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Interpublic Receives Perfect Score on the 2010 HRC Corporate Equality Index

September 14, 2009 at 12:01 PM EDT

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sep. 14, 2009-- Interpublic Group (NYSE: IPG) has earned a 100% rating in the Corporate Equality Index, an annual survey published by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC). The list ranks companies based on their policies and practices relating to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) employees and is considered a benchmark for companies that are progressive, inclusive employers of choice. Interpublic is the only global marketing services holding company to be included in HRC’s list of “Best Places to Work” list, based on its perfect score.

Interpublic increased its score through a comprehensive year-long audit of its policies, including medical coverage, non-discrimination policies, employee guidelines and training, as they related to GLBT employees and their partners. Where needed, new policies were implemented by Interpublic’s Global HR Council and new language was added to the company’s standard employee policies. Further, the company launched a company-wide employee resource group, called IPGLBT, centered on making IPG and its operating companies the employer of choice for the GLBT population in the marketing services and communications industry.

“For several years, we have worked to build IPG into a modern, progressive marketing services company, focused on new ways to reach consumers and work with our clients. A crucial part of our plan has been to attract and retain the best talent,” said Michael Roth, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Interpublic. “To get there, we set out to create an environment where IPG and our agencies would be considered the most inclusive, best places to work. This recognition from HRC is very satisfying as we continue on our path towards increased diversity and strength throughout our organization, even in this difficult economic climate.”

Interpublic for many years has been a supporter of the Commercial Closet Awards, which recognized advertising that portrayed GLBT consumers in a positive light. This year, IPG looks forward to being a part of the inaugural GLAAD Media Awards in Advertising. Further, several IPG agencies have been recognized individually for their creative work, including Deutsch, which created ground-breaking work for its IKEA client in 1994 that featured a gay couple shopping for furniture, and Mullen for its work with Orbitz, as well as Gotham and TM Advertising, which continue to win industry honors for their work featuring GLBT consumers.

About Interpublic

Interpublic is one of the world's leading organizations of advertising agencies and marketing services companies. Major global brands include Draftfcb, FutureBrand, GolinHarris International, Initiative, Jack Morton Worldwide, Lowe Worldwide, Magna, McCann Erickson, Momentum, MRM Worldwide, Octagon, UM and Weber Shandwick. Leading domestic brands include Campbell-Ewald, Campbell Mithun, Carmichael Lynch, Deutsch, Hill Holliday, Mullen, The Martin Agency and R/GA. For more information, please visit www.interpublic.com.

Source: Interpublic Group

Interpublic Group
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