - probably driven by cost inflation - but very much in the mainstream of what tomorrow needs to be."

~ Dallas Salisbury, President and CEO, Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI)

"At a time when a lot of employers are saying that the economic situation is requiring a cutback, The Principal 10 Best Companies are going the extra distance … these employers have a tremendous competitive advantage."

~ David Wray, President of the Profit Sharing/401(k) Council of America (PSCA)

"I was surprised to see that so many small businesses are being very competitive by offering quality benefits that provide a sound financial future for their employees."

~ Mary Macrae, President, National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO)

"The Principal 10 Best Companies are investing in all their employees - full- and part-time."

~ Howard Wolosky, Associate Publisher/Executive Editor The Practical Accountant

"I was impressed that this year's entrants continued to offer the best of benefits, while keeping employee costs down. It says employers really do appreciate their employees and are trying to do everything they can for them in a down economy."

~ Mary Frances Gargotta, Senior Vice-President and Corporate Human Resources Director, MARC USA