Let's all thank Margie Goldsmith for producing that great video. As you know and it is worth repeating, for the past four decades, Catalyst has dedicated itself to providing companies and women with information and tools to help them live up to their full potential. Since 1987, Catalyst has been recognizing organizations for their exemplary efforts toward the advancement of women in business. This conference focuses on skills and leadership development at all levels of our organization and even though I wasn't at HP in 1992, I know how proud HP was and still is for that recognition. As CEO, one of the things I'm most proud of is HP's long-standing commitment to recognizing and promoting people based on merit.
True meritocracies are hard to find in the world of business.
This issue becomes of course even more salient in tough times, when the stakes get even higher. A world-class workforce is essential. Organizations live or die based on the quality and the diversity of their people. The companies and organizations that operate on a true meritocracy . . . Diversity is a critical business imperative.