Fortune Recognition Fuels Interest in Employment with Four Seasons TORONTO, Jan. 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- When management at Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley at East Palo Alto started the hiring process, the response was overwhelming. Three thousand people applied for the 300 jobs available at the Hotel, which opened last January. "In North America and around the world, when we open a new hotel or resort, we are fortunate that so many people have an interest in working for Four Seasons," said Isadore Sharp, chairman and CEO, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. "We are truly grateful for the recognition by our employees in Fortune magazine each year. It has gone a long way to build our reputation as a top employer." For the 10th consecutive year, Four Seasons is included in Fortune magazine's list of the "100 Top Companies to Work For." It is also considered an "All Star" company by the magazine as it is one of only 18 organizations that have been on the list every year since it launched in 1998. "There is no greater endorsement than one that comes from your employees," said Nick Mutton, executive vice president, human resources. "Over more than 40 years we have worked very hard to build a culture where our people feel as respected and cared for as our guests and we're honoured that they have recognized us in such a meaningful way." "The 100 Best Companies to Work For" list is compiled for FORTUNE by Robert Levering and Milton Moskowitz of the Great Place to Work Institute in San Francisco, based on two criteria: an evaluation of the policies and culture of each company, and the opinions of the company's employees. The latter is given more weight; two-thirds of the total score comes from employee responses to a 57-question survey which goes to a minimum of 400 randomly selected employees from each company. More than 100,000 employees from 446 companies participated in the survey this year. It asks about things such as attitudes towards management, job satisfaction, and camaraderie within the organization. The remaining one-third of the score is based on an evaluation of each company's demographic makeup, pay and benefits programs, and culture. Companies are scored in four areas: credibility (communication to employees), respect (opportunities and benefits), fairness (compensation, diversity), and pride/camaraderie (philanthropy, celebrations). Companies that are at least seven years old and have 1,000 or more employees are eligible for the list. Information about applying for the next list can be found at http://www.greatplacetowork.com/. Four Seasons is dedicated to perfecting the travel experience through continuous innovation and the highest standards of hospitality. From elegant surroundings of the finest quality, to caring, highly personalised 24-hour service, Four Seasons embodies a true home away from home for those who know and appreciate the best. The deeply instilled Four Seasons culture is personified in its employees - people who share a single focus and are inspired to offer great service. Founded in 1960, Four Seasons has followed a targeted course of expansion, opening hotels in major city centres and desirable resort destinations around the world. Currently with 73 hotels in 31 countries, and more than 25 properties under development, Four Seasons will continue to lead the hospitality industry with innovative enhancements, making business travel easier and leisure travel more rewarding. For more information on Four Seasons, visit http://www.fourseasons.com/. DATASOURCE: Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts CONTACT: Nicola Blazier, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, (416) 441-4301, ; Leanne Drago, Columbus PRCo New York, (212) 251-1015,

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