Click here to download this press release in PDF format. September 2, 2008 Contact: Allison Short Public Relations Coordinator (614) 469-1001 ashort@chutegerdeman.com Agency Contact: Karen Schaffner Corporate Image Consulting (678) 579-9906 schaffner@direcpath.tv Chute Gerdeman Ranks Among Nation's Fastest Growing Companies Columbus, OH—Columbus, OH–Chute Gerdeman Retail, the Columbus-based branding and retail design firm, was recently ranked on two of the business and design world’s most prestigious lists: Inc. magazine’s Inc. 5000 and Interior Design magazine’s Second-100 Design Giants. “We are absolutely thrilled. The recognition we’ve received from both these prestigious and relevant magazines underscores the pride we take in our product, our teams, and our clients. As we continue to grow in size and reputation, we are committed to never losing focus,” responded Chute Gerdeman Executive Vice President, Wendy Johnson. Inc.’s list is the most comprehensive look at the most important segment of the economy—America’s independent-minded entrepreneurs. Taken as a whole, these companies represent the powerful backbone of the U.S. economy with aggregate revenue of $185 billion and median three-year growth of 147%. This year’s Inc. 5000 companies powered job growth, having created over 800,000 jobs since those companies were founded. “Our second annual Inc. 5000 continues the most ambitious project in business journalism” said Inc. 5000 Project Manager, Jim Melloan. “The Inc. 5000 gives an unrivalled portrait of young, underreported companies across all industries doing fascinating things with cutting-edge business models, as well as older companies that are still showing impressive growth.” Adding to its A-list standings, Chute Gerdeman joins Interior Design’s Second-100 Design Giants, ranked number 122 in the 2008 list, which was announced in the July issue. Once again, showing more hustle and bustle than the first 100 firms mentioned, the Second-100 Giants earned $425 million for the reporting period, up 25 percent from the previous year (vs. 15% for the first 100). Complete results of the Inc. 5000, including company profiles and a list of the fastest-growing companies (which can be sorted by industry and region) can be found at www.inc5000.com. About Chute Gerdeman Retail Since 1989, Chute Gerdeman Retail, based in Columbus, OH, has created retail brands, their identities, their environments, and every other customer touch point. The firm’s client list includes M&M’S/Mars, Target, Levi Strauss, Tween Brands Inc., Kohl’s, C&A Brazil, Shopko, Sheetz, Smithsonian, Hamleys (UK), Lowe’s, Einstein Bros. Café, KFC (Japan), Hanesbrands Inc., Pepsi-Cola, Ross-Simons, Nationwide Arena, Marriott Vacation Club International, Starwood and Wolverine. In 2006, the firm was voted “Designer of the Year” by readers of DDI magazine in addition to the numerous awards it has received for design leadership. For more information, go to www.chutegerdeman.com. www.chutegerdeman.com.