The Rising Influence of Rising Affluence

[DewDiligence]

If any company other than 3M had said something like this, I would have considered it conceited:

http://seekingalpha.com/article/248567-3m-ceo-discusses-q4-2010-results-earnings-call-transcript

It brings me great pride to say that 3M is probably the last of the U.S.’—and probably the world’s—great, broad science-based companies. This is the real basis of our sustainable competitive advantage, using science from a vast array of patents and capabilities.

…There are still many great engineering and manufacturing companies around and even a few excellent chemical companies. But there’s really nothing anywhere quite like 3M. I don't know if we have or should or will ever get proper recognition for this, but it’s ultimately what we're all about.

—George Buckley, CEO (from the 4Q10 CC)

I absolutely agree.