Broker World

LifeMark Partners, Inc., one of the nation’s largest independent national insurance marketing organizations, announced its new board members today, Derek E. Archey, CFP®, AALU, ALMI®, vice president of Comprehensive Planning, and Gonzalo M. Garcia, CLU®, partner at AgencyONE

Insurance Marketing Group, LLC. They will both serve four-year terms.

“Both Derek and Gonzalo have been great contributors to LifeMark and to the industry, consistently demonstrating their insurance business acumen,” said William Shelow, CLU®, ChFC®, CPCU®, LLIF, president and chief executive officer, LifeMark Partners. “On the LifeMark Partners board we focus on strategic differentiation and best practices impact and we welcome their input and insight in their new roles. It is my pleasure to welcome them to the board.”

Derek E. Archey, is owner and insurance consultant of Comprehensive Planning, an independent brokerage general agency dedicated to providing collaborative planning solutions for client’s insurance needs. Archey is responsible for and works closely with financial services firms and independent broker-dealers specializing in wealth transfer, retirement and business succession planning. He works closely with advisors from firms such as Morgan Stanley, Smith Barney, UBS Financial Services, LPL, SIGMA Financial and Wells Fargo Advisors.  In June of 1996, Archey began his career with Bloomberg LP in New York where he worked with professionals at all levels of the financial services industry. In 1999, he joined Comprehensive Planning in Troy, MI, and helped the firm grow from a Transamerica branch office into a competitive independent brokerage general agency. Currently, he is one of Comprehensive Planning’s principals as well as a past president of NAIFA Greater Detroit. Archey holds a life and health insurance license, FINRA Series 6 and 63, and is a Certified Financial PlannerTM (CFP®). He is a graduate of Rutgers University earning a B.S. in management

Gonzalo M. Garcia, is a partner at AgencyONE, a boutique life insurance brokerage general agency specializing in high-net-worth underwriting advocacy, advanced planning and product proficiency. He is responsible for sales support and advanced markets. Garcia started his career in 1982 and joined current partners, Ed Leisher and Dennis Bartos, in 1992 at The Potomac Group in Bethesda, MD, helping grow the business until its sale to The BISYS Group (now Crump Life Insurance Services), in 1998. He stayed with BISYS holding several senior positions, ultimately ascending to executive vice president and a key member of the senior management team before his departure in 2007. Prior to joining

AgencyONE, he spent two years with Credit Suisse as a managing director in the fixed income division’s life finance group, where he managed insurance company relations for the group.

Garcia is an active member of numerous industry organizations, including AALU, serving as co-chair on the brokerage and independent distribution task force and a member of the AALU diversity committee, and The Forum400, serving on the membership committee, the program committee and former chair of the industry partner committee. He is also a founding member of The Brokerage General Agency Advisory Council for Prudential Life Insurance Company and a member of NAILBA and The Society of Financial Service Professionals (FSP). Garcia is a regular speaker at industry conferences including The Forum400, The Association of Home Office Underwriters (AHOU) and LIMRA. Garcia attended Rice University graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Management Studies and Psychology and received an MBA from The College of Insurance (now St. John’s University).

“Both Derek and Gonzalo have been entrenched in the insurance business for many years, and with the experience they have garnered I am confident they will both be great additions,” said Mark Rosen, chairman of the Lifemark Partners board. “With their vast experience, industry-leading knowledge, and impressive track records for business success, we look forward to benefiting from their valuable insight and input. I am looking forward to working with them both.”

To learn more about the qualifications necessary to become a LifeMark partner, visit www.LifeMarkPartners.com. 

Athene Annuity and Life Company, a subsidiary of Athene Holding Ltd. (NYSE: ATH), announced today the launch of Athene AgilitySM, a new addition to their suite of fixed indexed annuity (FIA) products designed to help retirees achieve their goals for retirement savings and income. Agility adapts to retirees’ needs whether for growth, income or help with the unexpected. It offers a fixed crediting strategy and indexed crediting strategies with protection from market downturns; liquidity for help with the unexpected; a death benefit for beneficiaries; and opportunities to accumulate wealth for retirement. These features give retirees the flexibility to plan for future income needs. This versatile product automatically includes a built-in income and death benefit rider at no additional charge.

