For immediate release: February 11, 2004
Contact: Leigh Tofferi - (802) 371-3205

BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD OF VERMONT ANNOUNCES 2003 EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR

Berlin – Julie Sancibrian, a resident of Barre, VT, was named Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont's 2003 Distinguished Employee of the Year at a ceremony held recently.

Sancibrian was a senior BlueCard processing specialist in the ITS unit when she was selected for Distinguished Employee of the Month for April 2003. She has since been promoted to a supervisor of BlueCard claims in the ITS unit. She was presented the 2003 Carol L. Goodrich Distinguished Employee of the Year Award for her exceptional relationships with both internal and external customers, her extensive knowledge of the company, and for her dedication. A co-worker stated "Julie is a great team leader and it is a pleasure to have her on our team". Ms. Sancibrian began her career with the company in May 1995.

Bonnie Brassard, a resident of Orange, VT, was named first runner-up in recognition of her agility, especially during busy times and for her dedication to her job and her co-workers. Her nomination reads, "She just learned what she needed to learn and worked for the team. Without an employee like Bonnie, BCBSVT would not have been able to accomplish all we do". Ms. Brassard came to BCBSVT in April 1997 and is a corporate communications specialist in the corporate communications department.

Rick Eastman, a resident of Cabot, VT, was named second runner-up for the award. He is a maintenance crew member. He was cited for his dedication to the company and his fellow employees, for his enthusiasm, and for his knowledge and expertise in maintaining the company's small equipment needs. A co-worker stated "He has taken on more responsibility with a new team member coming on board recently, and he has been more than helpful in showing the new guy the ropes". He has been with BCBSVT since July 1988.

The BCBSVT award is named in honor of Carol L. Goodrich, the winner of the first-ever employee of the year award in 1992, who passed away suddenly on September 10, 1993, leaving behind a rich legacy of commitment and dedication. This program awards individuals who demonstrate extraordinary effort above and beyond the scope of their current responsibilities.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont is the state's oldest and largest private health insurer, providing coverage for about 180,000 Vermonters. It employs over 350 Vermonters at its headquarters in Berlin and its full-service field office in Williston, and has offered group and individual health plans to Vermonters for more than 60 years. More information about Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont is available on the Internet at www.bcbsvt.com Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont is an independent corporation operating under a license with the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans.

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