TOLEDO, Ohio, Sept. 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Owens Corning , a world leader in building materials and glass fiber reinforcements, today announced that it received a perfect score of 100 percent on the 2010 Corporate Equality Index published by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, a civil rights organization working to achieve gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) equality. Owens Corning has achieved a 100-percent rating every year since 2004.
The 2010 Corporate Equality Index rated a total of 590 businesses on a scale of 0 to 100 percent on their treatment of GLBT employees and consumers. Ratings are based on factors such as non-discrimination policies, diversity training and benefits for domestic partners and transgender employees.
"We are honored to be recognized by the Human Rights Campaign for our efforts in building a diverse and welcoming work environment," said Frank O'Brien-Bernini, chief sustainability officer and executive sponsor of the company's gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and allies (GLBTA) affinity group. "We know that we are only as strong as our people, and creating a workplace where our employees can thrive is paramount."
Owens Corning is committed to respecting the differences of its employees and making Owens Corning a diverse workplace - one that offers programs and policies to meet employees' distinct needs. At Owens Corning, five established affinity groups exist as employee-led organizations that work to advance the company's commitment to inclusiveness. These affinity groups, which include the Owens Corning Multicultural Network, African American Resource Group, GLBTA, Hispanic Diversity Council, and Women's Information Network, develop programs and activities for other OC employees. In addition, Owens Corning holds an annual Diversity Leadership Conference at its world headquarters in Toledo, Ohio. The three-day conference provides a chance for college students from around the world to enhance their knowledge and understanding of leadership and corporate values through workshops and various exercises.
"The Corporate Equality Index 2010 shows that, even in the most challenging economy, leading employers are forging ahead of federal and state law to recruit and retain a diverse workforce - regardless of employees' sexual orientation and gender identity or expression," said Human Rights Campaign Foundation President Joe Solmonese.
For more information on the 2010 Corporate Equality Index, or to download a free copy of the report, visit http://www.hrc.org/cei.
About Owens CorningOwens Corning is a leading global producer of residential and commercial building materials, glass fiber reinforcements and engineered materials for composite systems. A Fortune 500 company for 55 consecutive years, Owens Corning is committed to driving sustainability through delivering solutions, transforming markets and enhancing lives. Founded in 1938, Owens Corning is a market-leading innovator of glass-fiber technology with sales of $6 billion in 2008 and about 16,500 employees in 30 countries. Additional information is available at http://www.owenscorning.com/.
About the Human Rights Campaign
The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against GLBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.
Owens Corning
CONTACT: Investor & Media Relations, Scott Deitz, +1-419-248-8935
Web Site: http://www.owenscorning.com/
