CORNING , N.Y. – Chairman and CEO Wendell Weeks gave Corning shareholders at the April 30 Annual Meeting a detailed look at how the company is weathering the global recession. A solid corporate identity, a strong set of Values, and experienced leadership all set the stage for emerging stronger as a company, he explained.

As background for his remarks on Corning's 2008 performance, 2009 priorities, and the opportunities ahead, Wendell began with a refresher on Corning's long-term mission and the company's strategic framework. 

The recession has brought another element of volatility to Corning and its businesses -- something the company always strives to mitigate by building more balance and stability into the company, and always being guided by Corning Values. 

Wendell reviewed the numbers from the company's first-quarter performance -- including sales of $989 million, down 39 percent from one year ago. The results, while weakened by the recession, were stronger than the company had expected them to be. "We were very pleased with our first-quarter performance, given the high level of economic uncertainty," he told the audience. "But the numbers certainly aren't what we want them to be." 

Wendell voiced his confidence not only in Corning's market position and innovation portfolio, but also in the leaders that are moving the company toward its long-term goals. He reminded shareholders of the deep experience on the Management Committee -- both in terms of years of service and in past crises faced. He assured shareholders that the recession, while painful, would be just another in the many challenges from which Corning has emerged stronger in the past.

http://www.corning.com/news_center/news_releases/2009/2009042701.aspx

Safe and Sound: Tips to Protect You and Your Family

It’s the perfect time to take stock of your entire family’s surroundings as you venture out and enjoy the warmer weather. Some of the everyday activities we all enjoy just may put our personal safety at risk. These tips, provided by Optum Health, can help keep you and your loved ones safe this summer — and all year long.

Protect Yourself When You’re Out and About…

• Use the buddy system whenever possible. Avoid walking alone, particularly at night. Vary your route and stick to well-traveled, well-lit areas.

• Keep your money safe . Carry your purse close to your body, not dangling by the straps. For extra security, keep your wallet in your inside coat or front pants pocket. Avoid carrying credit cards you don’t need or large amounts of cash.

• Use caution in the car. Drive on well-traveled streets, and keep your windows rolled up and your doors locked. Park in well-lit areas, as close to the entrance as possible. Never hitchhike or pick up a hitchhiker. And, keep your car in good working order with plenty of gas in the tank.

• Take control. Be aware of your surroundings, and walk with confidence. Don’t let anyone violate your space. Make smart choices — don’t let alcohol or other substances impair your judgment.

Protect Your Identity…

• Be careful when giving out personal information. Unless you initiated contact or know the person or company you’re dealing with, don’t share your information over the phone, through the mail or online.

• Just shred it. When you’re ready to discard documents, such as bank statements, pre-approved credit offers or insurance forms, shred them instead.

• Keep passwords top secret. Be creative when setting up a new online password. Avoid using your mother’s maiden name, your birth date or the last four digits of your Social Security number.

• Monitor your credit. Before you enter your credit card number online, make sure the Web site is secure. Order a copy of your credit report every year, and correct all mistakes with the credit bureau.

Corning 's support continues to aid earthquake victims

SICHUAN PROVINCE , China – Thousands of Corning employees around the world rallied to the aid of this western China region after it was shattered by a deadly earthquake last May. One year later, the people of Sichuan still face massive challenges in their attempts to rebuild their lives. But amid the rubble that remains, there are bright spots – many of which have been made possible by donations like those from Corning employees. 

Corning ’s contributions to relief efforts began within hours after the earthquake rocked western China the afternoon of May 12, 2008. Employees from every corner of the world set up spontaneous collection stations and the Corning Incorporated Foundation pledged a special grant to help aid the victims. Altogether, Corning’s donations totaled more than 2.26 million RMB (more than $331,000 USD). The bulk of the donations were split between three relief organizations: Give2Asia, the China Foundation for Poverty Alleviation (CFPA), and the Red Cross.

The CFPA agreed to use Corning’s donation to rebuild the badly damaged dormitory of Yangling School, Guangyuan, Sichuan. Building construction began last month, and it should be ready in early September to welcome students and teachers for the new academic year. The four-floor building will accommodate nearly 500 students, half the population of the school.

Meanwhile, the three human services agencies recently reported other ways they have invested the funding from Corning and other donors:

• Give2Asia has initiated several long-term recovery projects, including providing psychological counseling to youth; assisting homeless women and children; providing immediate water resources and investing in long-term clean water solutions; and rebuilding elementary schools.

• CFPA has constructed 27 temporary schools in Sichuan and Gansu, along with three transitional communities for families who lost their homes. CFPA has provided sponsorship and financial support to more than 1,500 orphans and 2,000 impoverished students in earthquake-affected regions. Plans are in place to build up to 50 village clinics, along with reconstructing roads and bridges. The CFPA estimates that around 100,000 rural people will benefit from these projects.

• The Red Cross addressed immediate needs by providing more than a million dollars’ worth of tents, powdered milk, food, tarps and bottled water to earthquake victims. The Red Cross’ ongoing support includes a wide range of projects, including restoration of clean water supplies; psycho-social services; economic support, including microfinance loans and cooperative work programs, for thousands of people left without work; and educational scholarships for 65 students whose families were seriously affected by the disaster.

Corning found other ways to be active in recovery efforts, too. Chengdu CCS Optical Fiber Cable Co. played a major role in restoring the telecommunications network that was badly damaged in the earthquake. CDCCS assembled an emergency response team to assist China Mobile in repairs, even in the midst of continuous aftershocks, and successfully deployed cable installation across arduous terrain.

And, remembering the human suffering that the earthquake caused, Corning China leaders have continued personal connections with victims. Though no Corning employees lost their lives in the disaster, several Chengdu-area Corning staff members lost family members and homes. Corning China CEO Eric Musser visited with employees and their families and offered contributions from the company to help assist with their recovery.

Liping Tang, CDCCS general manager, visited children in Beichuan, the most seriously damaged county, two months after the earthquake to deliver hundreds of books and toys to children, many of whom had been left orphaned and homeless. “It is Corning’s social responsibility to care for these children and encourage them to be strong,” she said. “The natural disaster was merciless, yet there is love and care among human beings. CDCCS will join hands with other entities in China to help people overcome these difficulties.”

Many acknowledge that – with millions of Chinese people still injured and displaced – it could be many years before western China recovers from the earthquake. Corning China’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) program will continue to address the needs of earthquake victims in the years ahead. Greater China CEO Eric Musser said, “ Corning has been in China for more than 20 years, as a company and as individuals we are committed to helping our friends and neighbors recover from this devastating tragedy on a sustainable basis."

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