Bloomberg BNA enthusiastically embraces the concept of diversity. We recognize that having a diverse workforce is paramount to our success. A diverse workforce brings a variety of unique and valuable skills and perspectives to our company. Bloomberg BNA's definition of diversity goes beyond race and gender. Our definition of diversity includes the following: race, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, religion, national origin, educational background, parental status, political affiliation, and other intangibles such as ideas, procedures, and ways of doing things. We believe that a broad definition of diversity fosters an environment of inclusion.

We've created an EEO/Diversity committee to support our commitment to diversity. The committee is responsible for meeting and discussing diversity initiatives that will assist us in our efforts to create an environment that embraces the concepts of respect, tolerance, and awareness of differences.

Bloomberg BNA's leadership and management unequivocally supports our commitment to diversity. This is important in our efforts to achieve our goals to:

• Actively recruit a diverse workforce;
• Foster an atmosphere of inclusion and equitable participation by all employees;
• Request the participation of minority employees on panels, task forces, and working groups;
• Establish corporate community outreach programs that will enable Bloomberg BNA to remain the employer of choice for future generations;
• Develop programs to assist employees in balancing work life and family life;
• Provide all employees with opportunities and training to take on leadership roles;
• Provide equal opportunities for employees to advance commensurate with personal goals and abilities;
• Develop a diversity plan with metrics that measures our success.

Our efforts have not gone unnoticed. We have received numerous accolades and awards for our commitment to diversity. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has recognized Bloomberg BNA as an employer whose policies, practices, and programs are among the best in the United States. In addition, Bloomberg BNA has been recognized by Washingtonian magazine as one of the 50 Best Places to Work in the Washington metropolitan area. On three occasions, Bloomberg BNA was named by Fortune magazine as one of the 100 best companies to work for in America, and, on nine occasions, Bloomberg BNA was on Working Mother magazine's list of 100 best companies for working mothers. Most recently, Bloomberg BNA was featured in the Metropolitan Corporate Counsel Newsletter as an employer on the leading edge of diversity.

At Bloomberg BNA, diversity is not an initiative. Rather, it is an ongoing responsibility with the highest priority. We will continue to concentrate on implementing policies and practices that foster diversity in recruitment, retention, career management, productivity, and employee morale. We are optimistic that we will continue to live up to our reputation as an employer of choice.