APRIL 25, 2002

People's Named Outstanding Corporation of the Year by State Association of Fundraising Professionals

Bank Honored for Philanthropic Efforts

NEW HAVEN, CONN.
At a luncheon held here today, People's Bank was named Outstanding Corporation of the Year by the Connecticut and Fairfield County Chapters of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Verna Collins, reporter for NewsChannel 8, served as master of ceremonies and state Treasurer Denise Nappier was the keynote speaker.

In a tribute to the extent of the Bridgeport-based bank's community-centered activities, it received an unprecedented four nominations from organizations across the state. Nominating People's were: the Cardinal Shehan Center in Bridgeport, for continued dedication to the center's mentoring program;the Bushnell Center for the Performaing Arts in Hartford, for a 15-year commitment to the children's theater program;the Neag School of Education at the University of Connecticut in Storrs for a recent grant from the bank;and the American Red Cross' Southeast Fairfield County Chapter in Bridgeport, for exceptional dedication to the 9-11 recovery effort.

Elaine Battles, co-chair of the Philanthropy Awards Committee of the AFP, said, "Receiving four nominations speaks volumes for the high regard in which People's is held throughout the state of Connecticut."

People's President and CEO John A. Klein accepted the award. While addressing those gathered, he said, "Community service is not new to People's;we have a 160-year history of involvement in our communities that is embedded in the culture and values of our organization." Klein noted that People's is committed to its communities because stronger communities are good for employees, customers and shareholders.

According to Barbara P. Johnson, senior vice president, Corporate Community Relations at People's, the concept of giving back to the communities the organization serves has deep roots. "We are honored by this award because it recognizes our community involvement across the state of Connecticut and in various endeavors," said Johnson.

She explained the People's culture encourages community involvement in a wide range of roles from board memberships to individual volunteering. In fact, said Johnson, in a mentoring program introduced last year, "Employees throughout the state are given 'company' time each week during which they serve as role models for local youth."

People's (peoples.com) is a diversified financial services company providing commercial, consumer, insurance and investment services. Founded in 1842, it is the largest state-chartered bank in Connecticut with managed assets of $13 billion, 150 branches and 230 ATMs. People's is a leader in consumer and commercial banking, residential lending, insurance sales, supermarket banking and is the nation's 16th-largest issuer of MasterCard and Visa credit cards. People's subsidiaries offer brokerage services, asset management, equipment financing and leasing, and insurance services.