In its eighth year, the campaign was created in response to growing concern about the large number of Americans who lack adequate life insurance protection.

“It’s not easy getting people to consider their mortality and to contemplate how their loved ones would manage financial needs in their absence,” said Brian Heapps, CLU, ChFC, interim president, JHFN. “But it’s extremely important that we help our advisors have these conversations because having life insurance affords families the comfort of knowing they’ll have this financial resource should a loved one pass away.”

Contributions from industry sponsors help LIFE develop LIAM materials and tools about life insurance for consumers, as well as guides and materials for financial professionals to help them reach out to consumers. As part of the campaign, a celebrity spokesperson who has benefitted from life insurance is selected. For 2011, Los Angeles Lakers forward Lamar Odom is the Life Insurance Awareness Month spokesperson.

“The LIFE Foundation does a tremendous job with Life Insurance Awareness Month, making it easy for advisors to make their clients aware of their need for life insurance with high quality communication and education materials,” said Heapps. “We encourage all financial professionals to visit LIFE’s website at www.lifehappens.org and take advantage of the tools available, as a way to provide an important service to clients as they strive to meet the full scope of their financial needs.”

LIFE has provided an overview of the opportunity to raise awareness in a step-by-step marketing guide and tools they can use and/or give to consumers in the toolkit available at www.lifehappens.org/liamkit. Key materials include:

• Free downloadable flyers – 9 flyers that can be printed to be included in mailings, or sent as attachments to e-mails
• Videos – 12 that can be linked to a financial professional’s website
• Online resources – objective information about life insurance
• Lamar Odom public service announcement and flyer

About John Hancock Financial Network

John Hancock Financial Network is a national network of independent firms with approximately 1,900 financial professionals across the U.S. A leader with the stability and scale to offer an innovative business model, John Hancock Financial Network gives entrepreneurial financial professionals the power to effectively build unique businesses, based on their own vision and market opportunity. For more information on John Hancock Financial Network and its national network of independent firms, visit https://www.johnhancockfinancialnetwork.com.

About John Hancock Financial and Manulife Financial Corporation

John Hancock Financial is a unit of Manulife Financial Corporation, a leading Canadian-based financial services group serving millions of customers in 22 countries and territories worldwide. Operating as Manulife Financial in Canada and in most of Asia, and primarily as John Hancock in the United States, Manulife Financial Corporation offers clients a diverse range of financial protection products and wealth management services through its extensive network of employees, agents and distribution partners. Funds under management by Manulife Financial and its subsidiaries were $481 billion (US$498 billion) as at June 30, 2011. Manulife Financial Corporation trades as ‘MFC’ on the TSX, NYSE and PSE, and under ‘945’ on the SEHK. Manulife Financial can be found on the Internet at www.manulife.com.

The John Hancock unit, through its insurance companies, comprises one of the largest life insurers in the United States. John Hancock offers a broad range of financial products and services, including life insurance, fixed and variable annuities, fixed products, mutual funds, 401(k) plans, long-term care insurance, college savings, and other forms of business insurance. Additional information about John Hancock may be found at www.johnhancock.com.

Securities and investment advisory services offered through Signator Investors, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC, a registered investment advisor. 197 Clarendon St., Boston, MA 02116.

“We want to become one of the premier destinations for retirement plan focused advisors,” said Bruce Harrington, head of retirement sales and strategy for JHFN. “There is tremendous opportunity for growth in this market and the combination of resources in this new program will help position JHFN’s financial advisors for success, whether they choose to specialize or just offer retirement plans as a portion of their practice.”

ERISA Fiduciary Program – for qualified financial advisors, JHFN, through its investment advisory subsidiary, Signator Investors, Inc., will provide a specialist program with tools and resources for experienced advisors to act as retirement plan co-fiduciaries, thereby leveraging their expertise and growing their business.

Training – JHFN will offer retirement plan training targeted to financial advisors depending on their level of experience. For experienced financial advisors looking to move up in the market, the program will offer “401(k) Masters” meetings. For advisors who are active in the retirement market but not looking to focus exclusively, JHFN will host a Retirement Plan Symposium and regional 401(k) Boot Camps. Online courses will be made available to all advisors.

