KANSAS BRANCH WINS SOARING EAGLE AWARD FROM BANKERS LIFE AND CASUALTY COMPANY

Sales, Growth and Profitability Among Criteria for
Branch of the Year

CHICAGO (February 21, 2003) - "Treat others as you want to be treated," is among the winning philosophies of the Hutchinson, Kansas branch of Bankers Life and Casualty Company, a leading provider of life, health and annuity products to senior Americans.

The office picked up the 2002 Soaring Eagle Award for overall excellence at the Bankers National Managers Meeting earlier this month. The award acknowledges the Bankers branch with the highest sales, growth and profitability. In 2001, the Hutchinson office was runner-up for the award.

Said Russ Miller, Hutchinson branch manager, "Simple respect goes a long way in this or any business. Unfortunately it is often among the most overlooked qualities for success."

"We treat others as we want to be treated, whether it is a potential or existing policyholder, an employee or one of our partners in the business community," continued Miller. "That is how we have continued to see growth over the years."

Miller credits the hard work of his team with this accomplishment.

"Excellence is about doing your personal best," said Miller. "It is an individual goal, not one that can be applied across the board. Encouraging and rewarding staff members who exceed their individual potential is vital to creating and sustaining growth."

Miller rewards excellence and bonds staff with team trips to Chicago and Las Vegas, among other things. "Motivating employees is not just about a monetary bonus," said Miller. "It is about instilling a sense of community and camaraderie. That is what will help keep an employee happy and productive for the long term."

Established in 1879 and headquartered at the historic Merchandise Mart in downtown Chicago, Bankers Life and Casualty Company focuses exclusively on the financial security needs of seniors. The company offers a broad portfolio of health and life insurance and retirement savings products designed especially for seniors. These products are distributed through a national network of professionally trained company agents. Visit us online at www.bankers.com.

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