Amerigroup CEO James Carlson Honored at ‘Crystal Ball for a Cure’ Annual Gala

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va., Feb. 27, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Amerigroup chairman and CEO James G. Carlson was recognized at the 9th annual Crystal Ball for a Cure awards gala at the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Carlson was bestowed an honorary "Hero" by the gala committee, for his leadership in advancing ALS research.

"This year we decided to honor a member of our community who displays the qualities of a hero," said Linda Fox-Jarvis, chairman of the Crystal Ball, in bestowing the honor. "A hero is a man of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities, a man who is regarded as a role model. Amerigroup and Jim Carlson have been wonderful supporters of the Crystal Ball since the beginning. Join me in sharing this beautiful tribute to our friend and hero, Jim Carlson."

In addition to the award, area business leaders presented a special video testimonial attesting to Carlson's commitment and leadership in the Hampton Roads community and his work on behalf of ALS. Bruce Thompson, CEO of Gold Key/PHR and developer of the Grommet Island Beach Park and Playground for EveryBODY, said: "I have learned what a truly great leader Jim is. Clearly he has to have great business acumen to run an organization the size and complexity of Amerigroup, but to be a great leader you need to know how to 'do the right thing at the time it is presented.' You have to have compassion and empathy. Jim, not only have you set an example for your employees but also an example for your colleagues and other leaders in the community that corporate responsibility goes far beyond the P and L statement."

The Crystal Ball is the premiere fundraising event in the Hampton Roads/Tidewater area, where 100 percent of the funds raised go toward Muscular Dystrophy and ALS research and projects to improve the quality of life for "ALL" people with disabilities. Since its inaugural event in 2002, the Crystal Ball has raised more than $1.5 million for children and their families in the Hampton Roads area.

"It is a great honor to be recognized by such an outstanding organization," said Carlson. "The contributions by so many Amerigroup associates have allowed us the opportunity to support the Crystal Ball, knowing what great strides will be made to help find a cure for ALS and those suffering from neuromuscular disorders to lead better lives. Thank you on behalf of Amerigroup and the people we serve every day."

About Amerigroup Corporation

Amerigroup Corporation and its subsidiaries help those on publicly funded health care programs by ensuring that these individuals enter an organized system of care and a true medical home. Serving approximately 1.8 million members in 11 states nationwide, Amerigroup accepts all eligible people regardless of age, sex, race or disability. The company's product offerings do not utilize any individual underwriting nor deny coverage due to pre-existing medical conditions. Amerigroup is dedicated to offering real solutions that improve health care access and quality for its members, while proactively working to reduce the overall cost of care to taxpayers. For more information and real story examples of these solutions, please visit www.amerigroupcorp.com.

              CONTACTS:     Investors:  Julie Loftus Trudell      Amerigroup Corporation     Senior Vice President, Investor Relations     (757) 321-3597           News Media:  Tara J. Wall     Amerigroup Corporation     Senior Vice President, Communications     (757) 518-3671      

SOURCE Amerigroup Corporation