Whirlpool Corporation was selected today by AARP as one of 50 companies nationwide for this year's 2005 AARP Best Employers for Workers Over 50 award. Whirlpool was among six Michigan-based companies to be honored.

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"This award is a testament to the dedication of our employees and to the company's worldwide efforts to foster a diverse and inclusive environment," said David A. Binkley, Whirlpool's senior vice president for global human resources. "Whirlpool has long recognized that a workforce that reflects the demographics of its customers helps us to meet all their needs and makes us a stronger company."

"These distinguished employers have exemplary practices at a time when the value of older employees is beginning to be broadly recognized as a key resource for corporations," AARP CEO Bill Novelli said in a statement released today in Washington. "Many in health care and other fields recognized that it is in their self-interest, as well as enlightened policy, to emphasize retention and recruitment of the 50 plus worker."

The Michigan recipients were announced today at a press conference in Lansing, the state capitol. In recognition of their achievement, Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm issued a proclamation praising them and declaring August 31st as AARP 2005 Best Employers for Workers Over 50 Day in the state. Michigan employers captured more awards than any other state.

"These six companies' innovative policies for older workers demonstrate the value they place on them, and the understanding that their older workers are indispensable resources," said Sharon Gire, director of Michigan's Office of Services to the Aging. "They know that as our workforce ages, it is imperative that employers consider ways to attract and retain older workers."

The other Michigan companies cited by AARP were Beaumont Hospitals, Henry Ford Health System, Kelly Services, Inc., Oakwood Healthcare System and Volkswagen of America, all of them based in Southeast Michigan. Whirlpool's world headquarters is in Southwest Michigan.

The AARP Best Employers for Workers Over 50 awards program is in its fifth year. The top five criteria used to select the recipients were employee development opportunities, health benefits for employees and retirees, age of employer's workforce, alternative work arrangements and retirement benefits, including pensions. The recipients will be honored at a banquet in Chicago on September 22nd.

Whirlpool Corporation is the world's leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, with annual sales of over $13 billion, 68,000 employees, and nearly 50 manufacturing and technology research centers around the globe. The company markets Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Brastemp, Bauknecht, Consul and other major brand names to consumers in more than 170 countries. Additional information about the company can be found on the Internet at http://www.whirlpoolcorp.com/ .

SOURCE: Whirlpool Corporation