W.L. Gore

December 9, 2005

To: President, Personnel and Human Resources- Expedia, Inc.

From: VP Personnel and Human Resources

RE: Executive Summary of W.L. Gore and Associates

W.L. Gore, a well founded industrial company was founded in 1958 by Bill and Viece Gore. Their purpose was to found a solid company that produced a material that would surpass the rest. Their product “Gortex” can be found all over the world in the form of engineering, medical, electronic, and apparel material.

At W. L. Gore & Associates their mission statement is simply put, “our products are designed to be the highest quality in their class and revolutionary in their effect.” This also goes beyond their product to their company culture. They remain innovated in their design and culture to allow for a positive and creative work environment. Gore and Associates have been recognized as one of the top 100 companies to work for, because of their work culture. They believe in diversity, and take pride in the differences each of their 6,000 associates brings to their organization.

W.L. Gore and Associates unique organizational structure sets them aside from the rest. They are unique in their products and services, their ability to adapt to change and their ambition to stay above the rest.

W.L. Gore’s products and services are as followed:

1) Consumer Products 2) Cable and Cable Assemblies 3) Electronic and Electrochemical Materials 4) Fabric and Fibers 5) Filtration 6) Geochemical Services 7) Medical/healthcare 8) Sealants 9) Venting.

Gore and Associates bring in approximately $1.5 billion in revenue annually. This profit margin is driven by its associates and organizational structure. Their retention levels are low, their employee incentives are high. Overall the organization is smooth flowing and communication is their key to success. Communication from Newark, Delaware (headquarters) flows consistently throughout this international company. Channels are formed informally and formally through top management which allows for consistency and proficiency. Good communication is not the only thing keeping retention low. It’s the positive benefit packages Gore Associates receive for being valued employees.

Employee Benefits include the following:

1) Medical, Dental. Full vision benefits.

2) Paid vacation and holidays

3) Family care management

4) Profit Sharing

5) Continuing