Goodwill Industries Named one of America's 25 Most Inspiring Companies

Nonprofit receives prestigious honor from Forbes Magazine

BALTIMORE, Md., Oct. 8, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Goodwill Industries, the non-profit that works to enhance the dignity and quality of life of individuals and families by strengthening communities, eliminating barriers to opportunity and helping people in need reach their full potential through learning and the power of work, was named one of Forbes magazine's 25 Most Inspiring Companies by American consumers. The local chapter of the international organization, Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake, Inc. serves the Baltimore and Eastern shore regions of Maryland.

The list was based on results from consulting firm Performance Inspired, Inc., which surveyed 2,175 consumers online. Respondents listed the five companies they found most inspirational and why, and Goodwill was amongst the top 25 companies.

According to Terry Barber, chief inspiration officer for Performance Inspired, "Consumers are really appreciative of the Goodwill retail stores and the perceived feel-good value they are bringing to local communities."

"The fact that consumers recognize the good we are doing in our communities with the donations we receive and sell in our stores really shows that we are succeeding in spreading the word about all of the great programs and services Goodwill provides," said Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake, Inc. president and CEO Lisa Rusyniak.

Last year, Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake, Inc. provided services to more than 25,000 people in need of assistance because of physical, mental or other social barriers, and placed approximately 2,300 into jobs. Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake, Inc. has 25 retail locations and three outlet stores in the greater Baltimore metro region and the Eastern Shore and also operates an e-book store, Goodwill Good Books Baltimore.

By donating and shopping at Goodwill, consumers help fund job training and placement programs for those with disabilities or other disadvantaging conditions. For more information, visit www.goodwillches.org or find us on Facebook at Facebook.com/BmoreGoodwill. E-books can be purchased online at http://stores.ebay.com/GoodwillGoodBooksBaltimore.

About Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake:

For 93 years, Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake, Inc. has helped others help themselves. Revenue generated from the sale of donated goods funds job training, job placement and other human services for people who are unemployed or face other challenges to employment, including people with significant disabilities. For more information, visit www.goodwillches.org.

Media Contact:
Jonathan Balog
Director of Marketing
410-837-1800 ext 175
[email protected]

SOURCE Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake, Inc.