Findlay, Ohio, Nov. 13, 2003 —Marathon Ashland Petroleum LLC (MAP) and its employees were honored today as the 2003 Outstanding Corporate Philanthropist as a part of the National Philanthropy Day celebration at Toledo’s Seagate Convention Center. MAP representatives accepted the award at the 15th Annual Philanthropy Day Luncheon co-sponsored by the Northwest Ohio Association of Fundraising Professionals and the Leave A Legacy chapter of the Toledo Area Planned Giving Council.

“The University of Findlay nominated MAP for this prestigious award in recognition of the support received from the company and its employees through financial contributions and volunteer service,” said President DeBow Freed. “As a generous corporate citizen, MAP’s charitable contributions have extended beyond the boundaries of education, enriching community life in many areas.”

In the Hancock County area, MAP employees partner with organizations such as the Black Heritage Library Association, Open Arms Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Services, American Cancer Society, Junior Achievement, City Mission, Habitat for Humanity, Read for L.I.F.E., Trees for the Future and many others to create better communities. MAP is also a United Way pacesetter organization.

In addition, MAP actively supports the community involvement of its employees in the company’s innovative Volunteer Incentive Program (VIP), by contributing to qualifying, tax-exempt organizations where eligible employees and/or their spouses have donated a minimum of 24 hours of volunteer service over the course of a calendar year.

“MAP and our employees are very honored to receive this award. I am proud of MAP’s employees who find innovative ways to partner with communities where they live and work,” said Pamela K. M. Beall, director of corporate affairs.

Based in Findlay, Ohio, MAP is the nation’s sixth largest refiner with seven refineries and access to 8,000 miles of pipeline. MAP’s retail marketing system comprises approximately 6,000 locations in 15 states, more than half of which are Marathon brand locations. MAP is a limited liability company owned 62 percent by Marathon Oil Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Marathon Oil Corporation, and 38 percent owned by Ashland Inc.

The Association of Fundraising Professionals is the professional association of individuals responsible for generating philanthropic support for a wide variety of nonprofit, charitable organizations. National Philanthropy Day acknowledges the entire spectrum of services provided by the nonprofit sector and recognizes the profound impact that philanthropy has on the fabric of society.