November 29, 2004

People's Honors Four Employees With Its Annual 'Spirit Of Volunteerism' Award

BRIDGEPORT, CONN. - Four employees were honored recently for their community leadership and commitment to volunteer activities during the bank's annual employee volunteer reception.

The bank has nearly 400 employees who regularly volunteer their time and talents in communities throughout the state. The activities they engage in range from building houses for Habitat for Humanity to raising money for various charities by participating in walkathons and bowlathons, in addition to serving on boards of numerous nonprofit organizations.

Each employee received the Spirit of Volunteerism Award, a peer-driven award instituted in 2002. The award recognizes volunteer and community leadership efforts of People's employees from both the corporate offices in Bridgeport and regional offices throughout the state.

This year's four winners are: Judith Bonner of Bridgeport;Elaine K. Ficarra of Milford;Rita Schelling of Norwich and Joan Shea of Preston. Each of the winners received a plaque and a $500 contribution to the charity of their choice.

"Community involvement is integral to People's Bank success," said Barbara Johnson, senior vice president, Corporate Community Relations. "This award recognizes those employees who are the best of the best in helping to ensure a positive economic and social environment, whether it's in Tolland or Trumbull. Their efforts are important because they represent another link between the bank, its customers and the communities we serve," she added.

"People's commitment to our communities, both as an institution and through our employees, is evident in every city and town where we work and live," said John A. Klein, president and chief executive officer. "In addition to our significant corporate donations, our employees are very active in their communities, contributing their time and talents to the boards and committees of charitable organizations throughout the state."