Conoco Named One of Ten `Best Companies for Women'.

Business/Energy Editors

Conoco (NYSE:COC) has been named one of the ten "Best Companies for Women" by Health Magazine, a national monthly publication with a circulation of 1.3 million.

According to the July/August 2002 issue of Health, the top ten list was compiled

by canvassing "working women and workplace experts around the country to find out what they truly value." The article continues, "These 10 firms and two runners-up go beyond simply providing their employees excellent health insurance, adoption assistance, and on-site child care: They create an atmosphere that truly supports women in all aspects of their lives."

Conoco was selected for its vacation policy that includes the purchase of five extra days per year, its extensive online training and career management courses, and various network groups that are supportive of women in the workplace. One such group is the Women's Informal Network Group (WINGS), which organizes monthly meetings featuring speakers who cover women's interests from health to work/family issues.

Also noted in the Health article was the availability of lactation rooms for working mothers at many Conoco's refineries. On-site mammograms are available at some locations as well, and the company offered benefits covering mastectomy and reconstructive surgery long before the government required it.

"Companies are realizing more and more that it's essential to understand the needs of a diverse employee population," said Tom Knudson, Conoco's senior vice president of Human Resources, Information Management & Corporate Communications. "By creating an environment where women can develop their careers while managing homes and families, we are retaining outstanding talent and contributing to the bottom line."

The other companies listed among Health's top ten for working women were The Hartford Financial Services Group, Discovery Communications, New York Life Insurance Company, Tom's of Maine, The Mitchell Gold Company, Abbott Laboratories, Patagonia, and Merrill Lynch & Company. Runners-up were Children's Memorial Hospital and Computer Associates.

Conoco is a major, integrated energy company active in more than 40 countries.

http://www.conoco.com