COLUMBUS, January 14, 2008 – For a remarkable ninth year in a row, St. Louis-based American Equity Mortgage has been named Columbus’ Consumers’ Choice Award winner in the mortgage lending and debt consolidation categories.

“We are honored to receive this award for the ninth year in a row,” said Deanna Daughhetee, President of American Equity Mortgage. “This award is unique from others we have received because it comes from our customers. Excellent customer service is a major focus for American Equity Mortgage and it is an honor to be recognized.”

Established in 1986 to identify and promote business excellence, the Consumers’ Choice Award (CCA) program surveys consumers in major Canadian and United States cities to determine the best businesses in the cities in a wide range of categories. The CCA program is unique in North America in that winners are determined by consumers and not by a panel of judges. An independent research company conducts an open-ended survey among two major groups of consumers – the general public and the business community. Consumers are asked to choose a company for excellence based on their perception of quality, value, service and appearance.

Founded in 1992, American Equity Mortgage has grown to become one the nation’s leading mortgage bankers. The company employs over 300 people in 23 branches and closes loans in 24 states from coast to coast.

Editor’s Notes: American Equity Mortgage’s Columbus office is located at 3386 Snouffer Road, Columbus, Oh (43235).

American Equity Mortgage’s headquarters is located at 11933 Westline Industrial Drive, St. Louis, Mo. (63146). 314/878-9999.