Practice management consulting – For financial advisors in its ERISA fiduciary program, JHFN has contracted with Retirement Plan Advisory Group (RPAG), a top-tier consulting firm, to provide a suite of retirement plan-focused practice management tools including proposal support, fund selection tools, a marketing library, sales ideas, and informational webcasts.

Dedicated sales support team – to support financial advisors in the retirement plan marketplace, a team of high-end 401(k) and sales professionals will be available to support the wide variety of plans sold through JHFN. This team will provide advisors with prospecting ideas, case consultation, and information on industry best practices.

“Our new defined contribution consulting program is a great example of how JHFN strives to serve its clients by providing the best tools and resources to its financial advisors,” said Chris Maryanopolis, president of Signator Investors, Inc., the broker/dealer of John Hancock Financial Network. “Our experts carefully developed this program to assist JHFN’s diverse group of financial advisors so that they can continue to service the retirement plan market and help clients select retirement plan options that fit their needs.”

Related Documents

• 2011-JHFN-Retirement-Plan-Advisor-Survey-Results
• 2011-JHFN-Retirement-Plan-Advisor-White-Paper

Listen to Bruce Harrington’s interview with Employee Benefit Adviser

Listen to Bruce Harrington’s interview with Employee Benefit Adviser

About John Hancock Financial Network

John Hancock Financial Network is a national network of independent firms with approximately 1,900 financial professionals across the U.S. A leader with the stability and scale to offer an innovative business model, John Hancock Financial Network gives entrepreneurial financial professionals the power to effectively build unique businesses, based on their own vision and market opportunity. For more information on John Hancock Financial Network and its national network of independent firms, visit https://www.johnhancockfinancialnetwork.com.

About John Hancock Financial and Manulife Financial
John Hancock Financial is a unit of Manulife Financial Corporation, a leading Canadian-based financial services group serving millions of customers in 22 countries and territories worldwide. Operating as Manulife Financial in Canada and in most of Asia, and primarily as John Hancock in the United States, Manulife Financial Corporation offers clients a diverse range of financial protection products and wealth management services through its extensive network of employees, agents and distribution partners. For more than 120 years, clients have looked to Manulife for strong, reliable, trustworthy and forward-thinking solutions for their most significant financial decisions. Funds under management by Manulife Financial and its subsidiaries were Cdn$478 billion (US$492 billion) as at March 31, 2011. Manulife Financial Corporation trades as ‘MFC’ on the TSX, NYSE and PSE, and under ‘945’ on the SEHK. Manulife Financial can be found on the Internet at www.manulife.com.

The John Hancock unit, through its insurance companies, comprises one of the largest life insurers in the United States. John Hancock offers a broad range of financial products and services, including life insurance, fixed and variable annuities, fixed products, mutual funds, 401(k) plans, long-term care insurance, college savings, and other forms of business insurance. Additional information about John Hancock may be found at www.johnhancock.com.

Securities and Investment Advisory Services offered through Signator Investors, Inc., Member FINRA, SIPC, a Registered Investment Advisor, 197 Clarendon Street, Boston, MA 02116. JHFNDCPR 06/11

Conducted in partnership with the international management consulting firm Business Health, Practice of the Year will evaluate how JHFN’s top financial professionals and advisors manage their practices in several key categories including: client management, internal planning and structure, external relations, staffing and technology capabilities, and overall practice performance.

“Our national network is made up of so many types of financial services practices, we wanted to develop a program that truly recognized the business as a whole, no matter what focus, or size of revenues,” said Peter Gordon, president of JHFN. “JHFN is focused on enabling our professionals to be entrepreneurial and build their own businesses in their own way and as such, we developed Practice of the Year to recognize the most well-run practice across our network and celebrate what that individual has done to achieve his or her own, unique vision of success.”

In order to be considered, JHFN’s financial professionals and advisors register and complete Business Health’s HealthCheck, a web-based business assessment tool that benchmarks a practice in several areas. Among all HealthChecks received, 10 semi-finalists will be selected to receive a site visit from Business Health in the fall. Business Health and a panel of JHFN and outside experts will then narrow the field to one winner and four finalists, to be announced in January 2012.

The winner receives funds to reinvest in the practice for future growth, and all finalists will be able to use Practice of the Year branding on their websites and marketing materials.