“Research shows 84 percent of retirees do not have a formal retirement plan. Even those that do must deal with the unexpected. For example, 55 percent of retirees stop working earlier than they anticipated, mainly due to health reasons or job loss,” said Chris Grady, executive vice president and head of retail sales at Athene USA.* “Athene Agility has the potential to grow and adapt to changing needs, turning every stage of retirement into an opportunity.”

With Athene Agility, retirees can rely on protection from loss due to stock market downturns. Growth potential comes from eight indexed crediting strategies, including market indices exclusive to Athene, and both 1- and 2-year interest crediting terms. Agility’s built-in rider helps customers achieve long-term goals for income and legacy with a Benefit Base bonus and participating features in both the growth and income phases. Currently the Benefit Base grows by 175 percent of any interest credits that are added to the annuity’s Accumulated Value. Once income begins, the income amount may grow each year by a percentage, currently 100 percent, of any interest credited that year to the Accumulated Value. Customers can start receiving income following a waiting period equal to the product’s withdrawal charge period.

Retirees will benefit from the adaptability of the product. In addition to the built-in Income and Death Benefit rider, customers enjoy several liquidity features, including free annual withdrawals up to 10 percent based on the greater of the accumulated value or initial premium.

For more information on Athene Agility and the Athene product suite, visit www.athene.com. 

Athene USA, the #2 carrier in fixed indexed annuity sales,** is an Iowa-domiciled corporation that serves as the U.S. holding company for Athene’s annuity operations in the United States, including Athene Annuity and Life Company, Athene Annuity & Life Assurance Company and Athene Annuity & Life Assurance Company of New York. Headquartered in West Des Moines, Iowa, Athene USA serves customers in all 50 states, and through its predecessor companies, has been serving American consumers for more than 100 years.

This annuity has limitations and charges. For costs and complete details, please request a Certificate of Disclosure.

The interest earned is subject to certain limitations such as an Annual Spread, a Cap Rate, and Participation Rate. These limitations are declared by the Company before the beginning of each Index Term Period. Please note that the interest you earn may be zero; however, the interest that you earn will never be less than zero.

Withdrawals and surrender of taxable amounts are subject to ordinary income tax, and except under certain circumstances, will be subject to an IRS penalty if taken prior to age 59 1⁄2. Withdrawals are not credited with index in the year they are taken. Withdrawals in excess of the free amount are subject to a Withdrawal Charge and MVA which may result in the loss of principal.

Athene Agility [GEN (09/15) NB], Income and Death Benefit Rider [IR (06/18)] and Enhanced Income Benefit Endorsement [EIBR (06/18)] or state variations are issued by Athene Annuity and Life Company, West Des Moines, IA. Product features, limitations and availability vary; see the Certificates of Disclosure for details. Products not available in all states. This material is provided by Athene Annuity and Life Company (61689) headquartered in West Des Moines, Iowa, which issues annuities in 49 states (including MA) and D.C., and Athene Annuity & Life Assurance Company of New York (68039) headquartered in Pearl River, New York, which issues annuities only in New York.

Athene annuities are products of the insurance industry and not guaranteed by any bank nor insured by FDIC or NCUA/NCUSIF. May lose value. No bank/credit union guarantee. Not a deposit. Not insured by any federal government agency. May only be offered by a licensed insurance agent. 

References:

* “The Benefits of Retirement Planning,” LIMRA Secure Retirement Institute 2016.“Finances in Retirement: New Challenges, New Solutions,” Age Wave/Merrill Lynch 2017.

** LIMRA Secure Retirement Institute, U.S. Individual Annuity Industry Sales Report for the first quarter 2018.

OneAmerica® has launched a new whole life insurance product that provides an opportunity to help the insured build strong cash values for their long-term goals, while also providing protection against unintentional policy lapse.

The new Whole Life Select offers a Loan Interest Rate Limitation Rider, one of the industry’s only provisions to help prevent unintentional lapse of the policy due to loans and loan interest on the policy. Whole Life Select also has five premium-payment options designed to offer more flexibility to policy owners than traditional permanent options. 

