Tavis Smiley Brings a Message of Empowerment and Financial Literacy to Columbus

Business Wire, May 12, 2008

Community Organizations and General Public Engage in Dialogue to Help People Take Control of Their Financial Future

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Bringing a message to help people take control of their life, national talk show host Tavis Smiley will join Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company (Nationwide) in a community forum on May 17. The event is part of a five-city tour with the first stop in Columbus and part of his message around economic empowerment and financial literacy.

In addition to the remarks by Tavis, there will workshops on insurance, financial planning and recruitment. The workshops will help consumers better understand the role insurance plays in every household; the need for strong financial planning, regardless of income-level; and other topics to protect their future.

Tavis will be available for interviews prior to his general public speech at 10 a.m.

[TABLE OMITTED]

About Nationwide

Nationwide, based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest diversified insurance and financial services organizations in the world, with more than $161 billion in assets. Nationwide ranks #108 on the Fortune 500 list. The company provides a full range of insurance and financial services, including auto, motorcycle, boat, homeowners, life, farm, commercial insurance, administrative services, annuities, mortgages, mutual funds, pensions, long-term savings plans and health and productivity services. For more information, visit www.nationwide.com.

Nationwide, the Nationwide Framemark and On Your Side are federally registered service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company.