Midland, MI - August 22, 2006
The Dow Chemical Company today announced that it has signed an ESGR Statement of Support for employees who are called into active military service. Gary R. Veurink, Dow’s corporate vice president for Manufacturing and Engineering, signed the statement on Dow’s behalf during a cermony earlier today at the Midland National Guard Armory.
“The 5-Star Statement of Support signed today by Mr. Veurink is a public demonstration of the support Dow has provided to their employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve,” says Gary Aten, executive director for the Michigan Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR). “By signing the Statement of Support, Dow joins a host of Fortune 500 companies, and hundreds of other companies, who have pledged support to employees who serve in our nation’s defense.”
“We are very proud of our employees who have chosen to serve their country through the National Guard and Reserve,” says Veurink. “Their willingness to serve a greater cause mirrors Dow’s determination to be part of the solution in addressing the many challenges facing our society today – from fresh water supply to energy efficiency to climate change.
“We believe it is our corporate responsibility to support our employees who are serving in the Guard and Reserve, whether in training or on active duty,” says Veurink.“We recognize and want to respond to the very real and oftentimes worrisome financial burdens that can be placed on the families of reservists when they’ve been mobilized.”
Dow employees who are called to active duty receive full pay from Dow for the first eight weeks (in addition to their military pay), after which they receive differential pay. Additionally, Dow continues health and dental care for the first six months of active duty, at which time the employee has the opportunity to continue the coverage at 102 percent of the full, unsubsidized cost for up to 18 months.
About Dow
Dow is a diversified chemical company that harnesses the power of innovation, science and technology to constantly improve what is essential to human progress. The Company offers a broad range of products and services to customers in more than 175 countries, helping them to provide everything from fresh water, food and pharmaceuticals to paints, packaging and personal care products. Built on a commitment to its principles of sustainability, Dow has annual sales of $49 billion and employs 43,000 people worldwide. 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.
ESGR is a Department of Defense agency established in 1972 whose mission is to gain and maintain active support from all public and private employers for the men and women of the National Guard and Reserve as defined by demonstrated employer commitment to employee military service. As the 1.2 million members of the National Guard and Reserve continue to perform an increasing number of unique missions within America’s borders and beyond, ESGR will continue as the contact agency for questions and information regarding programs that support the relationship between civilian employers and their employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve. Guard and Reserve members, as well as their employers, can learn more about ESGR by visiting www.esgr.com or calling toll-free (800) 336-4590.
Editorial Information:
Jennifer Heronema
The Dow Chemical Company
989-636-9142
jheronema@dow.com
