Press Release
Leading Global Provider of Third-Party Gift Card Announces "Delivering Brands that Motivate" as Theme for Show
August 28, 2006 — Pleasanton, CA — Blackhawk Network, a world leader in card-based financial solutions and the largest provider of third-party gift cards in the United States and Canada, announced today a massive expansion of its corporate incentive business with the debut of new brand partners. The launch will coincide with the 2006 Motivation Show in Chicago.
"A majority of corporate users of reward and recognition services use gift cards as a central component of their incentive programs," said Don Kingsborough, president and chief executive officer of Blackhawk Network. "With the addition of these blue-chip brand partners, Blackhawk Network is opening up the marketplace with many distinctive, highly desirable and exclusive products. This is a powerful business opportunity, and this year's Motivation Show is the ideal venue to showcase what is going to be the key driver in corporate incentives for years to come."
Underscoring its commitment to corporate sales, Blackhawk Network will have the largest booth (#4080 in McCormick Place) in its history to highlight all the brands it offers. Key executives in sales, brand marketing and corporate incentives will be present, including Nancy Serrato, Blackhawk Network director of corporate gift card sales and current president of the Incentive Gift Card Council (IGCC).
"Consumers have made gift cards the number one holiday gift because they're easy to use and give the recipient freedom of choice," said Serrato. "The gift card explosion in the incentives industry reflects this trend, and in line with our theme, Blackhawk Network -is leading the charge at this year's show by 'delivering the brands that motivate.'"
According to "Incentive Magazine's" 2006 Gift Card & Certificate FACTS report released this month, 58 percent of 591 respondents found gift cards and certificates more effective than merchandise. Blackhawk Network is inviting show attendees to visit the booth and play its "Scan to Score Big" game to win great prizes. The 2006 Motivation Show runs September 26 through 28 at Chicago's McCormick Place. For more information on the 2006 Motivation Show, visit www.motivationshow.com.
Since its founding in 2001, Blackhawk Network has grown its Market-leading position in North American third—party gift card sales, and has become a worldwide leader in card-based financial solutions. Its just announced business launch in the United Kingdom represents its first expansion outside of North America.
About Blackhawk Network Blackhawk Network is a prepaid and payments network, a market leader in card-based financial solutions and the largest provider of third-party prepaid cards. Blackhawk Network develops unique products in easy-to-use formats and delivers them to consumers through an exclusive retail network of leading grocery, convenience, drug and specialty retailers. The network includes more than 60,000 store fronts and reaches more than 135 million consumers each week. Headquartered in Pleasanton, California, Blackhawk Network has offices in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.