Leading electronic commerce and payment processor recognized for contributions to Georgia technology community

ATLANTA, March 28, 2011 – The Technology Association of Georgia (TAG), the state’s leading association dedicated to the promotion and economic advancement of Georgia’s technology industry, has announced that First Data Corporation , a global leader in electronic commerce and payment processing, is one of the Top 10 Innovative Technology Companies in Georgia.

The coveted Top 10 Innovative Technology Company Awards recognize Georgia-based companies for their innovation, financial impact, and efforts in spreading awareness of Georgia's technology initiatives throughout the U.S. and beyond.

“We applaud First Data for its incredible work to shape the future of the payments industry through the development and delivery of secure and innovative technologies for customers around the world,” said Tino Mantella, president and chief executive officer of TAG. “We are proud to highlight the most pioneering businesses in the state that are focused on delivering valuable products and services to Georgia and beyond. By cultivating these companies, Georgia will continue to be a destination of choice for technology education, research and business.”

In addition to a comprehensive mobile commerce suite that includes mobile vouchers , eGifting and a Trusted Service Manager (TSM) platform, First Data continues to innovate in areas such as prepaid, eCommerce and payments security. These innovations can be quickly delivered to the company’s large global customer base, which includes 6.2 million merchant locations. 

“We are honored to be recognized among our peers for First Data’s advancements in payments technology,” said Dom Morea, senior vice president and division manager, Advanced Solutions and Innovation for First Data. “We will continue to leverage our powerful combination of innovation and scale in moving Georgia forward as a technology leader on a global stage.”

“The competition for Top 10 recognition was particularly fierce this year, which speaks to the rapid expansion of Georgia’s technology community,” said Dennis Zakas, a partner and founder of Zakas & Leonard, LLP and chairperson of the Top 40 Selection Committee. “We are proud to recognize this year’s winners and thank them, and all Georgia technology companies, for their contributions to our reputation as a top state for technology business.”

About The Technology Association of Georgia (TAG)
TAG is a leading technology industry association dedicated to the promotion and economic advancement of the state's technology industry. TAG provides leadership in driving initiatives in the areas of policy, capital, education and giving, and also brings the technology community together through events, initiative programs and networking opportunities. TAG serves as an umbrella organization for 27 special interest groups, or societies, including Women in Technology (WIT). Additionally, TAG’s charitable arm, the TAG Education Collaborative, is focused on helping science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education initiatives thrive. For more information visit the TAG website at www.tagonline.org or TAG’s community website at www.TAGthink.com .

About First Data
Around the world, every second of every day, First Data makes payment transactions secure, fast and easy for merchants, financial institutions and their customers. First Data leverages its vast product portfolio and expertise to drive customer revenue and profitability. Whether the choice of payment is by debit or credit card, gift card, check or mobile phone, online or at the checkout counter, First Data takes every opportunity to go beyond the transaction.

Media Contacts:
Becky Biggs, Technology Association of Georgia
becky@tagonline.org
(404) 920-2008

Andy Payment, First Data
andy.payment@firstdata.com
(404) 890-2541