5.20.2008 - 09:25pm ET

(CSRwire) MIDLAND, MI - May 20, 2008 - The National Business Group on Health, a national non-profit organization of large employers, yesterday honored The Dow Chemical Company for its commitment and dedication to promoting a healthy workplace and encouraging a healthy lifestyle for its employees and their families.

Dow was among 52 employers that received the Best Employers for Healthy Lifestyles award at the Leadership Summit sponsored by the National Business Group on Health's (NBGH) Institute on the Costs and Health Effects of Obesity. Dow was one of 12 employers that received a Platinum Award - the highest possible award - for demonstrated commitment to health as a strategic priority for the Company.

"At Dow, we view health spending not as a cost but as an investment in our greatest asset – our people," said Andrew Liveris, chairman and chief executive officer of Dow. "We put a great deal of focus on the Human Element of Dow, so we are honored to receive this recognition and to be known as a leader in promoting healthy lifestyles among our employees."
"Dow's focus on good health and high-value health care includes elements such as prevention, quality and effectiveness, health system management and advocacy," said Dr. Catherine Baase, Dow's global director of Health Services. "The prevention pillar offers Dow one of the largest opportunities for long-term impact and we are investing in prevention programs around the world. We provide on-site and community programming related to lifestyle, nutrition, physical activity, smoking cessation and stress management for employees, retirees and their families."

Now in its fourth year, the Best Employers for Healthy Lifestyles awards acknowledge and reward those employers that recognize the urgent need to improve their workers’ health, productivity and quality of life. The underlying goal of the program is to serve as a catalyst to encourage all employers to take action.

"We are very pleased to honor Dow for their innovation and commitment to providing lifestyle improvement programs designed to encourage healthier lifestyles for their employees," said Helen Darling, President of the NBGH. "Dow and its management team should be proud of both their initiatives and ongoing support of helping employees to choose a healthier way of life."

Winners of the Best Employers for Healthy Lifestyles awards were honored in one of three categories: Platinum, for established programs with measurable outcomes; Gold, for creating cultural and environmental changes that support employees who have made a commitment to long-term behavior changes; and Silver, for employers who have launched significant programs or services to promote living a healthier lifestyle.

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.

About the National Business Group on Health

The National Business Group on Health is the nation's only non-profit, membership organization of large employers devoted exclusively to finding innovative and forward-thinking solutions to their most important health care and related benefits issues. The NBGH identifies and shares best practices in health benefits, disability, health and productivity, related paid time off and work/life balance issues. NBGH members provide health coverage for more than 50 million U.S. workers, retirees and their families. For more information about the NBGH, visit www.businessgrouphealth.org

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