April 13, 2005

WLODECKI HONORED FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE

BRIDGEPORT, CONN. - Mary Jo Wlodecki, a first vice president responsible for the Greater Norwich/New London region at People's Bank, last night was presented with the bank's prestigious Samuel W. Hawley Award during the annual Hawley Award Dinner at People's headquarters.

The Samuel W. Hawley Public Service Award was established in 1983 to honor Hawley, a former president and chief executive officer of the bank, who was a pioneer in Bridgeport-area civic and corporate commitment. It is granted each year to a member of the People's family who, through personal commitment and activity, has demonstrated the qualities of community service and citizenship that exemplify Hawley's illustrious career. Hawley served with great distinction as president, chairman of the board and chairman of the executive committee of People's Bank during a 70-year affiliation with People's prior to his death in 2002.

"M.J. embodies the values of leadership and community service that are fundamental elements of our culture and values here at People's Bank," said People's president and chief executive officer John A. Klein in presenting the award. "Her civic commitments, ranging from health and human services to economic development, education and work in the communities where she works and lives, are as impressive as her professional laurels."

Wlodecki has demonstrated exemplary citizenship and contribution to community, devoting volunteer time to a wide variety of organizations. She was a board member of United Way of Southeastern Connecticut and currently serves as a cabinet member. In addition she was: past corporator of the Women's Center of Southeastern Connecticut, and past co-chair and present board member of the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut, where she helped develop the Chamber's Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy.

She presently is a board member of Three Rivers College Foundation, Inc.;member of the Corporators of Backus Hospital;company leader for the American Heart Walk;board member of the Connecticut Rivers Council Boy Scouts;and treasurer of the Business Industry Foundation of Eastern Connecticut.

Wlodecki resides with her husband, Bishop, in Preston. They have two children and a granddaughter. Wlodecki joined People's through the 1998 merger of Norwich Savings Society with People's Bank and is now a first vice president of People's Bank, overseeing branches located in New London, Windham and Tolland Counties. She began her career with Hartford National Bank.

On behalf of Wlodecki, People's Bank will make donations to the Otis Library and the Business Industry Association of Eastern Connecticut, to be used to support children in need.

Founded in 1842, People's Bank (peoples.com) is one of Connecticut's largest banks with assets of $11 billion, more than 240 ATMs and 154 branches, 67 of which offer convenient seven-day banking in Super Stop & Shop locations across the state. A diversified financial services company, People's Bank provides consumer, commercial, insurance, retail investment and trust services to personal and business banking customers. People's Bank is the official banking partner of the University of Connecticut Division of Athletics. For more information about People's, its products and services, please call 800-772-1090, visit peoples.com or any of People's branches.

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