ICIS Launches Chemical Industry Innovation Awards for 2010

Welcomes U.S Chemicals as new Sponsor

LONDON, April 19, 2010 - ICIS (www.icis.com ), the trusted information provider for the
global chemical and energy industries, today calls for entries for its
seventh annual ICIS Innovation Awards (www.icis.com/awards ),
designed to recognise outstanding technological and business innovation in
the chemical industry.

Dow Corning (www.dowcorning.com ) is the overall lead sponsor for
the Awards, as it has been from their inception in 2004.

CRA International (www.crai.com/chemicals ) returns as the sponsor
of the Best Product Innovation category.

And ICIS welcomes U.S. Chemicals (www.uschemicals.com ) as sponsor
of the Innovation with Best Environmental Benefit category.

The awards enable companies to celebrate their success in the vital
activity of innovation. There are five categories to enter:

    - Best Product Innovation - sponsored by CRA International
    - Best Innovation by a Small or Medium-sized Enterprise (SME)
    - Best Business Innovation
    - Best Innovation in Corporate Social Responsibility
    - Innovation with the Best Environmental Benefit - sponsored by U.S.
      Chemicals

"The global economic challenges of the early 21st century will breed a
new era of innovation," says Dr Gregg Zank, senior vice president and chief
technology officer of Dow Corning Corporation.

"We expect that much of that innovation will come from the chemical
industry, helping to create a more environmentally sustainable world while
offering practical solutions to challenges in developing regions and for
underserved populations."

Dr Neil Checker, vice president and head of the European & Middle East
region for chemicals at CRA International, adds: "We find it encouraging that
the chemical industry has continued its investment in technology and
innovation, despite the fact that this has been one of the deepest downturns
that the industry has faced."

Carol Piccaro, president and CEO of U.S Chemicals, comments: "In the
global market where we all compete, both internal and external pressures
require all of us to do things differently, more efficiently with greater
efficacy. In the end, these innovations will ultimately be sustainable if
they benefit our environment."

John Baker, global editor at ICIS, notes that: "The Innovation Awards
continue to grow and gain industry support. We have added a new sponsor and
new category this year and look forward to being able to highlight the very
best of innovation in the industry later in the year."

The Awards are open to entry from today, with a deadline for entries of 5
July 2010. The winners will be announced on 11 October.

For more information or to enter the awards, visit
www.icis.com/awards or call John Baker on +44(0)20-8652-3153.

Notes to Editors:

ICIS

ICIS, the trusted information provider for the chemical and energy
industries, is part of Reed Business Information (RBI), a division of Reed
Business and a member of Reed Elsevier plc (525), (UK:REL) (US:RUK)
(NL:45443), the world's leading publisher and information provider. For more
information on ICIS visit www.icis.com

RBI publishes over 100 market leading publications, directories and
online services, and organises many industry conferences and awards. For a
full listing visit www.reedbusiness.co.uk

About Dow Corning Corporation

Dow Corning provides performance-enhancing solutions to serve the diverse
needs of more than 25,000 customers worldwide. A global leader in silicones,
silicon-based technology and innovation, Dow Corning offers more than 7,000
products and services via the company's Dow Corning and XIAMETER brands.

Dow Corning is a joint venture equally owned by The Dow Chemical Company
and Corning, Incorporated. More than half of Dow Corning's annual sales are
outside the US.

About CRA International (CRA)

CRA is a global consulting firm specialising in litigation, regulatory
and financial consulting, and management consulting. CRA guides corporations
through critical business strategy and performance-related issues and advises
clients on economic and financial matters pertaining to litigation and
regulatory proceedings. Since 1965, clients have engaged CRA for its unique
combination of functional expertise and industry knowledge, and for its
objective solutions to complex problems. Headquartered in Boston, CRA has
offices throughout North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

Our Chemicals Practice applies keen insight and rich experience across
the industry, from upstream petrochemicals and polymers to downstream
specialty chemicals and materials. We specialise in strategy, technology
management, M&A, performance improvement and organisation restructuring.

About U.S. Chemicals LLC

U.S. Chemicals, LLC, is a 50-year-old worldwide specialty chemical
distributor serving the textiles, paint, flame retardants, plastic, cosmetic,
personal care, food and pharmaceutical industries. A woman-owned business
based in New Canaan, Connecticut, US, U.S. Chemicals actively supports
environmentally responsible manufacturers and distributors of chemical
products and services.

    For further information please contact:

    John Baker
    ICIS
    Tel: +44(0)20-8652-3153
    Email: john.baker@icis.com
    Web site: www.icis.com

    Carol Piccaro
    U.S. Chemicals LLC
    Tel: +1-203-966-8777
    Email: cpiccaro@uschemicals.com
    Web site: www.uschemicals.com

    Jarrod Erpelding
    Dow Corning
    Tel: +1-989-496-1582
    Email: jarrod.erpelding@dowcorning.com
    Web site: www.dowchemical.com

    Dr Neil Checker
    CRA International
    Tel: +44(0)20-7959-1582
    Email: nchecker@crai.com
    Web site: www.crai.com/chemicals

For further information please contact: John Baker, ICIS, Tel: +44(0)20-8652-3153, Email: john.baker at icis.com; Carol Piccaro, U.S. Chemicals LLC, Tel: +1-203-966-8777, Email: cpiccaro at uschemicals.com; Jarrod Erpelding, Dow Corning, Tel: +1-989-496-1582, Email: jarrod.erpelding at dowcorning.com; Dr Neil Checker, CRA International, Tel: +44(0)20-7959-1582, Email: nchecker at crai.com