As 2008 begins, my optimism about Ashland’s future grows. We have made significant changes to our company during the past five years, and we have just completed our first full year as a diversified chemical company. Along the way, we accomplished two major divestitures; acquired businesses in the U.S., Europe and Asia; and installed our new, enterprisewide operating system. In the years to come, the work we are undertaking now should create value for our shareholders and customers, opportunity for our employees and vitality for the communities in which we operate. – Jim O'Brien, Chairman & CEO

Businesses —