March 5, 2003

People's Bank CEO Accepts Award From American Jewish Committee On Bank's Behalf

BRIDGEPORT, CONN.
John A. Klein, President and CEO of People's Bank, accepted the inaugural 2003 National Human Relations Award from The Connecticut Chapter of the American Jewish Committee last Tuesday on behalf of People's Bank.

The Human Relations Award is a nationally-recognized honor that publicly acknowledges the accomplishments of individuals who excel in their profession and lead in their community, building bridges to enhance respect and understand among all people.

"Throughout Mr. Klein's 31-year career at People's, his leadership, vision and values have helped the institution stand out as Connecticut's largest state-chartered bank and succeed as a leading diversified financial services company," said Sohier Marks, President of the AJC Connecticut Chapter.

People's commitment to its communities is integral to its culture and values and Mr. Klein chose to accept the award on behalf of the bank, its employees and directors.

"This award belongs to the many People's people who mentor a child and support these and so many other efforts like these across the state of Connecticut," he said. "And, to the directors of People's Bank who, over our 160 year history, have nurtured and instilled community involvement as a core value of our bank."

Mr. Klein takes an active leadership roles in community-based organizations dedicated to fostering mentoring relationships, preventing drug and substance abuse and creating climates of safety and respect for children across the state of Connecticut. He is co-chairman, with Gov. John G. Rowland, of The Governor's Prevention Partnership and co-chair, with his wife, Carla Klein, of Operation Respect Connecticut. He also is co-chairman of the Fairfield County Capital Campaign for the University of Connecticut.

Among those attending the gala event were Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, State Treasurer Denise Nappier, Stamford Mayor Dannel Malloy, and Greenwich First Selectman Richard Bergstresser.

The Connecticut Chapter of the American Jewish Committee is the newest of 33 offices nationwide, which work to advance democracy, pluralism and mutual understanding. This is the Connecticut chapter's first corporate award event.

People's Bank (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, 155 branches and over 230 ATMs. People's is a leader in consumer and commercial banking, residential lending, insurance sales, supermarket banking and is the nation's 19th-largest issuer of MasterCard and Visa credit cards. People's subsidiaries offer brokerage services, asset management, equipment financing and leasing, and insurance services.