Larry Simmons, LUTCF, and B. Kelly Bissinger, LUTCF, CSA, with The Simmons Financial Group of Hermiston, Ore., are getting national exposure in Kansas City Life Insurance Company’s 2005 annual report and advertisements.

The former Stanfield High School teammates talk about how their teamwork on the football field set the pattern for a business relationship that has lasted 30 years.

“When I became a Kansas City Life agent, it didn’t take me long to plant the seeds with Kelly,” shares Simmons in the ad. “He wanted growth and security for his family. That’s what Kansas City Life is all about. Two years later we were teamed up again, and after three decades we’re both sure we made the right choice for ourselves and our clients.”

The annual report shines the spotlight on the pair’s long-time friendship as well as their agency’s roots, which date back to 1926 long before Simmons or Bissinger were born.

Simmons has been a Kansas City Life general agent since 1979 and an agent since 1974. Bissinger joined his team in 1979.

The Simmons Financial Group is one of Kansas City Life’s top agencies and has 60 agents who work closely with customers across Idaho, Washington and Oregon.

Like Bissinger, who is a former teacher, many of the agents switched from other jobs, including a former city manager, manufacturing supervisor, engineer and minister.

Bissinger explains in the annual report feature that insurance is “a very rewarding and satisfying career. It’s wonderful to help people in your community achieve their financial goals and dreams.”

The ad has appeared in several industry publications, including Advisor Today, Life Insurance Selling and National Underwriter. The Kansas City Life annual report is available on the company’s Web site, www.kclife.com.

Kansas City Life Insurance Company (NASDAQ: KCLI) was established in 1895 and is based in Kansas City, Mo. The company’s primary business is providing financial protection through the sale of life insurance and annuities. It operates in 48 states and the District of Columbia.