“Our Whole Life Select policies offer an option for fully paid policies that can maximize cash distributions in retirement for policyholders,” said Dennis Martin, senior vice president, Individual Life and Financial Services, OneAmerica. “At the same time, the Loan Interest Rate Limitation Rider offers peace of mind that the policy will be there when the insured needs it most.”

The rider, offered at no additional cost on all Whole Life Select policies, works by offering policyholders the option to keep the policy in force if the total loan amount reaches 95 percent of the policy’s value. If the policyholder chooses to activate the rider, the policy will remain in force, ensuring a death benefit is paid to heirs and preventing a cancellation that could result in unintended tax consequences on gains to the policy.

Whole Life Select also is available with the OneAmerica Indexed Dividend Crediting Option Rider, which allows policyholders to participate in market upswings without sacrificing whole life guarantees, including a steady cost of insurance and increasing cash value. 

“Many times, people look to their whole life policies as a source of distribution income in retirement, without realizing that a lapsed policy could result in unfavorable tax consequences,” said Martin. “We believe Whole Life Select will be attractive to financial professionals as an insurance option to help clients prepare for their long-term goals in retirement, while offering flexibility in premium options in the short-term.”

Whole Life Select pay options include single pay, 10-pay, 20-pay, pay to age 65 and pay to age 70. Whole Life Select is available in all states except CA, DE, ND, SD and Washington, D.C.

To learn more about OneAmerica products visit www.oneamerica.com. 

Laurie Beck, president and CEO, Insurance Network America, Boise, ID, was honored recently by receiving the inaugural Icon award from the Idaho Business Review. The publication recognized 16 community leaders who fit that description.

The honor  celebrates a track record of professional success and community service. IBR’s inaugural Icon award winners represent a diverse mix of industries, including insurance, banking, healthcare, entrepreneurship, law, technology and the arts.

The 16 professionals who were selected will be featured in the 2018 Icon publication and recognized at a gala on August 7 at the Boise Centre East.

Tracey Stone, recruitment and marketing manager at MassMutual Idaho, served as a judge and said the scoring process was no easy task. “Every candidate I reviewed is accomplished, admired and exemplary in the business community,” said Stone, an IBR Women of the Year honoree. “Each one should be receiving recognition as a leader in our state! It makes me want to put my work boots back on and go make a difference too!”

Laura Smith, director of public relations for Idaho Central Credit Union and another IBR Women of the Year winner was also impressed with the contenders. Smith said, “Their true genius and everything they have done to give back to their community is overwhelming!” 

Securian Financial Group of St. Paul, MN, has added new premium payment options and enhanced benefits to SecureCare Universal Life, a permanent life insurance contract with long term care benefits. 

Launched in 2017 as a single premium-only linked benefit product, the enhanced version of SecureCare, issued by Minnesota Life Insurance Company, allows customers to choose a single or multi-year premium schedule of five, seven, 10 or 15 years. The new product also pays benefits using a cash indemnity-style model with improved flexibility and liberalized limitations when accessing the benefits. 

Designed to help aging Americans protect their assets from the climbing costs of long term care amidst rising premiums and uncertainty in the stand-alone long term care insurance market, SecureCare offers customers four guarantees: 

• If they become chronically ill and need long term care, they will receive a tax-advantaged monthly cash benefit to help cover expenses.1
• If they die, their beneficiaries will receive a death benefit, even if they exhaust their entire long term care benefit.
• If they want their money back, they can receive a refund of their premium, subject to a vesting schedule.2
• If they stop paying premiums before the policy is paid in full, they will receive a reduced benefit based on what they paid into the policy.3

“SecureCare’s guarantees make it distinct from traditional long term care policies,” said Kimberly Anderson, who manages individual life insurance product research and consulting for Securian. “As a permanent life insurance policy, a benefit payout is certain, even if the client never needs long term care. And with SecureCare’s guaranteed premiums, regardless of how they choose to pay, clients never have to worry about their premiums going up—they are locked in upon purchase and will never increase.” 

Other highlights of SecureCare include: 

Cash Indemnity Benefits
Unlike some other hybrid life/long term care policies, SecureCare pays out a monthly cash indemnity benefit regardless of expenses incurred and without requiring proof of costs—allowing customers to skip the burdensome process of submitting receipts to receive a reimbursement of expenditures. 

