Nationwide Financial® named as finalist in 2007 American Business Awardssm
Impact of new sales process receives national recognition
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 17, 2007
Contacts:
Jeff Whetzel (614) 249-6354
whetzej@nationwide.com
Jeff Botti (614) 249-6339
bottij@nationwide.com
COLUMBUS, Ohio– Nationwide Financial Services, Inc. (NYSE: NFS), was recently named a finalist in The 2007 American Business Award’s Best Business Turnaround category.
Hailed as “the business world’s own Oscars1,” The American Business Awards, also known as the Stevie Awards, are the only national, all-encompassing awards program honoring great performances in business.
Nationwide was selected based on the success of a new sales process that was developed and implemented across its annuity, life insurance and retirement plans segments last year.
“This is a tremendous achievement and a direct result of the dedication and hard work put forth by our associates,” said John Carter, president of Nationwide Financial Distributors, Inc. “Our objective was to implement a consistent, disciplined sales process to ensure Nationwide was easier to do business with, and the Stevie nomination validates we accomplished this goal.”
As a result of implementing the new sales process and strengthening its distribution platform, Nationwide Financial Services reported significant sales growth in 2006 compared with 2005, including:
• A 36 percent increase in variable annuity sales
• A 15 percent increase in total non-affiliated sales
• A 14 percent increase in total company sales
Stevie Award winners will be announced during the annual gala on Monday, June 11, at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City. More than 700 executives from across the country are expected to attend. The ceremonies will be videocast on the Internet and broadcast on radio, and hosted by Larry Wilmore of TV’s THE DAILY SHOW with JON STEWART.
More than 2,000 entries from companies of all sizes and in virtually every industry were submitted for consideration in more than 40 categories, including Best Overall Company, Best
Executive, Best New Product or Service, Best Business Turnaround and Best Corporate Social Responsibility Program, among others.
“Being named a finalist in The American Business Awards is an important achievement,” said Michael Gallagher, founder and president of The Stevie Awards. “It means that independent business executives have agreed that the nominee is worthy of national recognition. We congratulate all of the finalists on their achievement and wish them well in the competition.”
“The finalist recognition is an honor, but the real payoff has been the relationships we’ve strengthened with our business partners and the effort put forth by our associates,” said Carter.
Carter said as a result of the sales process Nationwide Financial has emerged as a more unified organization with one voice and vision, facilitated by enterprise-wide adoption, hands-on support and flawless execution in the field. However, the company is not resting on its laurels.
“The new sales process isn’t a one-time event,” Carter said. “We’ll continually evolve the process and our sales culture to provide an experience that responds to the needs of our key business partners and customers.”
Nicknamed the Stevie for the Greek word “crowned,” the elegant Stevie trophy was designed by the same company that makes the Oscar and the Emmy.
Details about The American Business Awards and the list of Finalists in all categories are available at www.stevieawards.com/aba.
About Nationwide Financial®
Nationwide Financial Services, Inc. (NYSE: NFS), a publicly traded
company based in Columbus, Ohio, provides a variety of financial services
that help consumers invest2 and protect their long-term
assets, and offers retirement plans and services through both public- and
private-sector employers.
It’s part of the Nationwide group of companies, which offers diversified insurance and financial services. The group is led by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, which is ranked No. 104 on the Fortune 500 based on 2006 revenue3. For more information, visit www.nationwide.com.
About The Stevie Awards Hailed as “the business world’s own Oscars,” Stevie Awards are conferred in four programs: The American Business Awards, The International Business Awards, The Stevie Awards for Women in Business, and the Selling Power Sales Excellence Awards. Honoring companies of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. Learn more about The Stevie Awards at www.stevieawards.com.
Nationwide, Nationwide Financial, the Nationwide Framemark and On Your Side are federally registered service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company.
© 2007, Nationwide Financial Services, Inc. All rights reserved.
1 New York Post, April 27, 2005
2 Nationwide Investment Services Corporation, member NASD. In MI only: Nationwide Investment Svcs. Corporation
3 Fortune Magazine, 2007
