Top-tier

"Top-tier candidates can take a hit if expectations aren't properly set, while an upstart campaign may be able to vault into the top-tier with an unexpected showing," said Brian Jones, a top campaign aide to Arizona Sen. John McCain in 2008.

Romney to Skip Key Poll in Iowa Patrick O'Connor 2011

"Top-tier candidates can take a hit if expectations aren't properly set, while an upstart campaign may be able to vault into the top-tier with an unexpected showing," said Brian Jones, a top campaign aide to Arizona Sen. John McCain in 2008.

Romney to Skip Key Poll in Iowa Patrick O'Connor 2011

Top-tier colleges tend to attract recruiting visits from companies that have stopped visiting elsewhere.

Is an Ivy League Diploma Worth It? Melissa Korn 2011

Top-tier companies will benefit from Asian central banks diversifying their growing reserves away from U.S.

Asia's Bond Market Comes Alive Soofian J. Zuberi 2011

Top-tier talent, he says, isn ' t eager to jump into a risky start-up without an aggressive cash compensation package.

Region Trails in Salary Gains Pui-Wing Tam 2010

Top-tier schools - including Howard, Hampton University and Spelman and Morehouse colleges - vie with Harvard and Princeton for top black students and faculty.

Howard in flux: An HBCU reinvents itself Daniel de Vise 2010

Top-tier business events are not only surviving but thriving.

CEO Sighting - Where They Went in 2009 Jennifer Risi 2010

Top-tier fest Sundance is in the snowy Rockies, which seems to only elevate the intensity of America's premier festival.

Stewart Nusbaumer: A Dream for Atlantic City 2010

Top-tier frequent fliers those in the higher categories of elite status typically get access to airport lounges at partner airlines.

Shopping for Perks Among the Big Airline Alliances 2010

Top-tier business events are not only surviving but thriving.

Jennifer Risi: CEO Sighting - Where They Went in 2009 2010