Dow in the Middle East scoops Best Workplace Practices award at 5th CSR Summit 2008

"This is a great achievement and testimony to Dow's uncompromising commitment to its people at all levels," said John Dearborn, president, India, Middle East and Africa (IMEA), "Dow's workplace culture is one of information sharing where our people are kept up-to-date via the intranet, internal broadcasts and newsletters. Dow employees are given extensive training to ensure stringent international company health and safety standards are maintained wherever they are in the world."

Dow was selected for its innovative and holistic approach in employee communications practices which include a series of online, satellite and on site tools such as the company's state-of-the-art intranet, closed-circuit TV channel, print and electronic magazines and video messaging.

Dow also was recognized for its internal social culture and development programs, which focus on providing employees with performance-based compensation and benefits, access to professional development networks, as well as, health and safety programs.

This is Dow's first regional CSR award and the latest in a long list of global accolades the company has received.

Other recent Dow workplace and culture distinctions include awards in Spain, Germany, Argentina, Brazil and the USA.

'Best place to work' and 'top employer of choice' are some of the categories Dow has received distinctions in these countries.

More recently, Corporate Responsibility Officer (CRO) Magazine in the USA named The Dow Chemical Company one of America's "100 Best Corporate Citizens" of 2008.

This is the first time in the Awards' nine-year history that Dow has made the list, securing a place in the top 15 and ranking ahead of all other chemical companies.

EQUATE, Dow's Kuwait-based joint venture partner, was also highly commended for the 'Best Community Programme' award category for its educational support programs, community awareness programs, covering health and the environment, as well as, water and electricity consumption awareness programs.

At the summit, Dow also discussed the importance of undertaking sustainable development programmes for addressing international issues.

During a speech titled: The Correlation between CSR and Financial Performance, Louis A. Vega, director, public affairs, India, Middle East and Africa (IMEA), The Dow Chemical Company, said: "At Dow, we are inspired to use our knowledge of chemistry, science and technology towards the betterment of mankind. We are confident that with this knowledge and expertise, Dow can significantly contribute towards exploring innovative solutions to the problems facing humanity today."