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December 18, 2007
FEBRUARY DEADLINE APPROACHING FOR GUARDIAN'S ANNUAL GIRLS GOING PLACES® ENTREPRENEURSHIP AWARD PROGRAM
$30,000+ in Prizes to be Awarded to Teen Business Owners
NEW YORK, December 18, 2007 — The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America (Guardian) announced that today marks the final eight weeks of the 2008 Girls Going Places® entrepreneurship award program nomination period. Guardian began accepting nominations in September for its national competition, which recognizes entrepreneurial, community-minded girls between the ages of 12 and 18.
Entries will be accepted through February 15, 2008. Teachers and educators, parents, and community members are encouraged to nominate successful teen business owners.
Guardian and Girls Going Places® will grant a total of $30,000 to 15 girls which they can use for reinvest in their entrepreneurial projects or to save for college. Three top prizes of $10,000, $5,000 and $3,000 and 12 finalist prizes of $1,000 each will be granted. Adults are asked to nominate girls - daughters, nieces, neighbors or students — by submitting a 750 word essay endorsing accomplished young female entrepreneurs. Nominees must also write a 250 word personal statement on entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial independence, or giving back to the community. A panel of judges will review the essays and pick finalists that:
 | Demonstrate budding entrepreneurship and/or financial acumen; |
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| Have taken the first steps toward financial independence; |
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| Make a difference in their school or community; |
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| Show potential for future success by initiating a new business or service. |
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Not Your Typical Lemonade Stand
During the 2007 program, Guardian received more than 5,000 nominations. The national first place winner in the 2007 competition, Long Island native Stephanie Brown, 18, founded the first student-run credit union, Oakwood Universal 1. The national second place winner, 16-year-old Jasmine Lawrence of New Jersey, created her own line of all-natural hair care products for the multicultural market. The company's products are sold in two national chains, Whole Foods and Wal-Mart, and in shops across the United States. 17-year-old Riverside, California native Ariane Tom founded ScienceSmart, a youth-driven program introducing underprivileged preschoolers to science.
"Guardian developed the Girls Going Places® program to ensure that young women are aware of the many financial and entrepreneurial opportunities available to them," said Diana Acevedo, National Manager, Girls Going Places, Guardian, New York. "Today, there are 10.4 million firms owned by women across the nation. Guardian is committed to the advancement of women in business and entrepreneurs of all ages."
Girl Power
In 2008, Guardian will host several Girls Going Places® Entrepreneurship Conferences throughout the country. The conferences are designed to encourage financial literacy and educate young women about entrepreneurship and financial independence. Successful local businesswomen will share their ideas and experiences as conference mentors.
Guardian's 2008 Girls Going Places® Conference Schedule:
| February - Fargo, ND |
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| April - Pittsburgh, PA |
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| May - Ft. Myers & Ft. Lauderdale, FL |
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| October - Rome, Cartersville & Athens GA |
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| November - Union, NJ |
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Plans are also underway for additional conferences in cities throughout the country.
The Girls Going Places® Entrepreneurship Award program anchors Guardian's Women's Initiative, which was established to help women create, invest, and protect wealth. As part of this effort, Guardian is a National Patron of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), which partially underwrites the Girls Going Places® awards. Additional information about the program and nomination forms for the competition can be found at www.girlsgoingplaces.com.
About Guardian
Founded in 1860, The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, New York, NY (Guardian) is one of the largest mutual life insurance companies in the United States. As of December 31, 2006, Guardian and its subsidiaries had $39.5 billion in assets (on a consolidated statutory basis). With more than 5,000 employees and 3,000 financial representatives, as well as more than 80 agencies nationwide, Guardian and its subsidiaries protect individuals, businesses, and their employees with life, disability, health, long-term care, and dental insurance products, and offer 401(k), annuities and other financial products and trust services. More information about Guardian can be obtained at: www.GuardianLife.com.
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