Coverage Customization and Inflation Protection
SecureCare allows clients to customize their long-term care coverage duration from two to seven years.4 They can also choose between four inflation protection options to help their benefits keep up with rising long term care costs.5

Multiple Care Options
SecureCare allows clients to choose how they receive care, which may include:

• Informal care provided in their home by a family member
• Respite care
• Nursing home care or memory care provided by professional staff 

Clients have further freedom to use their benefits for long term care outside the United States,6 home modifications7 or training for family members to provide care.8

SecureCare is available to all Securian-approved distribution channels. Financial professionals interested in learning more can call Securian’s Life Sales Support Team at 1-888-900-1962. 

For use in Delaware, District of Columbia, and states where this product is available under the Interstate Insurance Product Regulation Commission (IIPRC).

Notes:

1. Upon meeting the policy’s eligibility requirements. 
   
2. Upon surrender, the policy owner will receive the surrender value proceeds. The surrender value proceeds may not equal the sum of premiums paid. Policies that are fully vested are eligible for a full return of all premiums paid. 
   
3. Multi-year premium customers only. The reduced paid-up nonforfeiture benefit purchases paid-up insurance in the event of premium lapse. 
   
4. Long term care benefits are provided through the Accelerated Long-Term Care Agreement and the Extension of Long-Term Care Agreement. 
   
5. The optional Long-Term Care Inflation Protection Agreement is available with 3 percent simple interest, 5 percent simple interest, 3 percent compound interest or 5 percent compound interest. If the Long-Term Care Inflation Protection Agreement is elected at time of policy application, you must take the maximum monthly long term care benefit payment upon eligibility for benefits in order for benefits to be payable. 
   
6. Benefits outside the United States, its territories or possessions allow the insured to receive 50 percent of his/her maximum monthly benefit provided the insured is receiving qualified long term care services from a U.S. licensed health care professional. If the insured returns to the United States, the non-United States monthly benefit limit will no longer apply. 
   
7. Home modification benefit allows the insured to pay for modifications to his/her home, enabling the insured to remain in his/her home longer. This benefit can be triggered prior to the elimination period. The maximum benefit is $5,000. 
   
8. The caregiver training benefit can be used to pay for training of a friend or family member to provide care to the insured. This benefit can be triggered prior to the elimination period. The maximum benefit is $1,000.
   

SecureCare may not be available in all states. Product features, including limitations and exclusions, may vary by state.

This is a general communication for informational and educational purposes. The materials and the information are not designed, or intended, to be applicable to any person’s individual circumstances. It should not be considered investment advice, nor does it constitute a recommendation that anyone engage in (or refrain from) a particular course of action. If you are seeking investment advice or recommendations, please contact your financial professional. 

Amid predictions that interest rates may soon be on the rise, some near-retirees may question the effectiveness of purchasing a deferred fixed annuity in today’s environment. However, a new white paper published by Pacific Life Insurance Company and written by Professor Wade D. Pfau finds that the reasons to buy now may be wide-ranging and compelling.

Why Purchase a Deferred Fixed Annuity in a Rising Interest-Rate Environment? explores the relationship between interest rates, bonds, and fixed annuities in the context of a household approaching retirement. Professor Pfau illustrates why deferred fixed annuities can be an important component of a retiree’s fixed-income strategy, and may provide several advantages over bonds.

“Clients want accurate, well-researched information about the options for preserving assets and generating sustainable income for retirement years. This new white paper provides important details about deferred fixed annuities versus bonds, and we’re excited to be offering it as a resource for clients and financial professionals,” says Christine Tucker, vice president of marketing for Pacific Life’s Retirement Solutions Division.

Wade D. Pfau, Ph.D., CFA, is a professor of retirement income at The American College of Financial Services. He also serves as a principal and director for McLean Asset Management and chief planning strategist for software provider inStream Solutions. He holds a doctorate in economics from Princeton University and publishes frequently in a wide variety of academic and practitioner research journals on topics related to retirement income. His research has been discussed in The Economist, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Time, Kiplinger’s, and Money Magazine.

