Stacey J. Mobley
Senior Vice President and General Counsel
Delivered at the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)
Annual Meeting in New York City
February 14, 2003

Thank you, Kweisi, for your kind introduction. It is an honor for me to be with you all today – especially as I accept the important role of Chairman of the Corporate Campaign for 2003. It is truly an honor to work with the NAACP in support of your tireless commitment to equality and opportunity for all people.

Last year, DuPont celebrated its 200th anniversary. It was an important milestone for us – there are not many companies that have been in operation for two centuries. And while it was wonderful to take a look back at 200 years of history and examine where we've been, we made a concerted effort to ensure that we spent an equal amount of time looking forward. As we considered what our next 200 years might look like, we identified a number of things that we must continue to do well to ensure that we remain successful.

Safety is always at the top our list. Innovation is critical – especially considering the pace at which technology moves today. And we know that diversity in the workplace is essential.

At DuPont, we view diversity in the workplace as a business imperative – a critical element of our success. We are developing a workforce that is as diverse as the global customers we serve, as the suppliers from whom we buy materials and services, as the shareholders who buy our stock, and as the worldwide communities in which we operate. Diversity opens doors. It presents new market opportunities. It encourages the healthy exchange of ideas and perspectives that lead to growth in our global economy.

In my mind, the NAACP's work – especially in the areas of education and youth empowerment – are critical to the success of businesses like DuPont. Your efforts to encourage the next generation of computer scientists and engineers and writers will translate into tomorrow's highly skilled workforce – and American industry is dependent on that workforce to be competitive. When we look to hire new people, we need a pool of applicants who are qualified, motivated and effective leaders. The work you do is so important in cultivating that base – by encouraging kids to stay in school, pursue academic interests and seek higher education – you help to ensure that there will be successful candidates for those jobs when industry comes calling.

DuPont stands with you as you work to take the NAACP to new levels of success. I know that you have embraced an aggressive Strategic Plan that provides the roadmap that will get you there. And I'd like to kick off the 2003 campaign with our contribution. On behalf of DuPont and its employees around the world, I am pleased to announce that DuPont will donate $500,000 to the Corporate Campaign. I ask my colleagues in corporate America to join with me in supporting the NAACP and the critical work you do. With our combined efforts, the NAACP can expand programs in the areas of education, political empowerment and economic development that will increase opportunities for all people.

Thank you again for this extraordinary opportunity. I look forward to a productive and fruitful year.

02/14/03