Akron, Ohio—Sterling Jewelers Inc. was named one of the best workplaces in Northeast Ohio during the ninth annual NorthCoast 99 Awards, making it the seventh time the retailer has been recognized for an exceptional working environment.

Developed and hosted by Employers Resource Council, the program honors 99 workplaces for attracting, motivating and retaining top talent in Northeast Ohio.

NorthCoast 99 requests nominations from employees throughout the region. After a nomination is received, organizations complete a description of their policies, benefits and workplace characteristics that appeal to employees.

Sterling Jewelers Inc. President and Chief Executive Officer Mark Light said in a press release issued Friday that the company was honored its employees considered Sterling Jewelers for the nomination.

"The talented people who work here are the foundation of this company," Light said. "The passion and professionalism displayed among our team members are the reasons our organization is the industry leader and continues to thrive and create new opportunities for the future."

Sterling Jewelers Inc. operates more than 1,307 stores in the United States, employing more than 17,000 team members nationally and 2,300 in the greater Akron, Ohio, area. The company is the U.S. division of London-based Signet Group.