Why Purchase a Deferred Fixed Annuity in a Rising Interest-Rate Environment? is available to financial professionals by calling Pacific Life at (800) 722-2333 or by visiting www.Annuities.PacificLife.com. 

Celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2018, Pacific Life provides a wide range of life insurance products, annuities, and mutual funds, and offers a variety of investment products and services to individuals, businesses, and pension plans. Pacific Life counts more than half of the 100 largest U.S. companies as its clients. Pacific Life refers to Pacific Life Insurance Company and its affiliates, including Pacific Life & Annuity Company. Client count as of June 2017 is compiled by Pacific Life using the 2017 FORTUNE 500® list.

Insurance products are issued by Pacific Life Insurance Company in all states except New York and in New York by Pacific Life & Annuity Company. Product availability and features may vary by state. Each company is solely responsible for the financial obligations accruing under the products it issues. Insurance product and rider guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims-paying ability of the issuing company.

The American College of Financial Services was founded in 1927 and is the nation’s largest nonprofit educational institution devoted to financial services. Holding the highest level of academic accreditation, The American College has educated one in five financial advisors across the United States and offers prestigious financial-planning designations such as the Retirement Income Certified Professional® (RICP®), Chartered Life Underwriter® (CLU®), Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®) and education leading to the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) certification. The College’s faculty represents some of the foremost thought leaders of the financial-services profession.  For more information, visit www.TheAmericanCollege.edu.

Although most Americans have a strong understanding of the primary need for life insurance within their financial strategy— particularly the death benefit that provides monies to family/loved ones upon death of the insured—many are unaware of the additional living and tax benefits that may be available through permanent life insurance. According to the 2018 Life Insurance Needs Survey1 from Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz Life®), nearly nine in 10 people (88 percent) understand the death benefit component of permanent life insurance, yet more than half (51 percent) are unsure or don’t believe cash value from permanent life insurance can be used to help fund college education, supplement retirement income or assist with other financial needs. Furthermore, a full two-thirds (66 percent) are unsure or don’t believe benefits paid from life insurance are not taxable.

These misconceptions exist despite the fact that consumers place high value on financial products that can provide these very benefits. When asked what they find most valuable in financial products, 85 percent of respondents said one that “provides a source of tax-free income in retirement,” followed by 78 percent who value one that “provides tax-free money for family/loved ones” and 68 percent who want a product that “provides the ability to use the funds to pay for college.”

While life insurance is not a college funding vehicle and does not provide a source of guaranteed income in retirement, it does provide the opportunity to accumulate cash value. Any cash value in a life insurance policy can be accessed through policy loans and withdrawals income-tax-free2 that can help supplement retirement income or complement a college funding strategy.

“There is a tremendous opportunity for financial professionals to bridge this education gap about permanent life insurance,  particularly for financial professionals who are just beginning to embrace a holistic planning model that addresses all aspects of their client’s financial life,” said Jason Wellmann, senior vice president of Life Insurance Sales for Allianz Life. “Too many Americans with significant retirement assets are not optimizing their financial strategy because they simply don’t know all of their options.”

The survey, which questioned Americans between the ages of 35-60 with an annual household income of $100,000 or more, also found that three-quarters of people who work with a financial professional are discussing sources of tax-free retirement income with their professional. Additionally, a full 70 percent discuss ways to fund their child’s college education and more than half (52 percent) talk about financial products that offer low/no interest loans against its cash value. Permanent life insurance is an option that could help meet all of these needs; however, fewer than half of those with a financial professional have permanent life insurance and one-quarter don’t currently have it but would like to learn more about it.

“Nearly 95 percent of respondents in our survey said the ability to save enough to retire comfortably was a top priority when planning for their financial future. Americans need a diverse mix of financial products to help them achieve that goal,” added Wellmann. “It’s imperative that all financial professionals have access to a variety of innovative options that can help their clients add both protection and opportunity to their long-term financial strategy.”

Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America, one of FORTUNE’s 100 Best Companies to Work For® in 2018, has been keeping its promises since 1896. Today, it carries on that tradition, helping Americans achieve their retirement income and protection goals with a variety of annuities and life insurance products. In 2017, Allianz Life provided a total of $2.7 billion in benefit payments that supported policyholders’ financial objectives. As a leading provider of fixed index annuities, Allianz Life is part of Allianz SE, a global leader in the financial services industry with 142,000 employees in more than 70 countries worldwide. More than 85 million private and corporate customers rely on Allianz knowledge, global reach, and capital strength to help them make the most of financial opportunities.

Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America offers insurance and annuities in all states except New York. In New York, products are issued by Allianz Life Insurance Company of New York.

Notes:
Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America conducted an online survey, the 2018 Life Insurance Needs Survey, in January 2018 with 803 respondents age 35-60, having an annual household income of $100K+.

Policy loans and withdrawals will reduce available cash values and death benefits, and may cause the policy to lapse or affect any guarantees against lapse. Additional premium payments may be required to keep the policy in force. In the event of a lapse, outstanding policy loans in excess of unrecovered cost basis will be subject to ordinary income tax. If a policy is a modified endowment contract (MEC), policy loans and withdrawals will be taxable as ordinary income to the extent there are earnings in the policy. If any of these features are exercised prior to age 59½ on a MEC, a 10 percent federal additional tax may be imposed. Tax laws are subject to change. You should consult a tax professional.

Guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims-paying ability of the issuing company.

Petersen International Underwriters announced recently a major overhaul of their USAway Major Medical plan.  The new USAway Major Medical has lower premium rates, is available in more states, and has an enhanced online quoting/enrollment system.

Last year the USAway Major Medical transitioned exclusively to an online enrollment, which greatly reduced the underwriting and policy issuance expenses for the program.  With the reduced plan costs, underwriters are able to pass along the savings to consumers.  In some instances, premiums have reduced more than 50 percent.

In addition to lower premium costs, consumers will also enjoy an enhanced online quoting/enrollment experience.  The streamlined enrollment system has been redesigned to make enrollments as simple as possible including a new premium matrix.  

The new USAway Major Medical will utilize a California-based insurance trust to issue policies and allow enrollments from all states except Maryland, New York, and South Dakota.  With all of the business funneling through the California insurance trust, the new program will now require insurance producers to be licensed in California (either resident or non-resident licensed) in order to receive the commission.  If you do not currently hold a California license, a non-resident license can be obtained via NIPR at a cost of $85 per year. 

The existing USAway Major Medical custom producer links were updated to the new version on 3/1/18 so producers will not need to update their existing links.  Visit the Producer Zone at zone.piu.org to make sure you have the new custom branded brochure from the custom marketing page.  The Producer Zone can also be used to get a copy of your custom producer links.

For more information, visit www.piu.org.

Ohio National Financial Services is pleased to announce that the 2017 recipient of its prestigious Paul E. Martin Community Service award is its entire associate body. They were chosen for their collective impact on improving their communities by generously volunteering time and talent. 

To recognize the Paul E. Martin award recipient, The Ohio National Foundation made a special donation of $1,000 each to the following organizations chosen by associates:

• Alzheimer’s Association: This organization works to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease by advancing research, providing and enhancing care and support for all affected and reducing the risk of dementia by promoting brain health.
• American Cancer Society: On a mission to free the world from cancer, this organization funds and conducts research, shares expert information, supports patients and promotes prevention.
• Matthew 25 Ministries: An international humanitarian aid and disaster relief organization helping the poorest of the poor locally, regionally, nationally and internationally regardless of race, creed or political persuasion. 
• St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital: This hospital’s mission is to advance cures and means of prevention for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. No child is denied treatment based on race, religion or a family’s ability to pay. 
• Stray Animal Adoption Program (SAAP): An all-volunteer, non-profit organization which rescues, protects, and provides care for at-risk pets, SAAP also promotes lifelong adoptions and focuses on spay/neuter and animal welfare education such as providing the right nutrition whilst saving money with a nutra thrive for dogs coupon code, amongst other deals, to make sure animals are looked after correctly.

The Paul E. Martin Community Service Award was established in 1979 to honor affiliated financial professionals and home office associates who give unselfishly of their time and talent to aid their communities. The award is named for former Ohio National Chairman and CEO Paul E. Martin, who was a prime example of community involvement and corporate leadership. During his 33 years with Ohio National, his interests extended outward from the insurance industry to the community as a whole.

