Document QMeE8Ney7y3QQ5Ey2zYNO90v

2020 DOW CENTER August 16,1994 The Dow Chemical Company Midland, Michigan 48674 Beth Rusert Manager, Public Affairs Monsanto 800 N. Lyndberg Blvd. Mail Zone G4WF St. Louis, Mo. 63167 Dear Beth: It was a pleasure meeting you on the telephone. I look forward to meeting you in person! Per our discussion, I am sending information pertaining to Community Advisory Panels. Dow's experience with CAPs began in February 1989 when a panel was formed by Dow Canada's Sarnia Division to help deal with one specific issue-the siting of a rotary kiln incinerator. Panel members were flown to Dow's Texas Operations in Freeport to see the rotary kiln there and gather technical information on its operation. This served as considerable benefit to the panel, and helped give Dow an in-depth look at public concerns in a rational, nonconfrontational forum. In addition, Dow's credibility in the community was enhanced. Dow currently has 17 operating panels, with two more under consideration in Europe. In addition, our DowBrands consumer products subsidiary in Indianapolis has an "environmental'' advisory panel -- formed to assist the company in understanding environmental issues and the growing needs of an environmentally concerned market-place. I have attached a list of the locations of our panels. Because of the uniqueness and importance of these panels as a tool for outreach, we have hired an outside firm experienced in the advisory panel process to help us develop the panels and select local, external facilitation help. Approximately 12 -16 local residents including members of civic organizations, community organizations and special interest groups are invited to participate in a CAP. The panel meets regularly to review and discuss issues the panel may decide are relevant such as plant operations, community involvement and emergency . preparedness. The panel may also provide feedback to Dow on ways to improve communications with the community. However, the panels are advisory in nature and will not be asked to formally approve or disapprove any company actions. DSW 137419 STLCOPCB4037376 August 16,1994 Page Two Members are not compensated for their participation, but out-of-pocket expenses are reimbursed by Dow. Meeting frequency is determined by the panels. Each CAP facilitator (non-Dow) is responsible for meeting arrangements such as time and place, and notification to members. Members who cannot attend meetings on a consistent basis may be asked to relinquish their position on the panel. All members are asked to advise the facilitator of their attendance plans for each meeting. As mentioned, each meeting is guided by a third-party facilitator. Agenda topics have been determined at a prior meeting and details of the program are planned and coordinated by the facilitator. Non-agenda items may be considered if agreed to by the members. Panel meetings are not open to the general public. Guests may, however, be allowed by prior arrangement with the facilitator if their presence has a relevance to the issue(s) being discussed. Public release of information shared around the table will only be done with consensus approval of the panel. Please feel free to call me if you have further questions. Sincerely, ( Pat Brink Environmental Issues Communications Manager (517) 636-5787 attachments DSW 137420 STLCOPCB4037377