“For years, JHFN has worked to become a network of successful financial services practices, centered on providing exceptional client service,” said Brian Heapps, CLU, ChFC, executive vice president of JHFN Sales and Business Development. “We’re also always working to provide tools and programs to help our financial professionals and advisors build lasting, enduring practices and we want to recognize those who’ve excelled.”

About Business Health

Business Health is an international consulting firm specializing in the financial services industry. Business Health has developed and marketed a suite of unique and exclusive business diagnostic tools which are supported by a range of specialized consultancy services.

About John Hancock Financial Network

John Hancock Financial Network is a national network of independent firms with approximately 1,900 financial professionals across the U.S. A leader with the stability and scale to offer an innovative business model, John Hancock Financial Network gives entrepreneurial financial professionals the power to effectively build unique businesses, based on their own vision and market opportunity. For more information on John Hancock Financial Network and its national network of independent firms, visit https://www.johnhancockfinancialnetwork.com.

About John Hancock Financial and Manulife Financial Corporation

John Hancock Financial is a unit of Manulife Financial Corporation, a leading Canadian-based financial services group serving millions of customers in 22 countries and territories worldwide. Operating as Manulife Financial in Canada and in most of Asia, and primarily as John Hancock in the United States, Manulife Financial Corporation offers clients a diverse range of financial protection products and wealth management services through its extensive network of employees, agents and distribution partners. Funds under management by Manulife Financial and its subsidiaries were $478 billion (US$492 billion) as at March 31, 2011. Manulife Financial Corporation trades as ‘MFC’ on the TSX, NYSE and PSE, and under ‘945’ on the SEHK. Manulife Financial can be found on the Internet at www.manulife.com.

The John Hancock unit, through its insurance companies, comprises one of the largest life insurers in the United States. John Hancock offers a broad range of financial products and services, including life insurance, fixed and variable annuities, fixed products, mutual funds, 401(k) plans, long-term care insurance, college savings, and other forms of business insurance. Additional information about John Hancock may be found at www.johnhancock.com.

Securities and investment advisory services offered through Signator Investors, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC, a registered investment advisor. 197 Clarendon St., Boston, MA 02116. JHFNPOYPR 06/11

Jennifer Kim, a resident of Los Angeles and Senior Associate with SEIA, has 19 years of experience in the financial services industry. A graduate of the University of California, Los Angeles, Kim has earned her advanced educational designations, including the Certified Financial Planner® (CFP), Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) and Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU). In addition, she serves as the president of the Korean American Museum and as an officer for the Korean American Coalition.

With over 20 years of experience, Paul Taghibagi is a Senior Partner with SEIA. He is a graduate ofthe University of California, Santa Barbara and has also earned his advanced educational designations, including the Certified Financial Planner® (CFP) and Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC). He is active in the community assisting with fundraising activities for The Mulligan Project, a non-profit dedicated to improving the lives of children with disabilities in Central Vietnam, and participating in ProVisors, a network of professionals and advisors in California.

“To be inducted into JHFN’s Hall of Fame, financial representatives must have proven their commitment to providing exceptional client service throughout their careers,” explained Brian Heapps, CLU, ChFC, Executive Vice President of Sales and Business Development at John Hancock Financial Network. “We look to our ‘Hall of Famers’ to be role models in our business based on a foundation of integrity and service as well as community involvement. It’s a great pleasure to welcome Jennifer and Paul as our newest inductees.”

About Signature Estate & Investment Advisors

Signature Estate & Investment Advisors, LLC (SEIA) is a Registered Investment Advisory firm offering Investment Management and Financial Planning Services tailored to meet the unique needs of affluent individuals, institutions, and corporations. SEIA’s reputation is earned on a daily basis, in each client relationship and professional affiliation it maintains. The firm manages over $2 billion in client assets as of April 1, 2011, and has offices in Century City, Pasadena, Irvine, CA and Vienna, VA as well as opening a new office in Redondo Beach, CA this summer. Visit www.seiallc.com.

About John Hancock Financial Network

John Hancock Financial Network is a national network of independent firms with nearly 1,900 financial professionals across the U.S. A leader with the stability and scale to offer an innovative business model, John Hancock Financial Network gives entrepreneurial financial professionals the power to effectively build unique businesses, based on their own vision and market opportunity. For more information on John Hancock Financial Network and its national network of independent firms, visit www.johnhancockfinancialnetwork.com.

