Phenomenex Recognized by The Wall Street Journal as Exceptional Workplace

Business Wire, Oct 20, 2008

Journal Report on Small Business Identifies 15 Companies Nationwide

TORRANCE, Calif. -- The Wall Street Journal announced this week that Phenomenex Inc., a global leader in the manufacture of separation science consumables, is among the 15 best small workplaces in the U.S. Phenomenex was selected from among 782 nominees by a national panel of small business experts chosen by The Wall Street Journal and the nonprofit Winning Workplaces. The Journal Report on Small Business was publicized in last Monday's print and online editions of The Wall Street Journal (see article).

"These small businesses are leading innovators and role models for larger companies," said Larry Rout, editor of the Journal Reports, The Wall Street Journal. "At a time when most employers are cutting back on employee benefits, it is important to recognize those organizations that are creating environments that encourage productive behavior and expanding programs to keep employees happy."

Phenomenex, founded in 1982, maintains a variety of programs that support its 477 employees, including competency, awareness and training roadmaps developed jointly by employee and supervisor; an internal leadership program with 21 congruent courses; a quality management system that continually enhances processes; a career path development program and internal mentoring. The company also offers many employees the opportunity to work abroad. Phenomenex incentivizes performance with Profit Sharing and 401K matching programs and provides assistance to employees buying their first home, adopting a child or furthering their education.

Phenomenex sponsors regular events to foster teamwork, boost morale and create a positive work environment. These include off-site brainstorming sessions, group charity events and company competitions in various games such as the annual company-wide soccer game. The company sponsors team-building trips around activities such as skiing, river rafting and fishing. The Phenomenex headquarters facilities include a gym, game room and meditation room, and a creative atmosphere was created using stimulating colors, antiques and fine art.

"We are honored and very proud to be recognized by this prestigious Wall Street Journal Report," said President and CEO Fasha Mahjoor. "This confirms that we are on track with our mission to support the growth, prosperity and wellbeing of those we serve: customers, employees and humanity."

The Phenomenex corporate culture and dedication to philanthropy have been embedded since the company's founding. Every Phenomenex employee is entitled to a full day off with pay each year to work in support of a humanitarian event. The company's Philanthropy Group supports company-wide humanitarian activities in addition to helping individual employees connect with causes that match their interests. Phenomenex was recently presented with the Platinum Special Recognition Award, recognizing the company as a leader among the hundreds of companies that work with the Southern California Chapter of the American Red Cross.

"Charity and fundraising programs for AIDS, cancer, disaster relief and various community causes have been a part of life at Phenomenex since our beginnings," commented Kevin McAndrews, senior human resources manager at Phenomenex.

Phenomenex is a global technology leader committed to developing novel separation, purification and analytical chemistry solutions for the life sciences and related industries. Phenomenex's core technologies include products for liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, sample preparation, bulk purification chromatographic media, and chromatography accessories and equipment. For more information on Phenomenex, visit www.phenomenex.com.

Link to this release at: http://www.phenomenex.com/news_events/newsdisplay.aspx?id=11999

Please send READER INQUIRIES from this news release directly to: info@phenomenex.com