Midland, Mich. - February 28, 2007
The Dow Chemical Company announced today that it is advancing plans to commemorate 47 Building – Dow’s first world headquarters – and has established an advisory panel to provide input on plans for the property where the historic building once stood in downtown Midland.
The panel is composed of Dow employees and retirees who worked in 47 Building, as well as community residents – each of whom has a unique perspective about the building, its uses and Dow’s history. The group’s input will be used to help develop plans for the property, which currently is vacant. Dow plans to transform the land into a place that commemorates the location of 47 Building and marks it as an historic site for the company.
“History was made at 47 Building, and we called together this advisory panel to help us commemorate its legacy and the Company’s early years in a meaningful way for our employees, the community and all who passed through its doors,” said David Dupre, vice president , Michigan Operations.
The panel members include:
- E. Ned Brandt, Dow historian
- Bud Carpenter – retired Public Affairs professional (37 years)
- Earl Ebach – retired chemical engineer and Dow historian (36 years)
- Pam Geiling – Dow Administrative Assistant (current)
- Pete Lehman (Panel Chair) – retired, General Manager, Michigan Division (40 years)
- Ranny Riecker – Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation and family member
- Bud Rubens – retired Dow Scientist (46 years)
- Gary Skory, director, Midland County Historical Society
Along with the panel, Dow has secured Hamilton Anderson Associates to assist with the design of the project. Hamilton Anderson is a multi-disciplined firm with professionals in architecture, landscape architecture, planning, interior design and graphic design.
Specific timing for the project will be determined following approval of final concepts, though completion is targeted for mid-2008.
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.
For Editorial Information:
Jennifer Heronema
The Dow Chemical Company
989-636-9142
