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Vesdia Receives High Marks From Upromise; College Savings Pioneer Selects Leader in Merchant Network Services to Enhance Progra

^{Published on 2009-11-03 06:16:24 - Market Wire}
 

ATLANTA, GA--(Marketwire - November 3, 2009) - Vesdia Corporation, the single largest provider of multi-channel merchant networks and [ shopping incentive ] services, announces today the company has been selected by Upromise, a free online service that helps its members earn money for college, as its new preferred provider of brick-and-mortar and catalog merchant services. Vesdia will provide more ways to save through a consistently expanding network of leading national, regional and local brick-and-mortar merchants. Through the Vesdia network, Upromise members can now earn money in their college savings account or pay down eligible student loans when shopping at an increased assortment of new retailers, and Vesdia merchant partners will be marketed through one of the most coveted loyalty programs in the United States.

"Both companies have a legacy of offering consumers rich earning opportunities, and this partnership will bring great value to Upromise members while offering a very attractive customer base to our merchants," explains Jim Douglass, CEO of Vesdia. "With Upromise now offering the combination of Vesdia's brick-and-mortar merchant partnerships and their own vast shopping network, coupled with marketing and creative earning channels, we both are poised to meet the need of all constituents: consumers who want more rewards, merchants who want more sales, and the program owner who wants to increase participation. We are proud to be a key partner to Upromise in this effort."

As a result of its partnership with Vesdia, Upromise now offers members access to new national brick-and-mortar merchants, catalogs, service providers and restaurants. Members automatically earn by using their Upromise credit card or other registered credit or debit cards with participating merchants from Vesdia's network of stores such as:

 -- 1 800 FLOWERS® -- Ballard Designs -- Gaiam Inc. -- Golfsmith -- Hammacher Schlemmer -- Hearthsong® -- Jos. A. Bank -- Lobster Gram Inc. -- Magic Cabin Dolls® -- Plow and Hearth® -- Sally Beauty -- Sunglass Hut 

"Upromise helps our 11 million members save for college by rewarding them with money in a college savings account for their loyalty in shopping with Upromise participating companies," says David Coppins, Senior Vice President of Upromise. "Vesdia will help significantly expand brick-and-mortar merchant participation, providing our members more savings opportunities."

Vesdia's partnership with Upromise provides merchants a way to increase sales and new customer acquisition through marketing to Upromise's member base across multiple channels and touch points. Retailers can easily extend their [ pay-for-performance ] marketing from an online presence to their brick-and-mortar and catalog sales channels through Vesdia's service offerings.

About Vesdia

Vesdia Corporation is the single largest provider of partnership marketing and multi-channel merchant network services. Through its leading merchant-funded rewards programs and patent-protected technology, Vesdia offers a full array of loyalty solutions to financial institutions, affinity groups and merchants enabling customers to earn more meaningful rewards faster. For more information, visit [ www.vesdia.com ].

About Upromise

Launched in April 2001, today Upromise is a major, private source of college funding contributions in America, with over 11 million members and more than $500 million in member rewards. Membership is free and can help families save money for college while making everyday purchases of products and services at more than 21,000 grocery and drug stores, 10,000 gas stations, 8,500 restaurants, as well as thousands of retail stores, and over 700 online shopping sites. Upromise participating companies include Bank of America, ExxonMobil Corporation, McDonald's®, JCPenney.com, LandsEnd.com, Sears.com and hundreds of others. Upromise also makes it easy for families to start their own college savings strategy through tax-advantaged 529 college savings plans offered through Upromise Investments, Inc. or by using Upromise contributions to help pay down eligible student loans. Upromise is a wholly owned subsidiary of SLM Corporation (NYSE: [ SLM ]), commonly known as Sallie Mae, the nation's leading provider of saving-and-paying-for-college programs. Upromise is headquartered in Newton, Mass., and has more than 350 employees. For additional information, visit [ upromise.com ].