Securities offered through Signator Investors, Inc., Member FINRA, SIPC, 197 Clarendon Street, Boston, MA 02116. SEIA is independent of John Hancock and Signator Investors, Inc. JHFNHOFSEIA 04/11

Brita has 29 years of experience in the financial services industry and is the founder of Quantum Financial Management, an Allentown-based financial organization. A graduate of Bloomsburg University, Brita is active in the Lehigh Valley Estate Planning Council and the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors. Quantum Financial Management is affiliated with Keystone Financial Management, an independent regional firm of John Hancock Financial Network with offices in Allentown, Lancaster, Harrisburg, Media, and Moosic, PA.

“To be inducted into JHFN’s Hall of Fame, financial representatives must have proven their commitment to providing exceptional client service throughout their careers,” explained Brian Heapps, CLU, ChFC, Executive Vice President of Sales and Business Development at John Hancock Financial Network. “We look to our ‘Hall of Famers’ to be role models in our business based on a foundation of integrity and service. It’s a great pleasure to welcome Joe as one of our newest inductees.”

About Quantum Financial Management

Wealth creation and preservation is the primary focus of the team at Quantum Financial Management. The close-knit team of financial professionals at Quantum Financial brings over 60 years of combined experience to clients who look to them for proper planning to meet each client’s unique financial goals and dreams. Visit www.quantum-fm.com.About Keystone Financial ManagementKeystone Financial Management is a family of companies that offer a wide range of solutions and services for wealth management, business and succession planning, retirement planning, and compensation design solutions. It has been helping individuals, families, and businesses realize their financial goals for over 50 years. With a strong reputation in Pennsylvania as a leader in financial services and as an innovative business partner, the firm provides financial guidance to nearly 100,000 clients – each with unique financial needs. Visit www.keystonefinancialmanagement.com.

About John Hancock Financial Network

John Hancock Financial Network is a national network of independent firms with nearly 1,900 financial professionals across the U.S. A leader with the stability and scale to offer an innovative business model, John Hancock Financial Network gives entrepreneurial financial professionals the power to effectively build unique businesses, based on their own vision and market opportunity. For more information on John Hancock Financial Network and its national network of independent firms, visit www.johnhancockfinancialnetwork.com.

Securities and Investment Advisory Services offered through Signator Investors, Inc., Member FINRA, SIPC, a Registered Investment Advisor, 197 Clarendon Street, Boston, MA 02116. JHFNHOFJB 04/11

Taghibagi has over 20 years of experience and is currently a Senior Partner with Signature Estate & Investment Advisors, LLC (SEIA), a Los Angeles-based Registered Investment Advisory firm offering investment management and financial planning services.

A graduate of the University of California, Santa Barbara, Taghibagi has also earned his advanced educational designations, including the Certified Financial Planner® (CFP) and Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC). In addition, he is active in the community assisting with fundraising activities for The Mulligan Project, a non-profit dedicated to improving the lives of children with disabilities in Central Vietnam, and participating in ProVisors, a network of professionals and advisors in California.

“To be inducted into JHFN’s Hall of Fame, financial representatives must have proven their commitment to providing exceptional client service throughout their careers,” explained Brian Heapps, CLU, ChFC, Executive Vice President of Sales and Business Development at John Hancock Financial Network. “We look to our ‘Hall of Famers’ to be role models in our business based on a foundation of integrity and service as well as community involvement. It’s a great pleasure to welcome Paul as one of our newest inductees.”

About Signature Estate & Investment Advisors

Signature Estate & Investment Advisors, LLC (SEIA) is a Registered Investment Advisory firm offering Investment Management and Financial Planning Services tailored to meet the unique needs of affluent individuals, institutions, and corporations. SEIA’s reputation is earned on a daily basis, in each client relationship and professional affiliation it maintains. The firm manages over $2 billion in client assets as of April 1, 2011, and has offices in Century City, Pasadena, Irvine, CA and Vienna, VA as well as opening a new office in Redondo Beach, CA this summer. Visit www.seiallc.com.

