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Press Release

Independence Blue Cross Executive Honored with Candace Award

Philadelphia, PA - March 15, 2007 - The Southern New Jersey Chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. (NCBW), a national non-profit organization, will recognize an Independence Blue Cross executive with the chapter’s fifth annual Candace Award during its “Women of Achievement” ceremony and luncheon in Deptford, New Jersey on March 17, 2007.

Yvette D. Bright, senior vice president of eBusiness and Operations, will receive the Candace Award as the Corporate Glass Ceiling recipient in recognition for her work in developing best business practices in corporate America, and in assisting others in reaching their full potential in the corporate industry through mentoring and giving back to the community. She is one of ten local women honored with the awards this year.

Said Lillie Wilson, president of the NCBW, Southern New Jersey Chapter, “Yvette embodies our goal to develop leaders that rebuild, sustain and strengthen their communities and are role models to young adults. We’re honored to recognize Yvette for her achievement and contribution to our local community.”

“We’re fortunate to have Yvette’s expertise and leadership here at Independence Blue Cross,” said Joseph A. Frick, Independence Blue Cross president and chief executive officer. “We’re delighted that others recognize what we have always known—Yvette consistently raises the bar in her field, in her community, and as a role model to others in the community.”

The Candace Awards, named after the ancient Ethiopian title for queens, are given to distinguished minority women who have made a major contribution to the African-American community through their achievement, character, and service. The southern New Jersey chapter’s awards program mirrors the national Candace Awards program, which began in 1982 to highlight outstanding African American women who are role models for young people of all races and ethnicities.

In addition to Yvette Bright, this year’s Southern New Jersey Chapter Candace Awards recipients in the eight other categories are Dr. Flora Dorsey-Young (education), the Honorable Jeannine LaRue (public policy), Dr. Michelle Turner-Wood, DDS (health), Cheryl White (arts and culture), Dawn Nicole Moss (community service), Reverend Alyson Browne Johnson (religion), Diane Leslie (science and technology), Maxine Bagley (NCBW Champion), and Elmoria Thomas (NCBW Champion).

About National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., Southern New Jersey Chapter
Launched in 2001, the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. (NCBW), Southern New Jersey chapter, is one of the 65 NCBW chapters across the nation. The organization’s mission is to develop socially conscious female leaders who are committed to furthering equity and empowerment for women of color in the society-at-large, improving the environment of their neighborhoods, rebuilding their communities and enhancing the quality of public and private resources for the growth and development of disadvantaged youths.

The NCBW is dedicated to community service, the creation of wealth for social change, the enhancement of career opportunities for women of color through networking and strategically designed programs and the empowerment of women of color to meet their diverse needs.

About Independence Blue Cross
Independence Blue Cross is the leading health insurer in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Nationwide, Independence Blue Cross and its affiliates provide coverage to nearly 3.4 million people. For nearly 70 years, Independence Blue Cross has offered quality health care products and services tailored to meet the changing needs of members, employers, groups and providers.

Independence Blue Cross recently received the highest ratings from the National Committee for Quality Assurance for its HMO and PPO health care plans. In addition, in 2005, Independence Blue Cross’s Personal Choice was rated the No. 1 PPO in the nation and its Keystone HMO was ranked the No. 1 HMO in the region by health care consumers in a leading independent consumer magazine.