MassMutual general agency credits milestone to financial expertise, client service and customer loyalty

BRIDGEWATER, N.J., Nov. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Emerald Financial Resources, a Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) general agency based in Bridgewater, NJ, announced today it has reached a key milestone in its business -- $2 billion of life insurance coverage in force issued by MassMutual and its affiliates.

"Our agency is committed to understanding our clients' needs and helping them set goals for their financial future," said General Agent Michael Vesuvio of Emerald Financial Resources. "This remarkable achievement is a testament to the hard work, expertise and client focus of our general agency, as well as the long-term loyalty of our clients."

The $2 billion of life insurance coverage in force represents the total face amount of life insurance coverage sold by the agency that is issued by MassMutual and its affiliates, C.M. Life Insurance Company and MML Bay State Life Insurance Company.

"This means that thousands of policyholders and clients have 'peace of mind' knowing they've taken steps to provide financial protection for their loved ones in the event of their death," Mr. Vesuvio said. "Our agency is an engine for economic growth in the region, not only assisting with much-needed financial security, but also providing -- with more than 15 employees and 40 representatives -- significant career opportunities."

As a MassMutual general agency, Emerald Financial Resources leverages the resources of a 155-year old, Fortune 100(1) company with local expertise on helping clients achieve their financial goals. The agency offers a broad range of products and services, including life insurance, annuities, disability income insurance, long-term care insurance, and retirement planning products and services.

Founded in 1998, Emerald Financial Resources is a significant contributor to the local economy, as shown by the following figures about MassMutual and its affiliates associated with the agency (as of June 30, 2006):

    * More than 6,000 policyholders and clients;
    * More than $26.3 million in MassMutual Retirement Services assets under
      management; and
    * More than $87.3 million in annuity fund balances issued by MassMutual
      and its affiliates.

In addition, the agency is an active corporate citizen. Emerald Financial Resources and MassMutual recently sponsored the 17th annual Danskin Triathlon Series that was held in September at the Gateway National Recreation Area Sandy Hook Unit. The Danskin triathlon is the largest and longest multi-sport series in the world, with more than 20,000 women of diverse ages, sizes and backgrounds participating in the 2006 series. In addition, the agency presented a wealth building and financial education seminar for Danskin participants entitled "Pearls of Wisdom."

Mr. Vesuvio can be reached at 908-252-2320, or by e-mailing him at mvesuvio@finsvcs.com.

(1) Fortune magazine, April 17, 2006.

MassMutual Financial Group is the fleet name for Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) and its affiliates, with more than 13 million clients and over $395 billion in assets under management at year-end 2005.

Founded in 1851, MassMutual is a mutually owned financial protection, accumulation and income management company headquartered in Springfield, Mass. MassMutual's major affiliates include: OppenheimerFunds, Inc.; Babson Capital Management LLC; Baring Asset Management Limited; Cornerstone Real Estate Advisers LLC; MML Investors Services, Inc., MassMutual International LLC and The MassMutual Trust Company, FSB. MassMutual is on the Internet at http://www.massmutual.com.

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Source: MassMutual Financial Group

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