Hallmark and Aflac Connect to Offer the Aflac Duck Sound Chip Birthday Card

COLUMBUS, Ga., July 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Aflac Duck fans won't have to wait for the commercials to hear the unmistakable voice of the popular spokesduck; now they can go to Hallmark Gold Crown stores around the country and purchase a card that features the fan-favorite fowl spouting happy birthday wishes. Aflac's new relationship with Hallmark introduces the Aflac Duck to greeting card shoppers with a sound chip embedded in the card that says, "Aflaaaac!" when opened.

"It is an honor to have our Aflac Duck recognized with a Hallmark card," said Dan Amos, Aflac chairman and CEO. "We have been pleased to see the Aflac Duck become one of the most recognizable advertising icons in the country. Over the years, the Aflac Duck has been awarded a spot on the Advertising Walk of Fame, appeared in a movie alongside Jim Carrey and helped raised millions of dollars for pediatric cancer. It is very gratifying to know that so many people have enjoyed watching the commercials."

The available card design features a picture of a white duck on the outside cover with text that reads "Just Duckin' In," but when opened the well-known voice of the Aflac Duck greets the birthday card recipient.

"The Aflac Duck is a great addition to our Cards with Sound line," said Hallmark Licensing Marketing Manager Teddi Hernandez. "These cards help people connect in ways that words alone can't always accomplish."

Over the years, the Aflac Duck's image has helped raise money for pediatric cancer treatment and research. The licensing fee for this birthday card along with the sale of plush Aflac Ducks and annual Aflac Holiday Ducks has helped raise over $2 million dollars for pediatric hospitals nationwide.

About Aflac

For more than 50 years, Aflac products have given policyholders the opportunity to direct cash where it is needed most when a life-interrupting medical event causes financial challenges. Aflac is the number one provider of guaranteed-renewable insurance in the United States and the number one insurance company in terms of individual insurance policies in force in Japan. Our insurance products provide protection to more than 40 million people worldwide. Aflac has been included in Fortune magazine's listing of America's Most Admired Companies for six consecutive years and in Fortune magazine's list of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America for nine consecutive years. Aflac has also been recognized three times by both Fortune magazine's listing of the Top 50 Employers for Minorities and Working Mother magazine's listing of the 100 Best Companies for Working Mothers. Aflac Incorporated is a Fortune 500 company listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol AFL. To find out more about Aflac, visit aflac.com.

Media Contacts:
Yolonda King
Aflac Incorporated
(706) 243-8547 Voice
(706) 320-2288 Fax
yking@aflac.com

Mechell Clark
Aflac Incorporated
(706) 243-8004 Voice
(706) 320-2288 Fax
meclark@aflac.com

SOURCE Aflac Incorporated