American Portfolios Ranked No. 1 Best Company to Work for in New York for Small/Mid-Size Companies

HOLBROOK, NY--(Marketwired - May 12, 2016) - American Portfolios Financial Services, Inc. (APFS), a privately-held, independent broker/dealer that services financial advisors across the country, has been named the 2016 No. 1 Best Small/Mid-Size Company to Work for in New York by the New York State Society for Human Resources Management (NYS-SHRM) and the Best Companies Group (BCG). APFS, which was included among 80 New York businesses by the NYS-SHRM and the BCG in the category of employers with 15 to 249 United States employees, took the top spot at the program's 9^th annual award ceremony held on May 3, 2016, in Albany, N.Y.

The rankings were determined by a selection process consisting of two parts: an employee engagement and satisfaction survey, where employees rated their employer on company practices, the culture and overall fulfillment; and a questionnaire completed by the employer detailing company policies, practices, benefits and demographics, which corroborates one of AP's core values in stating that its first responsibility as a company-before customers and shareholders-must be given to the valued men and women working for it. AP's founder of these values, CEO Lon T. Dolber, stated, "There is no greater affirmation as a leader of a firm than knowing the satisfaction of your employees, and in turn your customers. I've always believed that the success of any company has to start, first and foremost, with your people and their well-being. If your employees are happy in work, then they will be more likely to go the extra distance for the customer."

This recent honor is all the more meaningful and confirming for APFS, having earned the distinction of being named Broker/Dealer of the Year for 2015 by Investment Advisor magazine through the votes of its customers.

In the formal publication announcing the ninth season's program winners-which is distributed to institutions of higher education and thousands of human resources professionals and organizations across New York state -- Lorri Zelman, chairwoman of the Best Companies to Work for in New York, NYS-SHRM, shared that "winning companies are committed to building high-functioning, engaged teams that value the work they do, and appreciate and respect the organizations and leaders for which they work." APFS certainly exemplifies this statement.

The firm's 100-plus employees work collaboratively to service the business needs of 788 independent investment professionals and their affiliated assistants and support staff located in 353 branch offices throughout the United States. Employees are part of a corporate culture that embraces the tenets of the company's five-year roadmap for strategic growth, which is built on six equally important, interconnected strategic company perspectives -- People, Innovation, Process, Customer, Financial and Community -- and the foundation from which all planning and executions are derived.

"We are thrilled by this wonderful achievement," said Vice President of Human Resources Lisa DiBella. "What an honor it is for our company to be thoughtfully acknowledged for building a corporate culture in an environment where our employees can thrive and succeed together. We give sincere thanks to the NYS-SHRM and the BCG for recognizing our firm's accomplishments."

APFS understands that a workforce evolves. With a naturally occurring mix of millennials and senior employees, it is imperative that respect is demonstrated by everyone. The firm accomplishes this by listening to employees, recognizing their needs and ensuring that leaders create a healthy work environment, which, in turn, creates a satisfied workforce, as well as a higher level of trust and retention. The company allows employees to think outside the box to develop innovative ideas and push them forward, as well as to take risks and be curious.

APFS employees receive a robust benefits package, inclusive of health insurance, free life insurance, unprecedented 401(k) matching, stock options, bonus incentives, and performance and service awards. The firm is highly invested in the educational betterment of its employees, offering tuition reimbursement, free license testing, and unlimited training seminars and courses. In addition, the company also recognizes the importance personal health and fitness has on overall well-being and productivity, offering employees a flexible work schedule, summer hours, appreciation events, health and wellness learning luncheons, massage sessions and private coaching sessions with a registered dietitian.

APFS is also keenly engaged in taking part in socially responsible programs, such as its ongoing association with non-profit organizations like World T.E.A.M. Sports (WTS), which organizes athletic events for disabled and able-bodied citizens to achieve a common goal, and Virtual Enterprises International (VEI), which provides experiential learning programs to schools across the nation. Employees are encouraged to be good citizens -- both private and corporate.

About American Portfolios

Headquartered in Holbrook, N.Y., APFS is a full-service, independent broker/dealer and member firm of FINRA and SIPC, offering a complete range of financial services, including personal financial and retirement planning, securities trading, mutual funds, access to investment research, long-term care planning, insurance products and tax-free investing. Fee-based asset management is offered through its sister subsidiary, American Portfolios Advisors, Inc., (APA), an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Both entities, along with technology division American Outsources, LLC (AO,) collectively reside under the legal entity American Portfolios Holdings, Inc. (APH). Full-service securities brokerage is available through a clearing firm relationship with Pershing, LLC, a BNY Mellon firm, the securities of which are held on a fully disclosed basis. The company currently serves 787 independent investment professionals located in 356 branch locations throughout the nation, and was named Broker-Dealer of the Year* (Division III) by Investment Advisor magazine in 2015.

*Based on a poll of registered representatives conducted by Investment Advisor magazine. Broker/dealers rated highest by their representatives are awarded "Broker/Dealer (B/D) of the Year."

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