For the third year in a row, the food-oriented c-store chain Sheetz has been named one of the top 10 large places to work in Pennsylvania, this year ranking number four. This news comes on the heels of the company also being ranked 87th on Forbes magazine’s list of Top Privately Held Companies for 2004.

“These honors are a tribute to the hard work and spirit of our employees,” said Stan Sheetz, president and chief executive officer for Sheetz. “All of us in the Sheetz family have great respect for our employees because they are always focused on doing the right things for our customers.”

Gov. Ed Rendell and the Great Places to Work Institute named Sheetz as one of the top 10 “Best Places to Work in Pennsylvania” for its family oriented style, flexible atmosphere, and for providing excellent employee benefits. The Altoona-based company employs more than 5,700 in its more than 185 Pennsylvania locations.

The award is based on a random survey of the eligible business’ employees, and an independent judging of a prepared entry detailing the company’s work environment, employee relations, and benefits program. In summer 2004, 250 employees were randomly selected to complete the survey.

With its award at the state level, Sheetz now advances to the national stage and is eligible to be named by Fortune magazine as one of the Top 100 employers in the country.

Sheetz offers both full- or part-time store positions, including store managers, assistant store managers, shift supervisors, and store associates. Qualified employees can participate in the company’s tuition reimbursement plans, as well as in the company’s 401K, quarterly profit sharing bonuses, the employee stock ownership plan (ESOP), and full- and part-time health benefits.