[September 30, 2014]

The Hartford And NBC Connecticut Partner To Give Small Businesses A Boost With New Contest

The Hartford, in partnership with NBC Connecticut, has launched the Small Business Boost contest to reward Connecticut small business owners who play a big role in their local communities. The Small Business Boost is part of The Hartford's Communities with HART program, which supports local communities by helping small businesses grow and inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurs.

"We are excited to invite our neighbors in Connecticut to recognize their favorite small business for all that they do to support their community," said Diane Cantello, vice president of corporate social responsibility at The Hartford. "The Hartford is passionate about helping small businesses succeed and we deeply appreciate the role they play in contributing to the vibrancy of local communities."

The contest invites people to nominate their favorite Connecticut small business by submitting a brief description on NBC Connecticut Facebook page as to why they believe their nominee should win.

For consideration, the small businesses nominated must:

• Be physically located in Connecticut;
• Hire locally;
• Provide a community benefit; and
• Have fewer than 100 employees.

The grand prize winner will receive a $2,500 cash reward and the opportunity to meet with a small business expert. The nominator of the winning business will receive $500.

"We are thrilled to be partnered with The Hartford in recognizing small business owners who give back to their local communities in a major way," said Ric Harris, president and general manager, NBC Connecticut. "In addition to providing local jobs, these small businesses help improve schools, fund youth programs, andinspire innovation that benefits everyone."

Entries for the Small Business Boost contest can be submitted via the NBC Connecticut Facebook page through Monday, Oct. 13. Qualifying entries will then be posted on the website for public viewing and voting. The winner will be announced after Nov. 24, 2014 on NBCConnecticut.com.

For more information about the Small Business Boost contest and the eligibility rules, NBC Connecticut Facebook page.

About The Hartford

With more than 200 years of expertise, The Hartford (NYSE: HIG) is a leader in property and casualty insurance, group benefits and mutual funds. The company is widely recognized for its service excellence, sustainability practices, trust and integrity. More information on the company and its financial performance is available at www.thehartford.com. Join us on Facebook (News - Alert) at www.facebook.com/TheHartford. Follow us on Twitter (News - Alert) at www.twitter.com/TheHartford.

About NBC Connecticut

Owned by NBCUniversal, NBC Connecticut / WVIT serves its viewers by producing local news and information across multiple platforms, including more than 35 hours of newscasts a week on WVIT, news segments on COZI TV and online at NBCConnecticut.com. The station serves as the Connecticut leader in Facebook and Twitter followers and provides mobile users on-the-go breaking news updates and weather information through customized applications. NBC Connecticut's commitment to excellence in journalism has been recognized with numerous Emmy Awards and the prestigious Peabody Award. NBC Connecticut partners with local organizations through its signature Partners in a Caring Community initiative to proudly invest in the community it serves.

HIG-C

Some of the statements in this release may be considered forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We caution investors that these forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results may differ materially. Investors should consider the important risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ. These important risks and uncertainties include those discussed in our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K, subsequent Quarterly Reports on Forms 10-Q, and the other filings we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We assume no obligation to update this release, which speaks as of the date issued.

From time to time, The Hartford may use its website to disseminate material company information. Financial and other important information regarding The Hartford is routinely accessible through and posted on our website at http://ir.thehartford.com. In addition, you may automatically receive email alerts and other information about The Hartford when you enroll your email address by visiting the "Email Alerts" section at http://ir.thehartford.com.

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