Ashland's Cappeline to Chair American Chemistry Council's Communications Committee

DUBLIN, Ohio, Jan 31, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ -- Gary Cappeline, president and chief operating officer, Chemical Sector, Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH), was today elected chair of the American Chemistry Council's (ACC) board of directors committee on communications. In this role he will guide public outreach efforts including ACC's essential2(SM) campaign launched last year, and provide direction for ACC's efforts in advocacy and issues communications.

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"ACC's leaders are excited that Gary has agreed to accept this responsibility. We are confident that his energy, enthusiasm and expertise will prove to be important assets as he assumes oversight responsibility for the communications and marketing programs for ACC," said Jack N. Gerard, CEO, American Chemistry Council.

The most prominent communications effort for ACC currently is the essential2 educational campaign that demonstrates how the American chemistry industry is essential to safety, health, innovation, the economy and the environment. The campaign, launched last year, includes advertising, public relations, a Web site and employee communications.

"I am looking forward to the opportunity to lead communications around this important public education program, and also to working with ACC's communications team on issues of importance to ACC member companies," said Cappeline. "Chemistry is a principle driver of our nation's growth, from aerospace to the clothes we wear. It is truly an essential part of our existence."

In addition to the essential2 campaign, Cappeline will oversee the communications efforts surrounding ACC priorities. The ACC board of directors has outlined a focus on regulatory issues, energy, operational safety and security, the environment and tort reform for 2006.

Cappeline was nominated by the ACC's executive committee for this position prior to the January 31 vote. He was elected to this position by the board of directors who represent the 130-member companies of ACC.

Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH) is a Fortune 500 chemical and transportation construction company providing products, services and customer solutions throughout the world. To learn more about Ashland, visit www.ashland.com.

The American Chemistry Council (ACC) represents the leading companies engaged in the business of chemistry. ACC members apply the science of chemistry to make innovative products and services that make people's lives better, healthier and safer. ACC is committed to improved environmental, health and safety performance through Responsible Care, common sense advocacy designed to address major public policy issues, and health and environmental research and product testing. The business of chemistry is a $516 billion enterprise and a key element of the nation's economy. It is one of the nation's largest exporters, accounting for ten cents out of every dollar in U.S. exports. Chemistry companies invest more in research and development than any other business sector. Safety and security have always been primary concerns of ACC members, and they have intensified their efforts, working closely with government agencies to improve security and to defend against any threat to the nation's critical infrastructure.

SM essential2 is a registered service mark of the American Chemistry Council.

SOURCE Ashland Inc.

Ken Gordon of Ashland Inc., +1-614-790-1832, or kdgordon@ashland.com

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