1.29.2008 - 11:59pm ET

(CSRwire) SARNIA, ON - January 29, 2008 - A multi-agency proposal to build and co-ordinate the delivery of services at a community centre for youth development in the city has been chosen by Dow Chemical Canada Inc. and The Dow Chemical Company Foundation to receive a $1-million donation as the Dow Sarnia Legacy Project.

The proposal, which includes the construction of an 8,500-square-foot facility near the corner of Indian Road and Wellington Street, was submitted by the Big Brothers of Sarnia-Lambton, the Big Sisters of Sarnia-Lambton, Rebound Sarnia-Lambton and St. Luke's United Church. The proposal references opportunities for other youth service organizations to also operate out of the centre.

Today's announcement concludes an eight-month search by Dow for a suitable community project, as a tribute to its local employees and retirees and the company's more than 65 years of operations in Sarnia.
"Youth development and family support have long been important community priorities for our employees and retirees in Sarnia, and across the country, noted Dow Chemical Canada Inc. President Jeff Johnston. "The youth centre is a most fitting way to recognize our current and former employees' commitment to excellence in the workplace and in community service."

"The fact that the proposal offered a highly creative solution to a long-time need for a permanent hub for youth activities in the city was very appealing to both community and company representatives who reviewed the submissions," said Don Fysh, Dow Sarnia's Director of operations.

During the upcoming months, Fysh said that Dow would be meeting with the legacy project sponsors to discuss details and a schedule for the transfer of the $1-million donation and the construction and subsequent operation of the youth centre.

Cindy Newman, chair of Dow's North American Contributions Committee of The Dow Chemical Company Foundation, said Dow was pleased to have the opportunity to support a project which will address key community quality of life issues. "Contributing to Community Success is one of Dow's 2015 Sustainability Goals, and this project is a perfect example of the kind of innovative solutions we like to support for sustainable communities. We are very excited about fostering such a collaborative approach to youth services that will ultimately help young people from across the community to develop the skills and attitudes needed to become contributing adults of future generations."

About Dow

With annual sales of $54 billion and 46,000 employees worldwide, Dow is a diversified chemical company that combines the power of science and technology with the "Human Element" to constantly improve what is essential to human progress. The Company delivers a broad range of products and services to customers in around 160 countries, connecting chemistry and innovation with the principles of sustainability to help provide everything from fresh water, food and pharmaceuticals to paints, packaging and personal care products. References to "Dow" or the "Company" mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly noted. More information about Dow can be found at www.dow.com.

Dow Chemical Canada Inc., a subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Company, employs approximately 1,200 people in Canada. Headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Dow Canada and its affiliates have manufacturing locations in: Sarnia and Toronto, Ontario; Fort Saskatchewan and Prentiss, Alberta; and Varennes, Quebec. Dow Canada is proud to join the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) as the official supplier of Insulation Materials and Heat Transfer Fluids. In addition, Dow Canada and VANOC, being mutually committed to the principles of sustainability, will work together on litter and end-of-life waste management programs to ensure the success of VANOC's 'Zero Waste' initiative. For more information about Dow Canada, please visit our web site at www.dowcanada.com.

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