Meta Payment Systems(R) Announces New Client Recognition Program and 2009 Winners

SIOUX FALLS, S.D., March 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Meta Payment Systems Agent Products group is pleased to announce the introduction of a new client recognition program, "Meta Spotlight Awards," designed to recognize and applaud outstanding Prepaid Gift Card sales for the 2009 calendar year.

"We wanted to have some fun tying a seasonal award ceremony theme to the Meta Spotlight Awards while acknowledging our financial institution partners' dedication to prepaid card sales," commented Nikkee Rhody, Director of Business Resources – Agent Products.  "We have tallied last year's sales results, and the results are in. We are proud to announce winners in the following categories. (May I have the envelope please?)"

"Best Performance by a client with 50+ locations" - Most Cards Issued in a Calendar Year 50+ Locations: Associated Bank, Stevens Point, Wisconsin

"Best Performance by a client with 10-49 locations" - Most Cards Issued in a Calendar Year 10-49 Locations: TDECU, Lake Jackson, Texas

"Best Performance by a client with 1-9 locations" - Most Cards Issued in a Calendar Year 1-9 Locations: Cache Bank & Trust, Greely, Colorado

"Newcomer Award" - Most Card Sales, Less Than 6 Month Partnership: MidWestOne Bank, Iowa City, Iowa

"Best Picture" - Highest Percentage Growth Card Sales Year-Over-Year, 08-09: First National Bank of Santa Fe, Santa Fe, New Mexico

"Best Large Order Effects" - Highest Volume of Large Order Card Sales: Cache Bank & Trust, Greely, Colorado

"Best Supporting Client" - Highest Level of Engagement: Dacotah Bank, Aberdeen, South Dakota

"Most Unique Picture" - Most Innovative Use of Product: State Bank & Trust, Fargo, North Dakota

"These financial intuitions are to be commended – their hard work and commitment to prepaid sales is truly remarkable," added Mick Conlin, Senior Vice President – Agent Products.  "We have seen great sales results and heard impressive stories from our agent bank partners this year.  We sincerely applaud each of the institutions listed here, and thank all of our financial institution partners for recognizing that prepaid is a great addition to meeting the payment solution needs of their customers."

Each Meta Spotlight Award winner will receive a stunning "spotlight" award engraved with the "2009 Meta Spotlight Awards" along with category name, description and financial institution name.

About Meta®

Meta Payment Systems®, based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, is a leading provider of prepaid, credit, debit and emerging payments solutions as well as the largest sponsor of ATMs in the United States. Meta Payment Systems, a division of MetaBank™, delivers innovative financial products that change the way people use, borrow and manage money.  Meta Payment Systems brings money to LIFE. Meta Financial Group, Inc.® (Nasdaq Global Market®: CASH) is the holding company for federally-chartered savings bank MetaBank. For more information visit www.metapay.com.

SOURCE Meta Payment Systems