9.29.2008 - 12:11pm ET

(CSRwire) MIDLAND, MI. - September 29, 2008 - Working Mother magazine recently named The Dow Chemical Company one of the 2008 Working Mother 100 Best Companies for the second consecutive year. The Company earned the recognition for its company-wide benefits and programs that create an inclusive and "family-friendly" environment – with the goal of attracting, retaining and advancing top talent.

Andrew Liveris, Dow's Chairman and CEO, said, "Dow is committed to building an inclusive, people-centric culture, which allows working mothers to thrive both professionally and personally through family friendly benefits. It results in a win-win for our company and our employees when we provide these benefits because it ensures that we are getting the very best talent in the world. We are honored to have the Working Mothers 100 Best award bestowed upon us to emphasize this commitment."

Dow was recognized as a leading employer for working mothers based on its family-friendly benefits, including flexible work options and telecommuting, adoption benefits and personal leaves, and efforts to develop and advance women through initiatives such as the Women's Innovation Network, open mentoring and My Women's Network. Also included are compressed work schedules, laptops which aid in employees' mobility and other needs-driven flexibility options.

Suzanne Riss, Editor in Chief, Working Mother magazine, said, "Dow knows that their investment pays for itself through employee loyalty and they realize that productivity depends as much on satisfied staffers as on smart processes. By helping employees manage their work/life demands, Dow is creating a highly motivated workforce."

Methodology:

Dow was selected for the 2008 Working Mother 100 Best Companies based on an extensive application with more than 500 questions. The application included detailed questions about workforce, compensation, child care, flexibility programs, leave policies and more. It also checked the usage, availability and tracking of programs, as well as the accountability of managers who oversee them. Seven areas were measured and scored: workforce profile, compensation, child care, flexibility, time off and leaves, family-friendly programs, and company culture. For this year's 100 Best, particular weight was given to family-friendly policies, flexibility, leave policies and benefits for part-timers.

A complete list of the 2008 Working Mother 100 Best Companies can be found at www.workingmother.com.


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.

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