LARGO, Fla., April 30, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Valpak, a leader in local print and digital coupons, announced today that it has signed a franchise agreement with Jeff Gomes to expand in Fresno and Madera counties in California. Gomes brings with him more than 15 years of experience in sales, advertising and manufacturing.

"I had been interested in starting my own business for a long time and immediately felt a connection with Valpak," said Jeff Gomes, Valpak of Fresno franchisee. "With the digital couponing industry gaining popularity, I'm excited to bring Valpak's digital products and innovative brand to my community."

Prior to joining Valpak, Gomes worked in the manufacturing industry as a sales representative for companies such as M.I. Home Products, Milgard Manufacturing and Four Seasons Sunrooms. Growing up, Gomes remembers receiving the iconic Valpak Blue Envelope® and later recalls working with Valpak where he found it to be the most cost effective advertising platform. The first Valpak Blue Envelope® mailing in Fresno and Madera counties is scheduled for the week of July 4th.

"We are thrilled to welcome Jeff as our newest franchisee and have him join the Valpak family," said Todd Leiser, Valpak's Director of Franchise Sales. "His experience will be a valuable addition to bringing the Valpak concept to businesses and local savings to the Fresno community."

A leader in cooperative direct mail, Valpak mails over 20 billion coupons to more than 40 million demographically-targeted households per month in more than 100 markets in 48 states and four Canadian provinces. Today, in addition to its flagship Blue Envelope®, the brand offers its business customers an impressive portfolio of digital advertising products including Valpak Deals®, Smartphone apps, QR codes, online coupons and SMS/text messaging to reach consumers at home and on-the-go. While Fresno territories have been sold, there are still available territories in San Jose, Santa Barbara, Bakersfield, Monterey and select markets throughout California.

Ideal candidates should possess a desire to join a trusted industry-leading brand, work within a proven franchise system, develop relationships with local businesses and have a comfort level with selling new, digital technologies. Franchisees should also possess a minimum liquidity of $75,000 and a minimum net worth of $150,000.

Valpak franchisees benefit from extensive training and support including more than 300 hours of classroom, in-field and online training. Additionally, the Valpak peer mentoring program pairs tenured Valpak franchisees with new franchisees for a two-year period. Valpak also handles all of the coupon design, printing, collation and postal logistics for its franchisees, allowing them to concentrate on selling branded direct marketing campaigns to customers within their exclusive territory.

Since its launch by Terry Loebel, in 1968, the Blue Envelope has been broadly recognized and trusted, which has contributed significantly to Valpak's current success. Valpak is also backed by experienced leadership with Cox Enterprises, one of the largest media companies in North America, which acquired the brand in 1991. Valpak's state-of-the-art, 470,000-square-foot manufacturing center in St. Petersburg, FL makes it possible for the company to mail to more than 500 million homes in North America. 

For more information on Valpak and franchising, please visit www.valpakfranchising.com.

About Valpak®

Valpak, one of the leading direct marketing companies in North America, is owned and operated by Cox Target Media, Inc., a subsidiary of Atlanta-based Cox Media Group, Inc. With almost 170 franchises throughout the United States and Canada, The Blue Envelope® delivers savings and value to nearly 40 million households each month. Annually, Valpak will distribute some 20 billion offers inserted in more than 500 million envelopes. Valpak also offers digital solutions with www.Valpak.com®, an online site for local savings, which has nearly 70 million offer views each month, as well as most mobile phones, including apps for most smartphones. For more information, please contact 1-800-676-6878.

About Cox Media Group
Cox Media Group, Inc., a subsidiary of Atlanta-based Cox Enterprises, Inc., is an integrated broadcasting, publishing and digital media company that includes the national advertising rep firms of Cox Reps. With $1.8 billion in revenue, the company operations include 15 broadcast television stations and one local cable channel, 86 radio stations, four metro newspapers and more than a dozen non-daily publications, and more than 100 digital services. Additionally, Cox Media Group owns and operates Valpak, one of the leading direct marketing companies in North America.  For more information about Cox Media Group, please check us out online at www.coxmediagroup.com.

SOURCE Valpak