LIVONIA, Mich., April 25 -- Valassis, the leading company in marketing services and Connective Media(TM), was named a finalist in the Most Innovative Company category for the first-ever American Business Awards. Hailed as "the business world's own Oscars" by the New York Post (September 22, 2002), The American Business Awards are the first national, all-encompassing business awards program honoring great performances in the workplace. "Creative and innovative employees are highly sought after, valued, recognized and rewarded at Valassis," said Alan F. Schultz, Chairman, President and CEO. "Being recognized as one of the nation's most innovative companies supports Valassis' vision of being an innovative, integrated marketing solutions company focused on customers in a broad range of industries." Nicknamed the Stevies(TM) for the Greek word "crowned," the awards will be presented at a nationally broadcast show on Wednesday, April 30, at the Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers in New York City. The ceremony will be hosted by Charles Osgood, host of CBS News Sunday Morning and commentator for the CBS Radio Network, and broadcasted nationwide by Business TalkRadio. "We began The American Business Awards last year when the public perception of companies and business people was at a low point," said Stevie Awards president and founder Michael Gallagher. "Our goal was to create a showcase for the best of American business, where the people and companies who don't get enough recognition for their good work can be singled out and celebrated."