Top 10 Recognized as Leaders in Georgia’s Technology Community

ATLANTA (May 22, 2012) – The Technology Association of Georgia (TAG), the state’s leading association dedicated to the promotion and economic advancement of Georgia’s technology industry, today announced First Data, a global leader in electronic commerce and payment processing, as one of the Top 10 Innovative Technology Companies in Georgia.

The coveted Top 10 Innovative Technology Company Awards recognize Georgia-based companies for their degree of innovation, the scope and financial impact of their innovations and effect of such innovation in promoting Georgia’s technology industry throughout the U.S. and globally.

“First Data is not only simplifying the offer redemption process for consumers and merchants, the company is also putting Georgia on the map as a state where technology innovation can thrive,” said Tino Mantella, president & CEO of TAG. “We applaud each of these companies for standing out as leaders in Georgia’s technology community.”

First Data was recognized as a Top 10 Innovative Company for its development of the First Data^SM OfferWise^SM solution, which allows offer publishers to electronically attach offers such as deals, eCoupons and loyalty programs to one or more of a consumer’s payment cards or mobile wallet to enable streamlined and automatic redemption of the offer at the point of sale (POS). The company was also named a Top 10 company in 2011 for its comprehensive mobile commerce suite that includes the First Data Trusted Service Manager (TSM) solution.

“We are honored to again be recognized for First Data’s advancements in enabling Universal Commerce. Our focus continues to be to help our customers meet the increasing consumer demand for greater access to information, payment functionality and offers anytime, anywhere,” said Dom Morea, SVP and division manager, Advanced Solutions and Innovation at First Data. “As part of the Georgia financial technology community, we remain committed to leveraging 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,” said Dennis Zakas, a partner and founder of Zakas & Leonard, LLP, Chair of Group Office Buys, LLC, and chairperson of the Top 40 Selection Committee. “The Top 10 demonstrate the depth and breadth of Georgia’s technology community. We are pleased to recognize this group of companies and believe that the community will be just as impressed as we are by their innovation and impact on Georgia’s technology industry.”

About The Technology Association of Georgia (TAG)
The Technology Association of Georgia (TAG) is the leading technology industry association in the state, serving more than 16,600 members and hosting over 200 events each year. TAG serves as an umbrella organization for 30 industry societies, each of which provides rich content for TAG constituents. TAG’s mission is to educate, promote, influence and unite Georgia’s technology community to foster an innovative and connected marketplace that stimulates and enhances a tech-based economy. The association provides members with access to networking and educational programs; recognizes and promotes Georgia’s technology leaders and companies; and advocates for legislative action that enhances the state’s economic climate for technology. Additionally, the TAG Education Collaborative (TAG’s charitable arm) focuses 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. To learn about the TAG-Ed Collaborative visit http://www.tagedonline.org/.

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

Technology Association of Georgia
Becky Biggs
Becky@tagonline.org
(404) 920-2008