LIVONIA, Mich., June 2 -- Valassis, the leading company in marketing services and Connective Media, recognized outstanding employees during the tenth annual Vision Awards Ceremony on May 25th at the St. Mary's Cultural and Banquet Center in Livonia. These company- wide awards honor employees who exemplify the company's Vision of being an innovative, integrated marketing solutions company. In 2005, Valassis continued its focus on expanding its business in Europe. Last year, the company tested its media products in both Germany and Spain. The focus on international business led to a one-time award -- the Global Thinker Award -- presented to an employee who took concrete steps to putting Valassis on the global map. For his role in leading the charge to put Valassis on the world map, Jeremy Water of Royal Oak, Mich. was chosen as this year's Global Thinker. As part of Valassis' International and Sales Development team, Jeremy has shared his business knowledge and energy in product development, sales, operations, market research and industry trends. He designed a new bag cover for our product in Germany; led a focus group to choose a new name for the U.K. product and has explored new distribution methods in Spain. Jeremy has consistently tailored his approach to each team for maximum effectiveness and has always been sensitive to cultural differences. For his efforts, Jeremy was awarded a trip for two to anywhere in the world and $3,000 spending money. In addition, the following Vision Awards were presented: * Employee of the Year: Linda Ruedisueli of Northville, Mich. As a paper buyer in the company's Strategic Sourcing department, Linda embodies all of the outstanding characteristics valued at Valassis. For 26 years she has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure the company has the right paper grades, weights and roll sizes on time to efficiently print each program. * Collaborator of the Year: David Warchuck of Macomb, Mich. This year's Collaborator spent nearly 29 years in manufacturing, working his way up in the pressroom to head press operator. In the two years since accepting the special assignment as a manufacturing liaison, David's attention to detail has helped build strong relationships with customers and has resulted in cost savings in down time and potential reprints. * Innovator of the Year: David Kroeger of Pinckney, Mich. David took the concept of innovation and helped to create a new enterprise based on the needs of one of our leading customers. As general manager of Promotion Execution Partners (PEP), David has executed more than 360 promotions and has helped Valassis strengthen its customer relationship. * Risk-taker of the Year: Steve Wilson, Ferndale, Mich. As International Operations Manager, Steve has been instrumental in expanding and supporting the company's new business product introductions throughout Europe. As a result of his significant accomplishments, Steve was offered and has accepted a permanent position in London where he will build an operational infrastructure to support the testing and launch of Valassis products and services throughout Europe as well as to optimize current intercountry operations. Additionally, awards were presented to Mary Elizabeth Messerknecht of Novi, Mich. for Administration Employee of the Year; Daniel R. Turkali, of Valley Center, Kan. for Manufacturing Employee of the Year; Cheri Burkard of Chicago, Ill. for Marketing Employee of the Year; Hilary White of Commerce, Mich. for Operations Employee of the Year.