Columbus, Ga. – July 29, 2005 – Artist Ted Ellis, founder of T. Ellis Art Incorporated, is the 2005 National Black Chamber of Commerce/Aflac Entrepreneur of the Year Award recipient. Ellis received the award at the recent NBCC convention in Miami.

Ellis, a self-taught artist, was born and raised in New Orleans. His company, founded in 1991, is headquartered in League City, Texas. His artwork is a celebration of African-American culture and heritage that boldly blends realism and impressionism, evoking nostalgia and inspiration. Ellis' company has successful partnerships with organizations including Avon, Walt Disney, the United Negro College Fund, and Coca-Cola.

“We're honored to present Ted Ellis with this award recognizing his entrepreneurial spirit. Mr. Ellis took his love of art and created a business that has resulted in jobs, economic development and growth in the community,” said Mitzi Jackson, supervisor of Aflac's Recruiting Multicultural Development Department, which reviews nominees for this award.

With more than 1.7 million pieces of artwork sold, T. Ellis Art Inc. is one of the fastest growing minority owned businesses in the United States.

“This award recognizes the efforts of minority business owners like Ted, who consistently offer development opportunities for their employees, while providing quality products and services,” said Harry Alford, president of the NBCC. “We're proud to join Aflac, whose commitment to diversity is known industry-wide, in congratulating Mr. Ellis on winning this award.”

Ellis is the recipient of other honors including the 2000 United Negro College Fund's “Keep the Dream Alive” Appreciation award and the Texas Business Leader Program presented to him in 1999.

Since 2003, the NBCC/Aflac Entrepreneur of the Year Award has been awarded to minority entrepreneurs to recognize outstanding business owners for their contributions and dedication to the development of their employees, communities, and businesses in general. Businesses were judged on whether its owners worked diligently, while demonstrating leadership in their communities, empowerment to the people in their communities and excellence in all their efforts.

For 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. Aflac's insurance products provide protection to more than 40 million people worldwide. In January 2005, Aflac was included in Fortune magazine's list of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America for the seventh consecutive year. Aflac has also been included in both Forbes magazine's Platinum 400 List of America's Best Big Companies and in Fortune magazine's listing of America's Most Admired Companies for five consecutive years. 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.

SOURCE Aflac Incorporated

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