Whirlpool Corporation has been named one of the 100 best corporate citizens by Business Ethics magazine. The company is one of only 16 companies named to the list each year since its inception seven years ago.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040202/DETU004LOGO )

Business Ethics magazine released its annual survey of the "100 Best Corporate Citizens" in the Spring 2006 issue published April 27. The closely watched survey has gained national recognition as an indicator of best practices in the area of corporate social responsibility.

"We're honored to be named one of the 100 best corporate citizens," said Jeff M. Fettig, Whirlpool's chairman and CEO. "Whirlpool has conducted business with integrity and extended a helping hand to people in times of need throughout our nearly 100 year history. We believe this recognition by Business Ethics magazine is a reflection of our people, who personify our values."

Seeking to put numerical ratings on service to these various stakeholder groups, the 100 Best Corporate Citizens list uses data provided by KLD Research & Analytics of Boston. It employs statistical analysis to identify those major public U.S. companies that excel at serving a variety of stakeholders well, using eight measures of service: stockholders, community, governance, diversity, employees, environment, human rights, and product. Each company then receives an overall score based on their scores in the eight different issue areas. More details regarding the 100 Best Corporate Citizens list are available on the Business Ethics web site at http://www.business-ethics.com/whats_new/100best.html .

Founded in 1987, Business Ethics magazine is the only US-based business magazine focusing on ethics and corporate social responsibility in a media landscape otherwise dominated by traditional business publications. Published four times a year with a total distribution to approximately 10,000 readers, it has a unique position and a unique readership of thought leaders in business, investing, academia, government and civil society organizations interested in corporate social responsibility issues.

Whirlpool Corporation is the world's leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, with annual sales of more than $19 billion, more than 80,000 employees, and more than 60 manufacturing and technology research centers around the world. The company markets Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Brastemp, Bauknecht and other major brand names to consumers in nearly every country around the world. Additional information about the company can be found at http://www.whirlpoolcorp.com/ .

SOURCE: Whirlpool Corporation