COLUMBUS, Ohio–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Nationwide Insurance proudly announced today it has been awarded the
Silver Torch Award from the National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA) for
Nationwide?s workplace
diversity initiatives encouraging minority professionals to advance
in strategic organizational positions. The award is presented annually
to the corporation or individual who has made the greatest gains to
promote equal opportunities that challenge and encourage minority
professionals to develop and advance in strategic positions within their
organization.

?Nationwide is truly honored to accept this award from our partner the
National Black MBA Association,? said Gale King, Chief Human Resources
and Administrative Officer for Nationwide. ?We understand the value of
recruiting and developing talent. We strive to bring a broad spectrum of
views to the table every day, which in turn leads to better solutions
for our members.?

“Nationwide stands on the front lines with us helping us ensure that
diversity and exceptional talent stays in the marketplace,” said Kim
Wilson, Acting President and Vice President of Strategic Program
Initiatives, National Black MBA Association. “They continuously provide
needed resources, great counsel and opportunities to our organization at
both the national and local chapter levels.”

Nationwide has earned a number of diversity
awards and honors including: Best Places to Work for Gay, Lesbian,
Bi-Sexual, Transgender Equality from The Human Rights Campaign; one of
the Top Companies and Organizations for Diversity & Inclusion for 2011
by Uptown Professional magazine; recognition from The National Committee
for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, the Iowa State Chairman
Award and one of the Top 100 Companies to Work for in 2011 by Savoy
magazine.

Established in 1970, the National Black MBA Association, Inc. (NBMBAA)
is dedicated to developing partnerships that result in the creation of
intellectual and economic wealth in the black community through its five
channels of engagement; education, career, leadership, entrepreneurship,
and lifestyle. With 40?plus chapters, a membership base of more than
8,000 and more than 450 corporate partners, the NBMBAA provides access
to its constituents through services such as the Annual NBMBAA
Conference; Local Empowerment Initiatives; and other programs. To learn
more about the NBMBAA or to become a member, visit www.nbmbaa.org.

About Nationwide

Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of
the largest and strongest diversified insurance and financial services
organizations in the U.S. and is rated A+ by both A.M. Best and Standard
& Poor?s. The company provides customers a full range of insurance and
financial services, including auto insurance, motorcycle, boat,
homeowners, pet, life insurance, farm, commercial insurance, annuities,
mortgages, mutual funds, pensions, long-term savings plans and specialty
health services. For more information, visit www.nationwide.com.

Nationwide, the Nationwide frame mark, and On Your Side are service
marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company.