Erie, Pa. -- October 12, 2000 -- "Serving Together" is the theme for a unique and beneficial partnership created by the Greater Erie County Chapter of the American Red Cross and Erie Insurance Group. The Erie Insurance American Red Cross Volunteer Network was introduced to hundreds of Erie Insurance employees, retirees and Erie County agents and their families during a kickoff celebration in the Erie Insurance Atrium this afternoon.

Complete with first aid and CPR demonstrations, today's kickoff featured a mock shelter, door prize giveaways and a visit from the ERV (emergency response vehicle).

"We wanted everyone to get excited about partnering with the American Red Cross," said Stephen Milne, Erie Insurance President and Chief Executive Officer. "Our company's mission and the American Red Cross mission are similar -- we both provide help in times of need and assist families with preventing a disaster. We could think of no better way to assist the Red Cross than by encouraging our employees and agents to volunteer their time. By sharing our expertise in disaster preparedness and working with the Red Cross, our company will be able to provide invaluable support to the communities in which we live and work."

The American Red Cross agrees.

"We couldn't be happier with the Erie Insurance commitment to our organization," said John Fuhrmann, CEO of the Greater Erie County Chapter of the American Red Cross. "This new partnership will provide greater service to the community. ERIE employees and agents, working with the Red Cross, help to mitigate disasters through education and assist individuals and families in times of need. Erie Insurance is an excellent company with talented and dedicated employees and agents. We are thrilled that they have decided to partner with us to help the communities in which they live and work."

Said Rocky Lopes, senior assistant for disaster education for the American Red Cross National Headquarters, "The American Red Cross welcomes and enthusiastically supports the Erie Insurance American Red Cross Volunteer Network and its commitment to and participation in local community disaster education programs. This unique model combining the expertise and experience of Red Cross Chapter volunteers and Erie Insurance volunteers has the potential to boost community capacities, provide more effective preparation to minimize disaster damage and losses and generate significant outcome benefits for individuals, families and communities."

Adrian Grieve, Pennsylvania American Red Cross State Leader, added, "This program’s training focus and a mutually beneficial partnership among Red Cross and Erie Insurance committed volunteers will strengthen Pennsylvania readiness, individuals’ knowledge and overall community capabilities. Program benefits and outcomes can only enhance individual citizens’ and community capabilities to minimize disaster impacts and improve personal and organizational readiness to effectively respond to and recover from disaster events of any magnitude."

Erie Insurance is encouraging many individuals to sign up for the first step in joining the Volunteer Network -- enroll in the Introduction to Disaster Services class being offered three different evenings in November at the Erie Insurance home office.

After the initial introductory class, participants will have the basic understanding of how the Red Cross helps in times of need and in what area each individual would be most interested in focusing their volunteer training.

Such offerings include mitigation education, community disaster training, disaster relief training, shelter management, mass care, food service, armed forces emergency services, CPR and first aid certification, lifeguard certification, babysitter certification and automated external defibrillator (AED) system training.

Following today's kickoff at the home office, the company will introduce the Volunteer Network next March to its Pennsylvania branches. By September 2001, Erie Insurance hopes to rollout the Volunteer Network to the additional states the company serves.

"This is the first time a company has ever partnered with the Red Cross in this way – locally or nationally," said Fuhrmann. "We believe we are starting something incredible here in Erie, and that many other states and people will be the true winners with the Erie Insurance American Red Cross Volunteer Network."

Known for competitive rates and superior service, Erie Insurance Group is a leading property/casualty insurer in the United States. With more than 2.9 million policies in force, Erie Insurance Group includes seven companies operating in 10 states and the District of Columbia and is rated A++ (superior) by A.M. Best Company. Erie Indemnity Company (NASDAQ – ERIE) is the management company for Erie Insurance Group. Headquartered in Erie, Pa. since 1925, the ERIE provides auto, home, business and life insurance through more than 6,300 independent agents representing nearly 1,500 agencies. For more information and a listing of independent agents representing The ERIE in your community, visit the company’s Web site at http://www.erieinsurance.com