Rocky Mountaineer Named One of Canada's Best Managed Companies

TORONTO, March 10, 2015 /CNW/ - Rocky Mountaineer was named one of Canada's Best Managed Companies in 2014 for excellence in business performance. Sponsored by Deloitte, CIBC, National Post, Queen's School of Business and MacKay CEO Forums, the Best Managed award recognizes Canadian owned and managed companies with revenues over $10 million for sustained growth, financial performance, management practices and the efforts of the entire organization.

"Today's market place is not just about financial performance; it is also about the investment in the people. Rocky Mountaineer invests in their team to build up a strong and stable company. Best Managed companies are home grown companies making smart investments to achieve above average returns," says Peter Brown, National Co-Leader of Canada's Best Managed Companies Program and Senior Practice Partner, Deloitte.

Rocky Mountaineer makes ongoing organizational communication a high priority to ensure teams are engaged and informed, along with strategic corporate planning to successfully adapt to Canada's shifting economic environments to grow both core and secondary markets within Canada and overseas. This commitment begins with a strong, clear hiring philosophy around recruiting the highest possible caliber of leaders into the organization. Talent development is also crucial to Rocky Mountaineer's philosophy. The senior leadership team strives to develop high-potential employees within their functional teams by designing robust development plans that bridge any skill gaps and prepares the employee for upward movement. 

Established in 1993, Canada's Best Managed Companies is one of the country's leading business awards programs that recognizes Canadian companies that have implemented world-class business practices and created value in innovative ways. Applicants are evaluated by an independent judging panel on how they address various business challenges, including new technologies, globalization, brand management, leadership, leveraging and developing core competencies, designing information systems, and hiring the right talent to facilitate growth.

"Our commitment to being creators of life changing experiences is at the forefront of Rocky Mountaineer's strategy and guides all of our actions, and we are thrilled to be honoured as one of Canada's Best Managed Companies as we head into our 25^th anniversary season, " said Randy Powell, President and CEO of Rocky Mountaineer. "We have grown to become the largest privately-owned passenger rail service in North America, but we aren't stopping there. We believe strongly in innovation, and continuing to refine and improve our assets, product offerings and service."

"This year's winners demonstrate the significant impact that Canadian private companies make from coast to-coast – and beyond - by pursuing innovation and investing in meeting the needs of their clients," said Jon Hountalas, Executive Vice-President, Business Banking, CIBC.

2014 winners of the Canada's Best Managed Companies award, along with the Gold Standard winners, Requalified and Platinum Club members will be honoured at the annual Canada's Best Managed Companies gala in Toronto on March 31, 2015. On the same date, the symposium will address leading-edge business.

About Rocky Mountaineer
2015 marks the 25th Anniversary for Rocky Mountaineer and the company has a lot to celebrate. Since its inception in 1990, Rocky Mountaineer has grown to be the largest privately owned luxury tourist train in the world and is considered by many as the only way to see the Canadian Rockies. In the past 25 years, the train has welcomed onboard over one and a half million guests from around the globe.

With over 45 vacation packages, five unique rail routes, and iconic destinations such as Seattle, WA, Vancouver and Whistler, BC, and the majestic Canadian Rockies in Alberta, there is a journey for anyone looking for a life changing experience. The world renowned train travels by daylight through the diverse landscapes of the Pacific Northwest and Western Canada while guests relish in the breathtaking views of tumbling waterfalls, glacier-capped mountains, and wildlife of the regions. Rocky Mountaineer has received numerous international awards and accolades for service excellence, including eight World Travel Awards for both "World's Leading Travel Experience By Train" and "World's Leading Luxury Train." In 2013, it was also recognized as one of the world's "Dream Trips" by the prestigious Travel+Leisure magazine.

About Canada's Best Managed Companies
Canada's Best Managed Companies continues to be the mark of excellence for Canadian-owned and managed companies with revenues over $10 million. Every year since the launch of the program in 1993, hundreds of entrepreneurial companies have competed for this designation in a rigorous and independent process that evaluates their management skills and practices. The awards are granted on four levels: 1) Best Managed winner (one of the new winners selected each year); 2) Requalified member (repeat winners retain the Best Managed designation for two additional years, subject to annual operational and financial review); 3) Gold Standard winner (After three consecutive years of maintaining their Best Managed status, these winners have demonstrated their commitment to the program and successfully reapplied for the designation. Companies may requalify for two additional years, subject to annual operational and financial review; 4) Platinum Club member (winners that maintain Best Managed status for a minimum of six consecutive years). Program sponsors are Deloitte, CIBC, National Post, Queen's School of Business and MacKay CEO Forums. For further information, visit www.bestmanagedcompanies.ca.

SOURCE Rocky Mountaineer

Related Links

www.rockymountaineer.com