COLUMBUS, Ga., Jan 23, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ -- Aflac has been named Company of the Year by Business to Business magazine making the leading insurer the first Columbus-based company to receive this recognition since the award's inception in 1999. Aflac CEO and Chairman, Dan Amos will be presented with the award during a ceremony at the Atlanta History Center on January 26.

"We are honored to receive this award," said Amos. "It is a testament to the caring attitude and hard work of our employees and sales force. Their dedication and professionalism are the cornerstones of Aflac's success. The needs of our customers are always foremost in their minds."

In selecting the honorees for the eighth annual Business to Business awards, the magazine enlisted various industry advisors and analysts to evaluate Georgia's leading companies on criteria including financial soundness, social responsibility and corporate image.

"Aflac's performance speaks for itself," said Stephen Reynolds, publisher, Business to Business Magazine. "Aflac is clearly one of the best performers in its industry and is most deserving of this year's Company of the Year honors."

In addition to celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2005, Aflac had solid financial performance throughout the year. During last year, Aflac was repeatedly recognized as one of the top companies in the country, receiving national honors such as listings on FORTUNE magazine's America's Most Admired Companies and 100 Best Companies to Work For in America. The insurer's popular brand symbol, the Aflac Duck, also had a memorable year in 2005 as it was enshrined on the Advertising Walk of Fame as one of America's Most Favorite Icons.

Corporate philanthropy was also a highlight of the year as Aflac made major donations, including $1 million contributions to the Martin Luther King, Jr., Memorial Project Foundation, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.

A premier local business magazine, Business to Business provides insightful coverage of Atlanta's top business, political and civic leaders, as well as the latest developments in business strategy. An award-winning publication, the magazine delivers news on Atlanta's top decision makers, to its readers.

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 2006, Aflac was included in FORTUNE magazine's list of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America for the eighth 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.

    Media Contacts:
    Yolonda King                Mechell Clark
    Aflac Incorporated          Aflac Incorporated
    (706) 243-8547 Voice        (706) 243-8004 Voice
    (706) 320-2288 Fax          (706) 320-2288 Fax
    yking@aflac.com             meclark@aflac.com

SOURCE Aflac Incorporated