About John Hancock Financial Network

John Hancock Financial Network is a national network of independent firms with nearly 1,900 financial professionals across the U.S. A leader with the stability and scale to offer an innovative business model, John Hancock Financial Network gives entrepreneurial financial professionals the power to effectively build unique businesses, based on their own vision and market opportunity. For more information on John Hancock Financial Network and its national network of independent firms, visit www.johnhancockfinancialnetwork.com.

Securities offered through Signator Investors, Inc., Member FINRA, SIPC, 197 Clarendon Street, Boston, MA 02116. SEIA is independent of John Hancock and Signator Investors, Inc. JHFNHOFPT 04/11

With 29 years of experience in the financial services business, Rochonchou began his career as a financial representative building a clientele based on providing needs-based financial guidance. In 1992, he was asked to take on a management role at his local firm, and in 2006 he took over the day-to-day operations as Managing Director of the Yardley office of Acorn Financial Services, a leading wealth management firm based in Livingston, NJ.

A graduate of Rider University in Lawrenceville, NJ, Rochonchou earned his advanced designations, the Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), the Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC), and the Certified in Long-Term Care (CLTC). He has also been active in the Trenton Association of Life Underwriters.

“To be inducted into JHFN’s Hall of Fame, financial representatives must have proven their commitment to providing exceptional client service throughout their careers,” explained Brian Heapps, CLU, ChFC, Executive Vice President of Sales and Business Development at John Hancock Financial Network. “We look to our ‘Hall of Famers’ to be role models in our business based on a foundation of integrity and service. It’s a great pleasure to welcome Michael as one of our newest inductees.”

About Acorn Financial Services

Acorn Financial Services is a dynamic financial services and wealth management organization that prides itself on its enduring relationships, high code of ethics, and commitment to excellence in serving the needs of its clients. The firm has offices in Livingston, Haddonfield, Paramus, and Morristown, NJ, and Yardley, PA. Visit www.acornfs.com.

About John Hancock Financial Network

John Hancock Financial Network is a national network of independent firms with nearly 1,900 financial professionals across the U.S. A leader with the stability and scale to offer an innovative business model, John Hancock Financial Network gives entrepreneurial financial professionals the power to effectively build unique businesses, based on their own vision and market opportunity. For more information on John Hancock Financial Network and its national network of independent firms, visit www.johnhancockfinancialnetwork.com.

Securities and Investment Advisory Services offered through Signator Investors, Inc., Member FINRA, SIPC, a Registered Investment Advisor, 197 Clarendon Street, Boston, MA 02116. JHFNHOFMR 04/11

Kim has 19 years of experience and is currently a Senior Associate with Signature Estate & Investment Advisors, LLC (SEIA), a Los Angeles-based Registered Investment Advisory firm offering investment management and financial planning services.

A graduate of the University of California, Los Angeles, Kim has also earned her advanced educational designations, including the Certified Financial Planner® (CFP), Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC), and Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU). In addition, she is active in the community serving as the president of the Korean American Museum and an officer for the Korean American Coalition.

“To be inducted into JHFN’s Hall of Fame, financial representatives must have proven their commitment to providing exceptional client service throughout their careers,” explained Brian Heapps, CLU, ChFC, Executive Vice President of Sales and Business Development at John Hancock Financial Network. “We look to our ‘Hall of Famers’ to be role models in our business based on a foundation of integrity and service as well as community involvement. It’s a great pleasure to welcome Jennifer as one of our newest inductees.”

About Signature Estate & Investment Advisors

Signature Estate & Investment Advisors, LLC (SEIA) is a Registered Investment Advisory firm offering Investment Management and Financial Planning Services tailored to meet the unique needs of affluent individuals, institutions, and corporations. SEIA’s reputation is earned on a daily basis, in each client relationship and professional affiliation it maintains. The firm manages over $2 billion in client assets as of April 1, 2011, and has offices in Century City, Pasadena, Irvine, CA and Vienna, VA as well as opening a new office in Redondo Beach, CA this summer.

About John Hancock Financial Network

John Hancock Financial Network is a national network of independent firms with nearly 1,900 financial professionals across the U.S. A leader with the stability and scale to offer an innovative business model, John Hancock Financial Network gives entrepreneurial financial professionals the power to effectively build unique businesses, based on their own vision and market opportunity. For more information on John Hancock Financial Network and its national network of independent firms, visit www.johnhancockfinancialnetwork.com.

