The Hartford, in partnership with NBC 7 San Diego, has launched the Small Business Boost contest to recognize San Diego-area1 small business owners making a positive impact 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 by inspiring new generations of entrepreneurs.

“We are thrilled to invite members of the San Diego-area communities to recognize their favorite small business for all that they do to support their local neighborhoods,” said Diane Cantello, vice president of corporate responsibility at The Hartford. “The Hartford is passionate about helping small businesses prevail and we deeply appreciate the role they play in contributing to the vibrancy of local communities.”

The contest invites people to nominate their favorite small business in the San Diego area by submitting a brief description on the NBC 7 San Diego Facebook page as to why they believe their nominee should win.

For consideration, the small businesses nominated must:

  • Be physically located in the San Diego area1;
  • 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.

Entries for the Small Business Boost contest can be submitted via the NBC 7 San Diego Facebook page through Oct. 11, 2015. The finalists will then be posted on the website for public viewing and voting through Nov. 1, 2015. The winner will be announced the week of Nov. 16, 2015.

For more information about the Small Business Boost contest and the eligibility rules, visit the NBC7 San Diego Facebook page starting Sept. 28.

About NBC 7 San Diego / KNSD

NBC 7 San Diego (KNSD-TV) provides coverage San Diego counts on with more than 34 hours of local news and programming every week. Including exclusive news franchises NBC 7 Investigates and Down to Earth with Dagmar. In addition, NBC 7 is proud to produce local shows Politically Speaking & SoundDiego. We also provide special offers from The GOODS and our digital channel COZI-TV airs classic television shows from decades past. NBC 7 is San Diego’s media leader with the largest social following and the largest multiplatform digital audience. In addition, NBC 7 proudly partners with many local non-profit organizations and campaigns to give back to the community we proudly live in and serve.

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 at www.facebook.com/TheHartford. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/TheHartford.

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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 2014 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.

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1Eligible small businesses must be physically located in the KNSD/San Diego DMA, which also includes Carlsbad, Chula Vista, El Cajon, Encinitas, Escondido, Imperial Beach, La Mesa, Lemon Grove, Oceanside, Poway, San Marcos, Santee and Vista in the state of California.