HispanicBusiness

COLUMBUS, Ga., March 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- AFLAC has been named to Hispanic magazine's "Corporate 100" list of the companies providing the most opportunities to Hispanics. AFLAC has appeared on the annual list since 1993.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20010525/AFLACLOGO )

In compiling the list, Hispanic magazine evaluated companies based on factors including recruitment efforts, diversity training, minority business initiatives, and funding efforts for scholarships and organizations. The magazine recognized AFLAC's diversity council, minority vendor development program, Spanish-language marketing material, and minority and women-owned business procurement efforts. More specifically, AFLAC's Hispanic Market Development Department supports the development of its Hispanic representatives across the United States. This is done in part by the AFLAC Minority Mentoring Program, which helps prepare minority sales associates for success and leadership roles at AFLAC.

"AFLAC's success depends on a diverse workforce both at its headquarters and in its field force," said Warren Steele, AFLAC senior vice president and assistant director of marketing. "The various skills and experiences that our employees and associates contribute to AFLAC strengthen both our products and our performance. As the U.S. Hispanic population continues to grow, it is an honor to be recognized by Hispanic magazine as part of the 'Corporate 100' list."

In addition, AFLAC maintains a Spanish customer service line for policyholders and associates and airs its Spanish television commercials on the four largest Spanish TV networks in the United States. A quarterly electronic newsletter called Diversity in Action profiles successful Hispanic and African-American associates and provides mentoring tips and other useful information for minority associates.

AFLAC Incorporated is an international holding company. A Fortune 500 company, AFLAC insures more than 40 million people worldwide. It is a leading writer of insurance marketed at the worksite, offering policies to employees at more than 248,100 payroll accounts in the United States. AFLAC is the largest foreign insurer in Japan, insuring one out of four Japanese households. In January 2003, AFLAC was ranked the #1 insurance company in Fortune magazine's list of "The 100 Best Companies to Work For in America" and was included in the overall listing for the fifth consecutive year. In February 2003, for the third consecutive year, Fortune named AFLAC as one of "America's Most Admired Companies" in the life and health insurance industry. And in July 2002, Fortune named AFLAC to its list of "America's 50 Best Companies for Minorities." Additionally, AFLAC is a component of the Standard & Poor's 500 Index and has received an "A+ (Superior)" rating from A.M. Best. AFLAC's Internet address is http://www.aflac.com/ . Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20010525/AFLACLOGOAP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/PRN Photo Desk, 888-776-6555 or 212-782-2840 AFLAC Incorporated

CONTACT: Laura Kane of AFLAC Incorporated, +1-706-596-3493, orlkane@aflac.com

Web site: http://www.aflac.com/