For Immediate Release
Contact: Cindy Gittelsohn
Michelle Mandara
Jericho Communications
212-645-6900
PROGRESSIVE’S GROWTH IN THE PHOENIX MARKET
LEADS TO 150 JOB OPENINGS

Open House Scheduled For February 10 at Progressive’s New Cotton Center Facility

PHOENIX, ARIZ (January 26, 2004)—While it has been reported that the Arizona economy is expected to improve in 2004, the statewide unemployment rate still hovers over four percent*. One company continues to expand and offer employment opportunities to Phoenix residents. Following two consecutive years of more than 25 percent growth, the Progressive group of insurance companies (third largest auto insurance group in the country) has announced plans to add 150 people to its Phoenix-area operations.

As Progressive grows, it adds people in its call centers who provide 24/7 customer and claims service. Today, the Company employs approximately 350 people in its Phoenix sales and customer service call centers and is looking to fill 60 customer service representative, 70 insurance counselor and 20 claims representative trainee positions by mid-April.

“These jobs offer advancement opportunities in a great company with a simple goal—to be U.S. consumers’ number one choice for auto insurance,” said Jeff Geroux, sales and service general manager, Progressive. “We’re thrilled to offer these opportunities to the residents of Phoenix.”

People interested in learning more about the new positions – including an overview of the in-depth, on the job training each Progressive person receives – should plan on attending one of two Open House events on Tuesday, February 10, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and again from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Progressive’s new call center -- 4425 E. Cotton Center Blvd. Candidates will have an opportunity to meet with Progressive recruiters, learn more about the career opportunities available, and complete an application. No RSVPs or appointments are necessary. Those not able to attend one of the Open House events should apply online at jobs.progressive.com.

Some of the benefits and on-site services Progressive offers its employees include:

* Competitive salary and variable pay package;
* Medical and dental benefits;
* A relaxed atmosphere that challenges employees and treats them as professionals;
* Casual dress environment;
* On-site cafeteria;
* Fitness center; and
* Wellness program featuring a variety of health screenings and educational opportunities.

The Progressive group of insurance companies, in business since 1937, comprises the nation's third largest auto insurance group and provides drivers with competitive rates and 24/7, in-person service. The companies offer insurance by phone at 1-800-PROGRESSIVE, online at progressive.com and through more than 30,000 independent agencies in the U.S. Providing stakeholders the information they need to make more informed decisions is a key company strategy. 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.

In Arizona, Progressive is the fifth largest auto insurance group employing 635 people in eight locations throughout the state including five claims offices (Flagstaff, Glendale, Scottsdale, Tempe, and Tucson). The Phoenix area is home to a customer service and direct sales call center as well as the Company’s only center dedicated to motorcycle, boat, RV and ATV claims training. The Company also operates one of its first Claims Service Centers in the area, offering one-stop convenience for customers following a vehicle accident.

The Progressive group of companies is represented by nearly 400 independent insurance agencies throughout the state of Arizona.

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*According to the U.S. Department of Labor, November 2003.