In 2017, all Ohio National associates were recognized for demonstrating strong community leadership and involvement, including:

• During work hours, 740 associates volunteered nearly 5,000 hours at local organizations using their annual Community Service Day-an increase of 14 percent over 2016.
• Ohio National ranked seventh for corporate giving in Cincinnati’s United Way community campaign, up four spots from 2016, with $1.1 million donated (includes The Ohio National Foundation and associate giving).
• More than 90 associates volunteered 652 hours assisting with the construction of Ohio National’s 17th and 18th Habitat for Humanity homes for low-income individuals in Greater Cincinnati.
• 365 associates ran or walked in a Heart Mini event and raised more than $45,900 for the American Heart Association, ranking Ohio National 7th for corporate fundraising in Greater Cincinnati.
• Associates raised $137,000 during the 2017 ArtsWave associate campaign to help support local arts organizations.
• 3,818 boxes of crayons were collected for Crayons to Computers to help children of low-income families have the essential school supplies they need.
• 67 associates volunteered to serve lunch to the 78 families at the Ronald McDonald House through their Taste of Hope program.
• Ohio National’s annual Victorian Holiday Village was staffed by 150 associate volunteers. Associates and guests collected more than 3,000 pounds of food for the Freestore Foodbank.

“We are proud to recognize our associates with this award,” says Tony Esposito, Ohio National’s senior vice president and chief human resources officer, and secretary of The Ohio National Foundation. “Their impressive commitment to give back is a reflection of our values and culture.”

Tracing its corporate origins to 1909, Ohio National markets a variety of insurance and financial products through more than 75,000 representatives in 49 states (all except New York), the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and through affiliated operations in South America. An additional subsidiary operates in New York. As of December 31, 2017, its affiliated companies have $42.0 billion total assets under management. Products are issued by The Ohio National Life Insurance Company and Ohio National Life Assurance Corporation. Ohio National is proud to be named a “Top Workplace” in Cincinnati for eight consecutive years by Enquirer Media (June 2010-2017) and employs nearly 1,300 associates. Visit www.ohionational.com for more information. 

Pacific Life announced it has been named one of the 2018 World’s Most Ethical Companies® by the Ethisphere Institute, a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices. As one of only three honorees in the life insurance industry, the acknowledgement underscores the company’s continued commitment to leading with integrity and prioritizing ethical business practices.

Pacific Life was evaluated on five key categories: its compliance and ethics program; corporate citizenship; culture of ethics; corporate governance; and leadership, innovation and reputation. This marks the company’s first recognition from the Ethisphere Institute.

“We are honored to be named one of the 2018 World’s Most Ethical Companies,” said Jim Morris, chairman, president and CEO of Pacific Life. “This recognition underscores Pacific Life’s dedication to living our core values every day, and our commitment to doing the right thing in all aspects of our business, demonstrating honesty, fairness, and respect.”

The World’s Most Ethical Companies scoring assessment is based upon the Ethisphere Institute’s Ethics Quotient® framework, which offers a quantitative way to assess a company’s performance in an objective, consistent and standardized manner. The information collected provides a comprehensive sampling of definitive criteria of core competencies rather than all aspects of corporate governance, risk, sustainability, compliance, and ethics.

Pacific Life was presented with the award on March 13 at the World’s Most Ethical Companies Gala in New York City. For more information about Ethisphere, please visit https://ethisphere.com.

Celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2018, Pacific Life provides a wide range of life insurance products, annuities, and mutual funds, and offers a variety of investment products and services to individuals, businesses, and pension plans. Pacific Life counts more than half of the 100 largest U.S. companies as its clients. For additional company information, including current financial strength ratings, visit www.PacificLife.com. To explore the heritage of Pacific Life and learn more about our history, visit www.pl150years.com.

Pacific Life refers to Pacific Life Insurance Company and its affiliates, including Pacific Life & Annuity Company. Client count as of June 2017 is compiled by Pacific Life using the 2017 FORTUNE 500® list.

“World’s Most Ethical Companies” and “Ethisphere” names and marks are registered trademarks of Ethisphere LLC.