Press Releases

Chicago, Ill., January 24, 2005 -- Bankers Life and Casualty Company's captive sales force of nearly 4,000 agents has access to a powerful new online portal that streamlines many common business and research tasks. The Bankers Sales Productivity Network (BSPN) was designed with agents' input and field tested to maximize usability.

An extensive research and development phase and a comprehensive field acceptance testing program of over 700 agents in 11 branch sales offices assures that BSPN is the most user friendly and capable system possible, according to Vice President of Sales Technology Paula Smith.

Agents can use the system to conduct business, including tracking sales commissions, generating reports such as pending applications, accessing marketing and advertising materials, and reviewing product information such as policy and rider availability. The system replaces a previous portal, with more function, information, and more power for faster access and simpler navigation.

Smith said updates are already planned. Future releases will include more in-depth claims histories and the ability to view specific details of a policyholder's long-term care insurance policy.

"In its initial release, BSPN delivers an online information medium far superior to what we had and we will continue to enhance its features," said Scott Perry, COO and executive vice president.

Agents list such features as the ability to cross reference clients by product, the ability to access complete client files, its ease of navigation and the intuitive design as invaluable. "The accessibility to client information as well as easier access to commission reports and statements is a tremendous help and critical tool for my everyday job activities," said Chad Smith, an agent in Palos Hills, IL.

The BSPN enables Bankers Agents to be successful. It is a one-stop information source to be used throughout the entire Sales Lifecycle. From prospecting to maintaining and growing an agent's book of business, the BSPN was designed to make every step of the way easier.

About Bankers Life and Casualty Company
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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