"This recognition by both organizations is a testament to our strong focus on inclusion and diversity," said Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Myron E. (Mike) Ullman, III. "Having unique products and services as well as engaged Associates committed to embracing our diverse customer base is essential to bringing our Every Day Matters philosophy to life, showing all of our customers that what matters to them, matters to us."

The Div50

Recognizing the top 50 corporate and organizational buyers of diversity products and services throughout the U.S., the Div50 represents the voice of more than 650,000 diversity-owned businesses (owned by women, African Americans, Hispanics, Asians, Native American and other multicultural groups), in sectors such as technology, manufacturing, food service and professional services. Over the past nine years, the Div50 has become an indicator of which organizations provide the best and most opportunities for diversity-owned companies.

"JCPenney's commitment to diversity is clearly recognized and valued throughout the nation's multicultural business community," says Kenton Clark, president and chief executive officer of DiversityBusiness.com. "The Div50 award is a formal recognition of the respect JCPenney holds among business enterprises in this growing economic sector."

DiversityInc's Top 25 Noteworthy Companies

DiversityInc's "Top 25 Noteworthy Companies" are recognized as rising diversity-management leaders that are close to earning spots on DiversityInc's "Top 50 Companies for Diversity(R)" list. JCPenney was chosen for many reasons, with emphasis on its inclusive workforce, diversity training and philanthropic endeavors directed toward multicultural groups, including the Human Rights Campaign, National Urban League, National Council of La Raza and OCA (Organization of Chinese Americans).

JCPenney was also listed ninth on DiversityInc's "Top 10 Companies for Latinos" and No. 3 on the organization's "Top 10 Companies for Executive Women."

About JCPenney

JCPenney is one of America's leading retailers, operating 1,101 department stores throughout the United States and Puerto Rico, as well as one of the largest apparel and home furnishing sites on the Internet, jcp.com, and the nation's largest general merchandise catalog business. Through these integrated channels, JCPenney offers a wide array of national, private and exclusive brands which reflect the Company's commitment to providing customers with style and quality at a smart price. Traded as "JCP" on the New York Stock Exchange, the Company posted revenue of $18.5 billion in 2008 and is executing its strategic plan to be the growth leader in the retail industry. Key to this strategy is JCPenney's "Every Day Matters" brand positioning, intended to generate deeper, more emotionally driven relationships with customers by fully engaging the Company's approximately 150,000 Associates to offer encouragement, provide ideas and inspire customers every time they shop with JCPenney.

SOURCE: J. C. Penney Company, Inc.

J. C. Penney Company, Inc.
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