American Fidelity Assurance Company (AFA) ranks No. 35 on FORTUNE magazine's list of the "100 Best Companies to Work For" in America for 2010. This is AFA's seventh consecutive appearance.

With 2010 marking our 50th year of doing business, AFA is proud of its long tradition of serving our Customer well and being a great place to work.

"As American Fidelity celebrates 50 years in business, it’s gratifying to be recognized among the top companies in the nation," said AFA CEO Bill Cameron. "Our family atmosphere makes AFA a great place to work and extends to our Customers through exceptional service."

This year, FORTUNE writers focused on economic conditions and how companies have weathered the recession with their employees. The magazine included this description about American Fidelity:

"Family-owned insurer looks for colleagues wanting long-term careers. A quarter of the staff has been here more than 15 years. Turnover is only 7 percent."

AFA's selection came after a rigorous two-part application process, consisting of an evaluation of the company's policies, practices and philosophies as well as an anonymous employee survey. A random sample of at least 400 employees completes the 57-question survey, which accounts for two-thirds of a company's total score.

More than 81,000 employees from 353 companies participated in this year's survey process. Common themes for the survey questions include job satisfaction, attitudes towards management and camaraderie within the organization.

The remaining one-third of the score is based on a company's responses to the Great Place to Work Institute's Culture Audit, consisting of pointed questions about demographic makeup, pay and benefits programs as well as open-ended questions on everything from cultural philosophies to compensation practices.

AFA is one of the largest private, family-owned life and health insurance companies in the United States. Proud to be among the prevalent employers in Oklahoma City, AFA is home to nearly 1,500 employees, with approximately 1,000 located at our Oklahoma City headquarters and others spanning 26 locations across the United States.

We are proud of this fortunate tradition that began in 2004 and feel that this year's recognition will inspire us to keep up the pace for the next 50 years.