Valassis, one of the nation's leading media and marketing services companies, announced today that it has been named as one of the 2012 Working Mother 100 Best Companies for the fourth time. Valassis was recognized with this prestigious award in 2011, 2000 and 1999. Additionally, the company has been named to the Working Mother list of Best Companies for Hourly Workers for the last two consecutive years, and in 2012, as a "Top 50 Company for Executive Women" by the National Association for Female Executives.

"It's very gratifying to be presented with such a prestigious award," said Rob Mason, Valassis President and Chief Executive Officer. "Valassis recognizes the critical importance of working mothers whether they are our associates, clients or consumers.  We take tremendous pride in maintaining a workplace environment where our working mothers can make significant contributions to our company and can be in a position to also meet their responsibilities to what is most precious to them – their children."

Working Mother rewards companies for their wide array of progressive workplace programs, including flexibility, advancement, paid family leave, child care, benefits and work/life programs. This is the 27th year Working Mother has recognized organizations for their initiatives.

With programs in place supporting work/life balance, Valassis offers flexible work hours, child care reimbursement, a complimentary car seat for newborns, college care packages and convenience services like on-site fitness centers, family rooms and dry cleaning services. Additionally, there is a resource and referral network available to associates as well as a host of discounts and giveaways to area events for associates and their families.

Valassis also offers an adoption assistance program, offering up to $5,000 toward the adoption of a child. For the sixth consecutive year, Valassis has been named to the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption's 2012 Best Adoption-Friendly Workplaces List. The company has been included on this prestigious list each year since its inception, and this year, ranked third on the advertising, marketing and public relations industry list.

"This year's 100 Best Companies are leading the way for the rest of the nation," said Carol Evans, President of Working Mother Media.  "They have created not only essential benefits, like flexible work options and telecommuting, but have also shown their commitment in new ways like elder care referral and legal assistance to help busy parents manage their personal lives as well as their careers."

"Valassis has afforded me opportunities to be as involved in my sons' education and after-school activities as I am involved and passionate in my desire to promote our brands, deliver value to families like my own and help promote the advancement of women in the workplace," said Lisa Reynolds, Valassis Vice President of Consumer Engagement, nominated as Valassis' Working Mother of the Year for the contributions she has made to the company.

Also known as Valassis' Mom Saver in Chief, Reynolds is continually gathering knowledge about the wants and needs of the brand's target audience – working moms 25-54 with children under 12 – and sharing how they can live the value lifestyle. She hosts nationally recognized experts on her monthly online radio show Viva la Value on BlogTalk Radio.

"These Best Companies know what it takes to keep all employees, but especially their employee moms, productive and engaged at work," said Jennifer Owens, editorial director of Working Mother Media.  "As the stress surrounding work-life integration continues to rise, so does the opportunity for creating a win-win environment for employees and employers. The Working Mother 100 Best Companies see the payoff from their programs and policies and are outstanding examples for companies to emulate."

To view the full list of Working Mother's 2012 100 Best Companies, visit http://www.workingmother.com/best-companies.  The companies will be recognized in the October/November issue of the magazine, and on workingmother.com. Additionally, all of the winners will be recognized at the Working Mother 100 Best Companies Gala Awards Dinner on Oct. 10 at the Marriott Marquis in New York City.  The event is part of the Work Life Congress annual conference to be held Oct. 8 – 10.