Batter Up! Progressive Employees Step Up to the Plate
to Help Celebrate the Cleveland Indians' 2009 Home Opener
Opening Day at Progressive Field features company's ambassadors,
new additions to the ballpark
MAYFIELD VILLAGE, Ohio — April 10, 2009 — Opening Day is sure to feature great baseball, as the Cleveland Indians take on the Toronto Blue Jays in today's home opener. But it will also feature a couple of exciting new additions to Progressive Field.
To leadoff year two of Progressive's partnership with the Indians, two specially designed, interactive Immediate Response® Vehicles (IRVs) — the company's iconic "white trucks" its reps use to provide quick, in-person, local claims service — have been added to the ballpark.
And, more than 200 Progressive employees from all across the U.S. will participate in today's Opening Day festivities.
"Today is a very special day for us at Progressive Field," said Val Krasowski, Progressive's chief human resource officer. "We invited our people to submit essays explaining how they embody the Progressive spirit and are true brand ambassadors; out of nearly 900 stories, 236 were selected to join us here today. And, to add to the excitement, we're debuting two new interactive IRVs at the park."
One of the new IRVs is in Kidsland and has been transformed into a "claw game." For $1, people of all ages can test their skill by "reaching in" with the electronic claw to try and win plush toys. The proceeds go to Cleveland Indians Charities.
The other is in the stands above center field. Aptly named "IRV," he's a die-hard Indians fan and has been designed to celebrate the Tribe's achievements along with the rest of the fans. He spins, opens and closes his doors and hood, flashes his lights, and shoots confetti and t-shirts as he cheers for the Indians.
During the singing of the national anthem, the contest-winning Progressive employees will be unfurling a 90-foot by 180-foot U.S.-shaped American flag. They will also greet the players as they come onto the field, and cheer on the team from the center field stands along with "IRV."
For more information, go to http://www.progressivefield.com.
About ProgressiveThe Progressive Group of Insurance Companies, in business since 1937, is one of the country's largest auto insurance groups, the largest seller of motorcycle policies, and a market leader in commercial auto insurance based on premiums written.
Progressive is committed to becoming consumers' #1 choice for auto insurance by providing competitive rates and innovative products and services that meet drivers' needs throughout their lifetimes, including superior online and in-person customer service, and best-in-class, 24-hour claims service, such as its concierge level of claims service available at service centers located in major metropolitan areas throughout the United States.
Progressive companies offer consumers choices in how to shop for, buy, and manage their auto insurance policies. Progressive offers its products, including personal and commercial auto, motorcycle, boat, and recreational vehicle insurance, through more than 30,000 independent insurance agencies throughout the U.S. and online and by phone directly from the Company. Private passenger auto products and prices are different when purchased directly from Progressive or through independent agencies. To find an agent or to get a quote, go to http://www.progressive.com.
The Common Shares of The Progressive Corporation, the Mayfield Village, Ohio-based holding company, are publicly traded at NYSE:PGR.
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