June 9, 2003

John and Carla Klein Honored by State Association for Children and Adults with Learning Disabilities

BRIDGEPORT, CONN. - John A. Klein, president and CEO of People's Bank, and his wife Carla, an educator with 20 years of teaching experience, accepted the Connecticut Association for Children and Adults with Learning Disabilities' "Shining Star" award Saturday. They accepted the honor on behalf of People's employees and their demonstrated commitment to communities throughout the state.

Mr. and Mrs. Klein received the award in recognition of their involvement with Operation Respect CT and the "Don't Laugh at Me" initiative. Operation Respect CT is dedicated to eliminating bullying behaviors and creating climates of respect. The "Don't Laugh at Me" initiative, strongly supported by Peter Yarrow of the Peter Paul & Mary folk group, incorporates music to build respect among students and adults.

"Bullying is a form of personal terrorism which too many children across Connecticut confront every day," Klein said. "We are honored by the recognition from the Connecticut Association of Children and Adults with Learning Disabilities and committed to expanding the reach of Operation Respect CT to ensure we build climates of respect for all of Connecticut's children."

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 assets of $12 billion, 155 branches and more than 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.