COLUMBUS, Ga., Jan. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- As part of an ongoing marketing strategy to engage business owners and benefits decision-makers, Aflac's 2009 business-to-business initiative will include a focus on the construction and education industries, starting with the release of a pair of new national network television ads aimed at employers within the two sectors. The commercials are the latest installment in a series of ads within the "Aflac for Business" campaign designed to showcase how the insurer can help serve as a benefits solution provider for employers at no direct cost to their business.
"Even in today's economic environment, construction will continue to be an important business sector that employs millions, and Aflac wants to provide these business owners with options that give their employees access to competitive insurance products," said Jeff Charney, senior vice president; chief marketing officer for Aflac U.S. "Likewise, voluntary insurance can help school systems create a more robust benefits package while providing them with potential tax savings."
The new commercials, both in a 15-second format, feature the Aflac Duck communicating directly to business owners. The brand icon uses familiar humorous themes continuing to show up in the unlikeliest places. In the spot titled "Jackhammer," the Aflac Duck can be found busy at work at a construction site. The education ad finds the fowl in an elementary school classroom reciting the alphabet alongside students.
"While light-hearted, the new ads speak directly to the serious business needs of all employers-especially those within the construction and education industries," continued Charney. "Our goal is to help employers sustain their business during challenging economic times by enhancing their existing benefits package with Aflac coverage."
Aflac for Business is a multi-media campaign created by the Kaplan Thaler Group that also features print, radio and online components aimed at business owners across all industries. Aflac will debut the construction television ad during the International Builders' Show in Las Vegas on January 20; the education spot will premiere on January 22 to students at Dorris Place Elementary school in Los Angeles, where the commercial was filmed. The two ads will begin airing on network television January 23 with Aflac for Business radio ads launching the same day. New print ads will follow later in the spring.
Currently, Aflac serves more than 420,000 businesses in the U.S. Visit aflacforbusiness.com for more information.
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 seven years and in Fortune magazine's list of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America for ten 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
www.aflac.com .
