LIVONIA, Mich., May 2 -- Valassis, the leading company in marketing services and Connective Media(TM), recognized outstanding employees during the eighth annual Vision Awards. Formerly known as the Make it Happen Awards, the Vision Awards honor employees that exemplify the company's Vision of being an innovative, integrated marketing solutions company focused on customers in a broad range of industries. Winners were recognized on May 1, 2003 at an awards ceremony and received a specially designed crystal award along with shares of Valassis stock. "Changing the name to the Vision Awards is very appropriate because in order to be nominated for these awards, an individual must have keen insight into our business," said Alan F. Schultz, chairman, president and CEO. "One theme that has remained constant is that the recipients have a unique understanding and passion for our vision of success." This year the following awards were given: Innovator of the Year: Karen Peplowski - Marketing Manager of Customer Marketing Services Karen Peplowski is the architect of the company's revolutionary targeting tool, Consumer Navigator(TM). She spent countless hours developing and implementing this tool that has enhanced the company's consultative selling abilities, built more credibility and value with customers and given Valassis the competitive edge. Risk-Taker of the Year: Michelle Murad - Marketing Senior Product Manager Michelle Murad left a comfort zone for a new job in a new environment at Valassis. Always willing to try new things and armed with a conviction that she could make a difference, Michelle moved to Connecticut and accepted the challenge to lead the marketing department of a subsidiary company. Within the year, she found herself in a new role and back in Michigan with additional responsibilities. Collaborator of the Year: Todd Wiseley - Valassis Relationship Marketing Systems (VRMS) Director of Finance for Valassis subsidiary VRMS Todd Wiseley is a "jack of all trades" one may say. Outside of his financial duties, Todd takes the initiative to lead employee training programs, prepare legal documentation or simply answer the phones when the receptionist is unavailable. Todd is trusted by fellow employees and is someone who isn't afraid to roll up the shirt sleeves and dig into any situation. Employee of the Year: Tim Pink - Durham Printing Division MAN Roland Press Startup Liaison Tim Pink has helped facilitate positive change with his high level of commitment, great work ethic, ability to prioritize and persuade. The success of $30 million Valassis investment to replace an aging arsenal of printing presses would not have been possible without Tim's direction. Tim took the lead to make sure that performance expectations were met and the necessary employee training took place. An important element in any "100 Best" company is the recognition of its champion employees. Over the years, there had been numerous employee recognition programs, and rewards for ideas and suggestions, but until 1995, Valassis did not have an award program for all employees. In honor of Valassis' 25th anniversary, the award program was announced. Winners are nominated by their coworkers throughout the year and are selected by an employee committee based on their dedication, accomplishments, ingenuity and motivation.