5.11.2004 ET

(CSRwire) NORTHBROOK, IL - Working Mother magazine named Allstate one of the "Best Companies for Women of Color". Only five other companies made the list and include American Express, Fannie Mae, General Mills, IBM and JP Morgan Chase.

"Thirty percent of our readers are women of color, and they're looking for companies in which their voices will be heard, their talent developed and their compensation commensurate with their contributions," says Betty Wong, executive editor of Working Mother magazine. "But unless companies understand accountability-unless they train, support and reward their managers for results, diversity won't develop."

In addition to the random survey that was completed anonymously online by women of color, the best companies selection criteria included employee population, advancement programs, availability and tracking of diversity programs and the accountability of managers for overseeing them. Women of color make up 20% of Allstate's workforce and made up 24% of last year's hires.

According to Working Mother, 95% of the confidential survey respondents from Allstate said they are proud to tell others they work for the company and 96% hope to stay with it. Employees were also asked about stresses and coping behaviors, family care benefits, provisions for time off, advancement programs and opportunities, management's commitment to diversity and employee issues.

"Allstate recognizes that leveraging diversity in the workplace and the marketplace is simply a good business practice. We're proud to receive this recognition from Working Mother," said Joan M. Crockett, senior vice president, human resources, Allstate Insurance Company. "We're particularly pleased that our employees, the women who responded to the confidential Working Mother survey, have affirmed our inclusive and supportive work environment."

This listing with profiles on women from these companies will be published in the June issue of Working Mother magazine and www.workingmother.com. For pictures and video of Allstate working mothers visit www.allstate.com/media.

Working Mother magazine has also recognized Allstate for 13 years as a Top 100 Company for Working Mothers. Allstate received other diversity recognitions this year including DiversityInc magazine's recent announcement distinguishing Allstate as a top company for diversity, African-Americans and the recruitment and retention of diverse candidates.

The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation's largest publicly held personal lines insurer. Widely known through the "You're In Good Hands With Allstate®" slogan, Allstate provides insurance products to more than 16 million households and has approximately 12,900 exclusive agencies and financial specialists in the U.S. and Canada. Customers can access Allstate products and services through Allstate agents, or in select states at allstate.com and 1-800 Allstate®. EncompassSM and Deerbrook® Insurance brand property and casualty products are sold exclusively through independent agents. Allstate Financial Group includes the businesses that provide life insurance, annuity, retirement, banking and investment products through distribution channels that include Allstate agents, independent agents, worksite, financial institutions and broker-dealers.

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