SANTA MONICA, Calif. — (December 19, 2007) — The Phelps Group, one of the nation's leading integrated marketing communications agencies, has been recognized by The Los Angeles Business Journal as one of LA's 'Best Places to Work" for 2007. The firm ranked in the Top 10 of all mid-sized companies — 25 to 249 local workers — in Los Angeles.

The poll, conducted by ModernThink, an independent research company, surveyed nearly 10,000 employees from hundreds of companies with headquarters or satellite offices in Los Angeles. Key criteria in determining the top winners were culture of the organization, communication between employees, and growth opportunities available to workers. An anonymous employee satisfaction survey accounted for 75 percent of the ranking, and an employer survey of salary, benefits and other information accounted for the rest.

In a story accompanying the rankings, the Journal stated, "In the end one of the defining characteristics of the companies that top these rankings is that management is invested in creating the best possible work environment." The article goes on to quote ModernThink managing director, Rich Boyer. "It takes a commitment from senior leadership in terms of their belief that taking care of their people and doing the right thing for their people is the right thing to do."

The Phelps Group offers a range of progressive workplace benefits, including: reimbursement for education classes and programs; ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan); telecommuting; pet-friendly work environment; green workplace program; full-feedback environment; competitive pay and health benefits; weekly educational seminars; and hosted lunch twice a week.

The company was recently recognized with a Gold Award for Sustainability by the city of Santa Monica and was heralded as a "solar champion" for its 64kW solar panel installation, the largest commercial installation of its type in Santa Monica. Along with reducing the company's carbon footprint, the installation reflects the company's attitude towards contributing to a cleaner environment, a focus the agency has embraced with a wide range of eco-initiatives.

Based in Santa Monica, The Phelps Group is one of the largest and oldest independent marketing communications agencies on the West Coast and was recently recognized by the Los Angeles Business Journal as one of L.A.'s "Best Places to Work." An integrated marketing communications firm, The Phelps Group offers public relations, advertising, direct response, promotions, strategic alliance and interactive services. Its clients, most of which are leaders in their industries, include ARAMARK, City of Hope, DIRECTV, Dunn-Edwards Paints, Los Angeles Orthopedic Hospital, Malaysia Airlines, Monrovia Growers, NuSil Technology, Panasonic, Tahiti Tourisme, Western Dental and Whole Body products.