July 1, 2004

People's Banker Named Rotarian Of The Year

Honored for "Service Above Self"

BRIDGEPORT, CONN. - Jim Wood, a vice president and small business loan officer, has been named the Albert H. Ruwet Rotarian of the Year by the Wallingford Rotary Club. This award is presented annually and the recipient is selected by club members based on his/her service to the club, the community and Rotary International.

Rotary Club of Wallingford President Terry Wooding noted that, "Jim has exemplified the Rotary motto, 'Service Above Self.' He and his family give selflessly to Rotary and the causes supported by Rotary, as well as other organizations and causes. Jim's efforts in our organization have helped support and foster Rotary's goals of providing humanitarian service, encouraging high ethical standards and helping to build goodwill and peace throughout the community and world."

Wood was specifically cited for his support of the Wallingford Rotary's Dominican Republic Mission project. Wood previously traveled to the Dominican Republic to assist with the building of a children's wing at a remote hospital. This year, Wood played an integral role in procuring a four-wheel drive vehicle for use as an ambulance in the Dominican Republic. Wood had the vehicle completely refurbished as an ambulance, procured medical supplies for the vehicle and will have it shipped to the Dominican Republic where it will be put into service.

Locally, Jim serves on the board of directors of the United Way of Meriden and Wallingford and is involved with the Nutmeg Big Brothers/Big Sisters organization where he has been serving as a Big Brother for more than seven years. Jim reside in Wallingford, with his wife Toni, and son JB.

Rotary is a worldwide organization of business and professional leaders that provides humanitarian service, encourages high ethical standards in all vocations, and helps build goodwill and peace in the world. Approximately 1.2 million Rotarians belong to more than 31,000 Rotary clubs located in 166 countries.

People's (peoples.com) is a diversified financial services company providing commercial, consumer, insurance, retail investment and trust services. Founded in 1842, it is the largest state-chartered bank in Connecticut with assets of $11 billion, 155 branches and more than 240 ATMs. People's is a leader in consumer and commercial banking, residential lending, insurance sales and supermarket banking. People's subsidiaries offer brokerage services, asset management, equipment financing and leasing, and insurance services.