Erie Insurance Hosts Third Annual "Take Our Kids to Work Day"

ERIE, Pa. --- April 22, 1999 --- What's it like to work for one of the 100 Best Companies to Work for in America? Sons and daughters of Erie Insurance employees found out on Thursday, April 22 during ERIE's third annual "Take Our Kids to Work Day."

ERIE's "Take Our Kids to Work Day" put a slightly different spin on the Ms. Foundation for Women's "Take Our Daughter's to Work Day," which has been celebrated by many companies nationally for the past five years. The ERIE invited employees to bring both daughters and sons to work to learn more about the variety of career options and to see first hand how their moms and dads contribute to ERIE's success.

"Because of the unique kinship our employees enjoy, we have long considered ourselves 'the ERIE family,'" noted Steve Milne, ERIE's President and Chief Executive Office. "Planning a day such as this helps us share that spirit with the children we consider members of our extended family."

Most of the ERIE's 21 field offices participated in "Take Our Kids to Work Day." The company's Home Office in Erie, Pennsylvania had a full day of activities planned for the students. The young guests learned about career opportunities in insurance, saw a mock job interview and toured the Home Office complex. They also participated in workshops on ergonomics and insurance fraud. After lunch children had the opportunity to spend time on the job with mom or dad.

More than 100 ERIE employees with children in grades 7-12 brought their children with them to work. They were joined by six East High School students who were paired with employee mentors as part of an annual "shadowing" program.

With nearly 2.5 million policyholders, Erie Insurance Group is the 17^th largest property/casualty insurance group in the United States. Erie Insurance Exchange, a member of the Group, was established in Erie, Pa. in 1925 and today is the 12^th largest insurer of private passenger automobiles in the country. Erie Insurance Group includes seven companies operating in 10 states and the District of Columbia. Erie Indemnity Company (NASDAQ - ERIE) is the management company for Erie Insurance Group.

Photo captions, top to bottom:

1.) Angie Esters, Erie Family Life, and  daughter Jackie take  time to mingle during the networking break.

2.) Bruno Pisano, Vice President & Manager, Policy Processing and Systems Department, and daughter Kate prepare for morning workshops.

3.) Mentor Linda Kuhl, Erie Claims Manager, prepares Alicia Rodriguez for the work force.

4.) Brothers Eric and Brian Soder take a break with their mom Laurie Soder, Documentation Services.

5.)  Annie Murzynski and Tina Pieri learn about the importance of ergonomics at a morning workshop.

6.)  Crystal Mullen, Systems Specialist, Controller Division, and daughter Tara spend time on the job.

Photos by Beth Gensheimer