SBLI USA Mutual Life Insurance Company, Inc. Launches State-of-the-Art Customer Center in Buffalo

State Senators and Other Leaders Join Inaugural Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for First Retail Store in Continental United States •$5000 Gift Presented to The United Way of Buffalo & Erie County

New York, NY (PRWEB) July 3, 2004 -- SBLI USA Mutual Life Insurance Company, Inc., a New York-based financial services company, officially opened its first Customer Center in the continental United States in the Walden Galleria Mall in Buffalo, New York on Friday. The Grand Opening was marked by a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by local politicians, business leaders and executives from SBLI USA and a $5,000 donation to the United Way of Buffalo & Erie County.

We are happy and proud to be a part of the Buffalo community with our new 'Center of Influence in the Walden Galleria," said Vikki L. Pryor, president and CEO of SBLI USA Mutual Life Insurance Company, Inc. At SBLI USA, we have a history of providing quality products and services to value-conscious customers. We have 30,000 policyholders in the Buffalo metropolitan area dating back to our roots as the Savings Banks Life Insurance system." *

Ms. Pryor continued: Our new Center is a wonderful way to reach both our loyal customer base and potential new customers with our outstanding personal service, friendly advice and professional consultations. We look forward to strengthening, maintaining and building new relationships with western New Yorkers, and all the people who make America work."

On hand at the ceremony to welcome SBLI USAs Center to Buffalo were New York State Senators William T. Stachowski and Mary Lou Rath, New York State Assemblymember Crystal D. Peoples, and Arlene F. Kaukus, president of the United Way of Buffalo and Erie County.

At the ceremony, Ms. Pryor presented a blown-up check for $5,000 to Ms. Kaukus as the public officials, company executives, shoppers and interested media looked on.

"Strong corporate partners are essential in enabling the United Way to advance this region's quality of life. We welcome SBLI USA to Buffalo, and we are grateful for their interest and investment in the work of the United Way in this great community," Ms. Kaukus said.

While the Buffalo Customer Center is the first in the continental U.S. for SBLI USA, as part of its expansion the company opened its first Center last year in Puerto Rico, in Plaza del Sol mall in Bayamon.

With 30,000 policyholders already in the Buffalo area, SBLI USA currently enjoys name recognition throughout the region for its affordable and accessible insurance products. The companys products, including its term life insurance and whole life insurance policies, have been available through a variety of distribution channels and its bank partners since 1939.*

Currently SBLI USAS products are offered through three bank insurance agencies: First Niagara Securities, Inc. (First Niagara Savings Bank); M&W Agency, Inc. (Evans National Bank); and Charter One Securities, Inc. (Charter One Bank). The opening of the Customer Center, however, allows the company to provide greater service and participation in the community.

We hope the community will look to us as another resource and partner -- one that understands them and their needs -- because thats what sets us apart," added Ms. Pryor. Were there to do more than sell products -- were there to financially empower people and give them information they need to make financial decisions. We are there to give back to the community. Giving back is part of our business model."

Throughout the Grand Opening weekend, consumers received complimentary insurance planning guides, product quotes and needs assessments from the companys staff of friendly, professional and knowledgeable insurance agents. The state-of-the-art store features kiosks, where customers can quickly and simply take financial self-assessment quizzes, learn about SBLI USAs products and services, and obtain insurance quotes. The Center also has a childrens play area with games and plasma TVs. The Walden Galleria Center currently employs five Associates, including several professional, licensed insurance agents who can provide information on insurance products and planning, perform financial needs analysis and issue policies on the spot.

Strengthening our retail presence is part of our effort to grow. For SBLI USA to succeed and increase our brand awareness, we have to put Customer Centers right where the people are," said Executive Vice President of Marketing and Sales, M. Nasim Ali.

Since converting to a mutual life insurance company on Jan. 1, 2000 from the Savings Banks Life Insurance system, the company has been in the process of expanding nationally and diversifying its distribution channels and products. Still, SBLI USA has remained true to the original systems mission of making life insurance accessible and affordable to working Americans. Centers of Influence" will remain a key feature of SBLI USAs operations as the company continues to grow and empower a broader base of consumers.

In addition to its affordable insurance products, SBLI USAs services include Cash DeluxeSM - a single-premium, tax-deferred annuity. Through a partnership with Chela Financial, the AcademicEdge® Loan offers access to a line of quality educational loans.

SBLI USA is a values-based organization that blends financial strength with compassionate support for its Associates and innovations in corporate citizenship. The company has a vigorous program of corporate philanthropy and participates in community events that raise money for AIDS and breast cancer research, and provide services and food and clothing to the needy. Each year, the company holds a benefit Gala to honor its Associates, with proceeds going to a needy organization. In 2004, the companys Gala raised $100,000 to benefit Americas Second Harvest, the nations largest hunger relief organization.

*From 1939 to 2000, the company sold its products solely through banks as part of the Savings Banks Life Insurance system.

**U.S. Census 2000

About SBLI USA

SBLI USA Mutual Life Insurance Company, Inc. is a financial services company that is committed to the value-conscious people who make America work. The company is dedicated to building lifelong relationships with customers and empowering them with the education and tools they need to take control of their financial destinies.

SBLI USA and its subsidiaries are licensed in 49 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. With more than $1.4 billion in assets, $120 million in surplus capital, 250 employees and over 400,000 customers, the company is committed to offering affordable, flexible and easy-to-access products through a variety of integrated channels, including direct mail, telemarketing, the Internet and licensed agents, as it expands nationally.

SBLI USA Mutual Life Insurance Company, Inc. is the parent company to SBLI USA Holdings, Inc., which owns subsidiary companies S.USA Life Insurance Company, Inc., and SBLI USA Diversified Services Company, Inc.

Additional information about SBLI USA products and services can be found at www.sbliusa.com.