James Sinegal, CEO of Costco Wholesale Corporation, has been officially chosen as Morningstar's 2011 CEO of the Year. Morningstar, Inc., acknowledges a chief executive who exemplifies excellent corporate stewardship, exhibits autonomous thinking, and leaves a lasting impression on shareholders and the industry. Under Mr. Sinegal, Costco shareholders have seen impressive annual numbers, returns, repurchases and dividends. Morningstar notes that Costco's high quality and low prices are making it a desirable destination poised for growth both nationally and internationally, with high traffic numbers, efficiency in business and 600 clubs that support the claim. Paul Larson, chief equities strategist and editor of Morningstar StockInvestor., "This year's nominees each have added intrinsic value to the companies they run." He continues, "James Sinegal, who has served as CEO since co-founding Costco in 1983, has created and maintained value for all company stakeholders during his tenure. The average Costco employee is attractively compensated relative to other retail workers, keeping employee turnover low and productivity high. Although its top-notch benefits package and superior wages are costly on the surface, the firm is reimbursed handsomely, generating more than $500,000 in sales per employee.”<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">www.costco.com<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">
