Blackhawk Network Wins in 9th Annual American Business Awards(SM)

PLEASANTON, Calif., July 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Blackhawk Network, a leading provider of prepaid and financial payments products for consumers and businesses, today announced that Blackhawk Network President Talbott Roche was named Financial Services Executive of the Year in the 2011 American Business Awards.

This year's awards were more competitive than ever, with more than 2,800 entries from organizations and companies throughout the country were submitted for consideration. More than 200 executives across the country participated in the judging process to determine the Finalists and Stevie Award winners.  

"We are extremely proud of Talbott for receiving this award, as her service to Blackhawk Network and the prepaid industry as a whole certainly deserves this recognition," said Bill Tauscher, Chairman and CEO, Blackhawk Network. "This award is also the business community's recognition of Blackhawk's success as a leader and innovator in making financial services easier, more convenient and accessible to consumers both nationally and internationally."

In addition, Blackhawk Network's PayPower prepaid debit card was recognized as a finalist in the 'New Product or Service of the Year - Financial Services' category at the awards.

The awards were presented during ceremonies at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City.  The ceremonies were hosted by Cheryl Casone of Fox Business Network and broadcast nationwide on radio by the Business TalkRadio Network.  

Details about The American Business Awards and the lists of honorees in all categories are available at www.stevieawards.com/aba.  

About Blackhawk Network

Blackhawk Network, a subsidiary of Safeway Inc., is a leading provider of prepaid and financial payments products for consumers and businesses. The company's Gift Card Mall™ offers the industry's most popular prepaid gift card and telecom products. Gift Card Mall reaches more than 165 million people each week through an exclusive network of leading grocery stores, big box, convenience, pharmacy, and specialty stores and is available through Internet retailers including GiftCardMall.com. Blackhawk Network's business solutions include reward and incentive programs that offer choice and flexibility through a wide array of card brands, custom designed Visa® prepaid cards and fulfillment options.

Headquartered in Pleasanton, California, Blackhawk Network Inc. has offices in the United States, Australia, Canada, France, Mexico and the United Kingdom. For more information about Blackhawk Network visit www.blackhawknetwork.com and www.giftcardmall.com.

Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/GCMall and on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/giftcardmall.

About The Stevie Awards

Stevie Awards are conferred in four programs: The American Business Awards, The International Business Awards, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, and the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service.  Honoring companies of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide.  Learn more about The Stevie Awards at www.stevieawards.com.

SOURCE Blackhawk Network