MONTVALE, NJ - Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) announced that for the second consecutive year, it has been ranked one of the "Best Places to Work in New Jersey" according to NJBIZ Magazine, New Jersey's primary business journal covering the state.

This award was designed to identify, recognize and honor the best places of employment in New Jersey, benefiting the state's economy, its workforce and businesses. The award program, created in 2005, is produced by NJBIZ and sponsored by Gibbons, P.C. and Novo Nordisk and is in partnership with Garden State Council SHRM, The New Jersey State Chamber, Employers Association of New Jersey and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority.

In its second year as an entrant, MBUSA's 2011 ranking of No. 6 - up from No. 7 last year - is the sole automaker on the list and is part of the large sized category (more than 250 employees).

"MBUSA has a long tradition of doing business in the Garden State and we thank our associates for their commitment and dedication that has led to continued success - both here at our headquarters in Bergen County and our regional offices in Parsippany and Robbinsville," stated Ernst Lieb, President and CEO, MBUSA. "To achieve this accolade in a recovering economy is a true statement of how unified we are, working together to inspire our entire organization and deliver the dream that customers associate with the Mercedes-Benz brand."

The Best Places to Work in New Jersey program is made up of 70 companies split into two groups: 29 small/medium-sized companies (15-249 employees) and 41 large-sized companies (more than 250 employees).

To qualify, companies had to fulfill the following eligibility requirements:

• Have at least 15 employees in New Jersey;

• Be a for-profit, not-for-profit or government entity;

• Be a publicly or privately held business;

• Have a facility in New Jersey;

Companies from across the state entered the two-part process to determine the 70 Best Places to Work in New Jersey. The first part consisted of evaluating each nominated company's workplace policies, practices, philosophy, systems and demographics. This phase was worth approximately 25% of the total evaluation. The second part consisted of an employee survey to measure the employee experience. This phase was worth approximately 75% of the total evaluation. The combined scores determined the top companies and the final ranking. The overall registration and survey process was managed by Best Companies Group (BCG). BCG also analyzed the data provided and used their expertise to determine the final rankings. For more information on the Best Places to Work in New Jersey program or to register for the event, please visit www.njbiz.com/events.