KANSAS CITY, Mo. (June 25, 2009) -- The HNTB Companies once again has been named one of the largest majority employee-owned companies in the United States. The annual ranking is compiled by the National Center for Employee Ownership, a national nonprofit information and membership organization designed to promote employee leadership.

Formed in 2000, the HNTB Employee Ownership Plan has approximately an 80 percent participation rate among the firm’s 3,800 employees. Plan participants’ average account balance is now $86,000 compared to $50,000 just two years ago. The total value of employee accounts has grown from $13 million in the first year to $289 million at the end of 2008.

“Our ownership plan is a valuable employee benefit that, when joined with our 401(k) plan, gives employees excellent retirement savings options,” said Bob Stromsted, CEO of HNTB Corporation.

“Through the HNTB Ownership Plan, employees own a piece of the firm and have a direct impact on the growth of their own retirement savings through their contributions to the firm’s success,” Stromsted said.

Rankings are based on the number of employees. To be included on the list, companies must have a majority of their shares owned by an employee stock ownership plan or similar program. HNTB has appeared on the list annually since 2005.

HNTB Corporation is an employee-owned infrastructure firm serving federal, state, municipal, military and private clients. With nearly a century of service, HNTB has the insight to understand the life cycle of infrastructure and the perspective to solve the most complex technical, financial and operational challenges. Professionals nationwide provide award-winning planning, design, program management and construction management services. For more information, visit www.hntb.com.