Securities offered through Signator Investors, Inc., Member FINRA, SIPC, 197 Clarendon Street, Boston, MA 02116. SEIA is independent of John Hancock and Signator Investors, Inc. JHFNHOFJK 04/11

Desilva has 19 years of experience in financial services and is currently a Senior Vice President with Boston Partners Financial Group, an Andover-based financial firm. A graduate of Clark University, he has also earned his advanced designation, the Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow (LUTCF).

Desilva is active locally serving as a past board member of the Worcester Society for Financial Services Professionals as well as being active in the Estate and Business Planning Council.“To be inducted into JHFN’s Hall of Fame, financial representatives must have proven their commitment to providing exceptional client service throughout their careers,” explained Brian Heapps, CLU, ChFC, Executive Vice President of Sales and Business Development at John Hancock Financial Network. “We look to our ‘Hall of Famers’ to be role models in our business based on a foundation of integrity and service. It’s a great pleasure to welcome Janath as one of our newest inductees.”

About Boston Partners Financial Group, LLC

Boston Partners Financial Group has been helping individuals, families, and business owners realize their financial goals for over 100 years. It is a New England-based organization, with offices in Boston, Andover, and Gloucester, MA; Concord, NH; and Portland, ME, that is focused on wealth management solutions for high net-worth individuals and business owners. The firm currently has 90 managers and financial professionals and advisors committed to building lasting relationships with their clients. Visit www.bostonpartnersfinancialgroup.com.

About John Hancock Financial Network

John Hancock Financial Network is a national network of independent firms with nearly 1,900 financial professionals across the U.S. A leader with the stability and scale to offer an innovative business model, John Hancock Financial Network gives entrepreneurial financial professionals the power to effectively build unique businesses, based on their own vision and market opportunity. For more information on John Hancock Financial Network and its national network of independent firms, visit www.johnhancockfinancialnetwork.com.

Securities and Investment Advisory Services offered through Signator Investors, Inc., Member FINRA, SIPC, a Registered Investment Advisor, 197 Clarendon Street, Boston, MA 02116. JHFNHOFJD 04/11

Davis has 36 years of experience in financial services and is the founder of Davis Associates, one of the foremost employee benefits firms in New Jersey and the tri-state area. Affiliated with Boston Partners Financial Group, an independent regional firm of John Hancock Financial Network, Davis Associates is based in Shrewsbury, NJ, and serves the employee benefit needs of over 600 local and regional companies. A graduate of the University of Maryland, Davis has received numerous prestigious industry awards for both client service and professional accomplishments.

“To be inducted into JHFN’s Hall of Fame, financial representatives must have proven their commitment to providing exceptional client service throughout their careers,” explained Brian Heapps, CLU, ChFC, Executive Vice President of Sales and Business Development at John Hancock Financial Network. “We look to our ‘Hall of Famers’ to be role models in our business based on a foundation of integrity and service. It’s a great pleasure to welcome Richard as one of our newest inductees.”

About Boston Partners Financial Group, LLC

Boston Partners Financial Group has been helping individuals, families, and business owners realize their financial goals for over 100 years. It is a Northeast-based organization, with offices in Boston, Andover, and Gloucester, MA; Concord, NH; Portland, ME: and, Shrewsbury, NJ, that is focused on wealth management solutions for high net-worth individuals and business owners. The firm currently has 90 managers and financial professionals and advisors committed to building lasting relationships with their clients. Visit www.bostonpartnersfinancialgroup.com.

About John Hancock Financial Network

John Hancock Financial Network is a national network of independent firms with nearly 1,900 financial professionals across the U.S. A leader with the stability and scale to offer an innovative business model, John Hancock Financial Network gives entrepreneurial financial professionals the power to effectively build unique businesses, based on their own vision and market opportunity. For more information on John Hancock Financial Network and its national network of independent firms, visit www.johnhancockfinancialnetwork.com.

Securities and Investment Advisory Services offered through Signator Investors, Inc., Member FINRA, SIPC, a Registered Investment Advisor, 197 Clarendon Street, Boston, MA 02116. JHFNHOFRD 04/11