Albemarle Wins 2007 Virginia Business Global Ambassador Award

Former Governor of Virginia Mark Warner presented the award to Dr. William M. Gottwald, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Albemarle (NYSE: ALB), a Richmond-based specialty chemicals manufacturer with leading global positions in flame retardants, refining catalysts, bromine chemicals, and custom manufacturing services.

The Global Business Ambassador Awards, initiated in 2005, honor companies based in Virginia that positively influence other societies' views of the United States through good corporate citizenship and American business values, especially at a time when "global opinion concerning 'brand America' is volatile," said Council President Randolph Bell.

The winners were selected from 1,300 service companies and 450 manufacturing companies in Virginia. Companies nominated for the Ambassador Awards must have overseas operations in at least three countries and management team operations in Virginia. Finalists must demonstrate commitment to people through clear "employee-centered principles and practices," commitment to the community through active involvement in charities and events, and commitment to development through a culture of continual investment in new products, designs and/or research.

"As a company with more than 3,700 employees worldwide, Albemarle is committed to creating sustainable solutions that have a positive and long-term impact on our customers, our shareholders, our employees and the communities in which we operate and live," said Dr. Gottwald. "We are pleased that the 'good works' of our employees have been recognized in such a meaningful way by the World Affairs Council and remain committed to upholding and promoting a culture of high ideals and good stewardship."

Formed in 1996, the World Affairs Council of Greater Richmond seeks to educate and inform citizens of Central Virginia about the importance of international affairs and to bring them into direct contact with influential personalities in the field. Through a monthly speakers forum, annual seminar series, partnerships with area universities and public broadcasting, the council works to provoke thought, elicit opinion, and generate interest in foreign policy, giving voice to members' opinions, interests, and concerns. Learn more about the council at http://www.richmondworld.org.

Albemarle Corporation, headquartered in Richmond, is a leading global developer, manufacturer and marketer of highly engineered specialty chemicals for consumer electronics; petroleum and petrochemical processing; transportation and industrial products; pharmaceuticals; agricultural products; and construction and packaging materials. The Company operates in three business segments-Polymer Additives, Catalysts and Fine Chemicals, and serves customers in approximately 100 countries. Learn more about Albemarle at www.albemarle.com.

"Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Statements in this press release regarding Albemarle Corporation's business which are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements" that involve risks and uncertainties. For a discussion of such risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K.

SOURCE Albemarle Corporation

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