BURKE, VA / July 7, 2004 - Due to its dedicated efforts toward achieving a higher level of human resource practices, Van Metre Companies has recently been named Northern Virginia's first "Employer of Choice". Following a rigorous three-week evaluation process by Success Profiles, the organization responsible for scoring and evaluating applicants, Van Metre becomes just the thirteenth recipient of this recognition. In addition, the company is only the second real estate firm ever honored. "We present this award to recognize organizations that invest in and achieve excellence in their employment-related business practices," said Thomas Olivo, President of Success Profiles. "What stood out about Van Metre Homes is what stands out for every other Employer of Choice award winner; they are world-class across the board in their employment practices." Of the organizations that have applied since the awards inception in 1999, only 10 to 15 percent qualify to advance beyond the preliminary screening and onto the evaluation phase. Van Metre was one of a mere handful of companies to achieve this feat with its first submission. The company was then further judged on multiple business facets including culture, leadership, level of care towards employees, growth and opportunities available to workers, compensation and benefits, employee loyalty, and performance results. This award also required that Van Metre receive approval from its own employees by way of an internal survey. At the conclusion of the process, Van Metre became one of the few organizations to grace the international "Employee of Choice" list. Van Metre accepted their award at a presentation held on June 13, 2004 at the Potomac Club in Lansdowne, Virginia. The Van Metre Companies, a family-owned, Northern Virginia based residential development and homebuilding firm, was founded in 1955. It includes Van Metre Homes, which develops new home communities and builds nearly 600 new homes annually. Van Metre also develops, builds and manages apartment communities, provides mortgage and title services and builds custom homes through their Marquis Custom Homes brand. More information about Van Metre Companies can be found online at VanMetreHomes.com.