Midland, MI - March 13, 2007

The Dow Chemical Company, in collaboration with the 47 Building Advisory Panel, this evening announced plans to develop a contemplative garden on the land where the historic 47 Building once stood in downtown Midland. The building served as Dow’s first headquarters. The announcement was made at a private reception at the Herbert D. Doan History Center. The renderings of the area show a general plan for an outdoor place for meditation, remembrance and thought about the roots of the company and the people who worked there.

The garden will include permanent statuary and other items that represent the origins of The Dow Chemical Company and the early work of its founder, H.H. Dow. Other elements under consideration are native plants and fruit trees, garden paths, walkways near the river and other flora unique to the area and that were meaningful to the company’s founders.

Between 20,000 and 30,000 bricks have been salvaged from 47 Building and will be used in a variety of ways. Several thousand pieces of brick were crushed and used in the warning track at Dow Diamond. Another 5,000 have been refurbished and adorned with a special commemorative plate. Although plans have not been finalized, these bricks will be given to employees, retirees and community members, who wish to have a special “piece” of history. The remainder of the bricks will be used in the commemorative garden.

Museum Display and Documentary Film

A permanent display constructed in part from bricks taken from 47, will reside at the Herbert D. Doan History Center as part of its permanent gallery. The kiosk style exhibit will house historic artifacts on loan from the Post Street Archives and two screens showing the 18-minute film, “Remembering 47: A Cornerstone of Growth” in an interactive format. The exhibit is built to remind visitors of the distinctive shape 47 had including its signature rotunda.

The 47 Building was an historic landmark in Midland and mid-Michigan. The display and film are intended to honor the memory of the company, its founders and the many people who worked there.

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 (office)
989-513-6135 (cell)
jheronema@dow.com