Charlotte-Area Resident Named Finalist In The Hartford 200 Program

Laura Burba of Pineville, N.C., has been named by The Hartford as one of five finalists in The Hartford 200 program, which celebrates the deep connection that Americans have with their cars and their personal stories from the road.

Burba’s short essay chronicles how she transports a group of senior tap dancers for multiple weekly performances at senior luncheons and memory care units. Now she has the opportunity to win the program’s grand prize – a new Chevrolet Equinox, a hometown visit from The Hartford-sponsored Clint Bowyer, a VIP race experience, and recognition in a special print advertisement in Charlotte.

Like most Charlotte residents, Burba spends countless hours on the road. According to new research from The Hartford, today the average Charlotte-area worker spends almost 29 minutes commuting each way to and from work, but 50 percent of commuters said they would be willing to commute at least 45 minutes each way for a new job they were interested in. Unfortunately for some, they do not have a choice – numerous Hartford 200 entries detailed the significant amount of time spent in automobiles due to job commutes and other personal responsibilities.

"Given the tough economy, The Hartford is looking for a way to honor and help a few, very special hard-working Americans who depend on their cars to go the extra mile,” said Mitchell Jawitz, vice president, The Hartford. "Laura’s story touched everyone at The Hartford and we are sure it will have an impact on people in the Charlotte area and around the country.”

For the last four years, Burba has transported a group of senior tap dancers – the MsSteps – along with costumes, equipment and props to multiple weekly performances at senior luncheons, retirement and nursing homes, memory care units and other "gigs” throughout the Charlotte metro area. Burba and her group, all of whom are at least 66, believe the dancing and laughter keep them young at heart, and like her car, they are "aging beauties.”

Starting today, people can vote for Burba or their favorite story at www.TheHartford200.com. The winner will be chosen through a combination of the consumer vote and a blue ribbon panel comprised of Richard Childress Racing drivers Bowyer and Jeff Burton, team owner Richard Childress and Hartford executives. Voting ends August 13, 2010.

In addition to Burba, The Hartford 200 finalists are:

• Sarah Armour (Merriam, Kan.): Whether it’s attending Special Olympics events for her son, transporting her 90-year old mother, driving to see her grandchildren, Armour feels her car provides meaning to her life and loved ones.
• Polly Rowan (Olympia, Wash.): A single foster mother, Rowan spends most of her time transporting kids to numerous vital appointments – therapy, support groups, doctors, court hearings, and also school and sporting events.
• Shannon Santangelo (Peoria, Ariz.): A mother of two, Santangelo spends a lot of time in the car with her daughters and believes it has been important in building memories for her and her family – and that her daughters learned their colors from the passing cars.
• Donna Sitter (Sharon, Conn.): Sitter transports her two special needs children to appointments several times a week, and, with a husband in the military who is away often, she understands the need for her vehicle to be reliable.

The Hartford is the primary sponsor of Bowyer’s Richard Childress Racing No. 33 Chevrolet Impala for three Sprint Cup Series races – Darlington (S.C.) Raceway in early May, this weekend at Pocono (Pa.) Raceway and at Auto Club Speedway in California (October 1) – as well as associate sponsor for the remaining 2010 events. The Hartford is also an associate sponsor of Burton in the Sprint Cup Series.

About The Hartford

Celebrating 200 years of helping its customers achieve what's ahead, The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: HIG) is an insurance and wealth management company. Through its unique focus on customer needs, the company serves businesses and consumers by providing the products and solutions they need to protect their assets and income from risks and manage their wealth and retirement needs. A Fortune 100 company, The Hartford is recognized widely for its service expertise and as one of the world's most ethical companies. More information on the company and its financial performance is available at www.thehartford.com.

To learn more about The Hartford’s auto insurance products, consumers can visit http://hartfordauto.thehartford.com.

About Richard Childress Racing

Richard Childress Racing (www.rcrracing.com) has earned more than 180 victories and 12 NASCAR championships, including six in the Sprint Cup Series with the legendary Dale Earnhardt. RCR was the first organization to win championships in the Sprint Cup Series, Nationwide Series and Camping World Truck Series. Its 2010 Sprint Cup Series lineup includes Kevin Harvick (No. 29 Shell-Pennzoil Chevrolet), Jeff Burton (No. 31 Caterpillar Chevrolet) and Clint Bowyer (No. 33 Cheerios/Hamburger Helper Chevrolet). Bowyer drives the No. 21 Zaxby's Chevrolet in the 2010 Nationwide Series, Austin Dillon drives the No. 3 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet in the 2010 Camping World Truck Series and Tim George Jr. drives the No 31 RCR Development Chevrolet in the 2010 ARCA Racing Series presented by RE/MAX and Menards. Ty Dillon, Sean Caisse, Ryan Gifford and Stephen Leicht are RCR developmental drivers in both asphalt and dirt track racing.

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