John Hancock Financial Network Recognizes Joe Oakes IV and Acorn Financial Services As Top Firm in Leadership and Client Service Excellence for 2011

BOSTON, Feb. 29, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- John Hancock Financial Network (JHFN) recognized Joseph J. Oakes, IV, Managing Partner of Acorn Financial Services, with the Leading with Excellence – Trophy Award, the highest honor JHFN bestows upon one of its independent firms.

As the 2011 winner of the Trophy Award, the firm, its management team, and the financial representatives have demonstrated that they consistently deliver a personalized, high touch approach to helping their clients achieve their financial goals. The firm is also recognized for its leadership excellence in building a thriving financial services firm which, through its associates, lives and breathes a passion for helping others.

Acorn Financial earned this distinction last year and in 2008 and 2006 and has consistently focused on ensuring clients' financial well-being since the firm's founding in 1985. In addition to its headquarters in Livingston, NJ, the firm has offices in Haddonfield, Paramus, and Morristown, NJ, as well as in Yardley, PA.

"JHFN believes that leadership excellence is a reflection of the level of professionalism, respect, integrity and real value delivered by a firm to clients every day," said Brian Heapps, President, JHFN. "To that end, and especially given the difficult financial environment, we congratulate Joe and Acorn Financial for their continued excellence."

Other JHFN managing partners and firms recognized with awards for all-around excellence were:

• Mark Marroni of Boston Partners
• Nick Valenti of Michigan Financial Companies
• Steve Worthy of JHFN-The Carolinas Agency
• Joe Little and David Scott of Bala Financial Group
• James Gallogly of JHFN – Signature Capital Solutions

Managing partners and firms cited for exceptional growth in 2011 included:

• Tom Nikles of Keystone Financial Management
• Alan Moore of Innovative Financial Management
• Nick Valenti of Michigan Financial Companies
• Steve Worthy of JHFN-The Carolinas Agency
• Athan Vorilas of Lighthouse Financial Network

Leading managing partners recognized for leadership excellence in brokerage were:

• Robert Burgio of Empire Financial Partners
• Mark Marroni, Boston Partners
• Jeffrey Camps and James Kelly, Jr. of Atlantic Partners Group

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 Canada-based financial services group with principle operations in Asia, Canada and the United States. In 2012, John Hancock celebrates 150 years of serving clients across the United States, while Manulife celebrates its 125th anniversary. 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 C$500 billion (US$491 billion) as at December 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 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, 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 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.

SOURCE John Hancock Financial Network