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Country's Third Largest Auto Insurance Group Gives Its People a Chance To See If They're The Next Picasso

Traveling art show illustrates that The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies' culture is unique in the industry

MAYFIELD VILLAGE, Ohio — April 18, 2005 —You're an artist seeking to express your creativity. And you're working to make auto insurance easier to shop for, buy and own. Sound like incompatible goals? Not at Progressive. The group of auto insurance companies known for industry innovations encourages its people to get in touch with their creative side — whether through thinking creatively to solve a business issue, or by creating a piece of art for the biennial show that features art exclusively by Progressive people.

Progressive has long held a commitment to creativity in the workplace. In the early 1970s, Progressive introduced a corporate art collection to inspire its people to risk, learn and grow. Today the corporate collection includes more than 6,000 pieces displayed in the more than 430 claims offices Progressive operates countrywide as well as in its call centers in Cleveland, Phoenix, Austin, Texas, Tampa, Fla., Sacramento, Calif. and Colorado Springs, Colo.

Progressive people like the collection so much that they asked to be a part of it. As a result, in 1996 a art show featuring works by Progressive people debuted at its headquarter location in Mayfield Village, Ohio.

"The art helps us all remain open to new ideas," said Tricia Griffith, chief human resources manager. "We want our people to challenge the status quo; to think 'why not?' That kind of thinking has led to the development of many Progressive innovations including 24/7, in-person claims and our most recent claims innovation that provides customers with a concierge level of service. The art show for our people is just another way we try to foster creativity in the workplace."

All of Progressive's 27,000+ people were invited to submit artwork for consideration. Of the 135 pieces submitted, 25 were chosen. The selections, which were based on artistic intention, composition and quality, were chosen by Jeffrey Grove, curator of Contemporary Art at the Cleveland Museum of Art, and Susan Channing, director of the Cleveland-based non-profit contemporary art center, SPACES.

The 2004-2005 art show is the first to travel outside of the headquarter city to call center locations. After its unveiling, the exhibit's travel schedule includes Phoenix, Tampa, Sacramento, Colorado Springs and Austin.

Griffith said: "Progressive has been around since 1937 and while most people know we're an auto insurance company, many people haven't considered what we have to offer them as an employer. If you thought you couldn't be creative in an insurance career, think again. Check us out at jobs.progressive.com to find out why we're the exception."

In addition to a casual work environment and dress code, Progressive people who work in one of the locations above enjoy the following amenities:

• "Quiet Rooms" — designated "comfy" quiet rooms, equipped with recliners, pillows and blankets perfect for midday relaxation and meditation;
• "Seat Specialists" — ergonomic consultations in which trained specialists ensure that workspaces are set up in a way that reduces stress on the body [by measuring keyboard height, distance and angle of the computer screen, chair height, etc.];
• "Working Out" — on-site fitness facility equipped with Stairmasters^TM , elliptical machines, bikes, treadmills and weight lifting equipment; aerobic, pilates, kickboxing and Yoga classes;
• Continuing Education — classes and programs designed to provide employees with training in various areas, such as leadership/management, sales/service, property and casualty insurance training and licensing;
• Educational Reimbursement — a plan that reduces the financial expense for those employees who voluntarily choose to further their education;
• Employees Have a Say — The Progressive Insurance Foundation, formed in 2001, provides a partial match to the eligible non-profit organizations Progressive people contribute to.

“Our people are what make Progressive an industry leader,” says Griffith. “They come up with unique and innovative ideas that lead to Progressive's successes and make us a cut above. And, that creativity is rewarded."

The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies, in business since 1937, ranks third in the nation for auto insurance based on premiums written and provides drivers with competitive rates and 24/7, in-person and online service. The products and services of the Progressive Direct Group of Insurance Companies are marketed directly to consumers by phone at 1-800-PROGRESSIVE and online at progressivedirect.com through the Progressive Direct^SM brand. The Drive Group of Progressive Insurance Companies offers insurance through more than 30,000 independent insurance agencies that market their products and services through the Drive Insurance from Progressive^SM brand. For more information, go to driveinsurance.com. The Common Shares of the Progressive Corporation, the Mayfield Village Ohio-based holding company, are publicly traded at NYSE:PGR. More information can be found at progressive.com.

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