Phoenix-Area Resident Named Finalist In The Hartford 200 Program

HARTFORD, Conn., July 28, 2010: Shannon Santangelo of Peoria, Ariz., has been named by The Hartford as one of five finalists in The Hartford 200 program, which celebrates the deep connection that Americans have with their cars and their personal stories from the road. “Given the tough economy, The Hartford is looking for a way to honor and help a few, very special hard-working Americans who depend on their cars to go the extra mile” Santangelo's short essay chronicles how she utilized the time driving to share valuable learning experiences with her two children. Now she has the opportunity to win the program's grand prize - a new Chevrolet Equinox, a hometown visit from The Hartford-sponsored Clint Bowyer, a VIP race experience, and recognition in a special print advertisement in Phoenix. Like most Phoenix residents, Santangelo spends countless hours on the road. According to new research from The Hartford, today the average Phoenix-area worker spends almost 32 minutes commuting each way to and from work, but 55 percent of commuters said they would be willing to commute at least 45 minutes each way for a new job they were interested in. Unfortunately for some, they do not have a choice - numerous Hartford 200 entries detailed the significant amount of time spent in automobiles due to job commutes and other personal responsibilities. "Given the tough economy, The Hartford is looking for a way to honor and help a few, very special hard-working Americans who depend on their cars to go the extra mile," said Mitchell Jawitz, vice president, The Hartford. "Shannon's story touched everyone at The Hartford and we are sure it will have an impact on people in the Phoenix area and around the country." For Santangelo, she spends a lot of time in the car with her daughters and believes it has been important in building and sharing memories for her and her family - and that her daughters learned their colors from the passing cars. Starting today, people can vote for Santangelo or their favorite story at www.TheHartford200.com. The winner will be chosen through a combination of the consumer vote and a blue ribbon panel comprised of Richard Childress Racing drivers Bowyer and Jeff Burton, team owner Richard Childress and Hartford executives. Voting ends August 13, 2010. Source : http://www.theautochannel.com    (7/28/2010)