TharpeRobbins Receives Safe Harbor Privacy Compliance from U.S. Department of Commerce

STATESVILLE, NC, March 02, 2013

The TharpeRobbins Company, a global leader in managed employee rewards and recognition, recently completed the U.S. Department of Commerce's Safe Harbor privacy protection certification process.

Safe Harbor certification is a program developed by the U.S. Department of Commerce in consultation with the European Commission to assist U.S. companies in complying with the European Union's Directive on Data Protection. Requiring adherence to seven key principles relating to data access, transfer and security, certification provides the public with an assurance that participating companies deliver the highest levels of data privacy protection at all times.

"We are excited to report that TharpeRobbins is now certified with the U.S.-European Union Safe Harbor Framework and the U.S.-Swiss Safe Harbor Framework as set forth by the Department of Commerce regarding the collection, use and retention of personal information," says Neal Cao, senior vice president and chief information officer for TharpeRobbins. "Our privacy standards have always been exemplary, but we have now obtained international recognition that TharpeRobbins adheres to the highest Safe Harbor Privacy Principles of notice, choice, onward transfer, security, data integrity, access and enforcement."

TharpeRobbins hosts websites for the benefit of its clients in the United States and abroad so that they may offer incentive and recognition programs for employees, customers and consumers. Through these program sites, the company collects personally identifiable data, such as names, addresses, email addresses and telephone contact information, to facilitate program registration, award fulfillment and program site access.

"At TharpeRobbins, we are committed to the safety and security of all personal data," says Cao. "Therefore, we constantly implement and upgrade the latest security technologies to ensure the highest protection of all private data both while it is being stored and during times of data transfer."

To learn more about the Safe Harbor program, and to view the TharpeRobbins Company's certification, please visit http://www.export.gov/safeharbor/.

About TharpeRobbins
For more than 100 years, TharpeRobbins' rich history as an innovator has covered the breadth of managed reward and recognition programs. The company fosters superior performance by creating new standards for employee recognition and rewards through imaginative solutions, cutting edge programs, flawless execution, professional service and world-class technology. TharpeRobbins built its reputation on developing customized programs to help clients reach their employee attraction and retention goals. The company is passionate about recognition because they know that an engaged workforce produces satisfied customers, which in turn produces more business. With TharpeRobbins, Recognition Changes Everything.

The privately-held TharpeRobbins was created through the February 2007 merger of The Robbins Company, founded in 1892, and The Tharpe Company Inc., founded in 1981. In 2012, the company acquired Hinda Incentives, based in Chicago. The TharpeRobbins company headquarters are located on a 25-acre campus in Statesville, N.C. and include an extensive showroom and state-of-the-art distribution facility. The ISO-certified Attleboro, Mass., operations include creative services, software development and jewelry manufacturing. Find out more at http://www.tharperobbins.com.