American Business Awards® Selects Assurant Solutions e-Gift Card as Finalist for New Product of the Year

ATLANTA, May 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Specialty insurer Assurant Solutions has received a finalist nomination in the American Business Awards®, the nation's premier business awards program. More than 2,800 entries from organizations of all sizes and industries were submitted this year. The company was nominated in the "New Product or Service of the Year" category for their e-Gift Card reimbursement program.

Assurant Solutions e-Gift cards can be issued to consumers who purchase a service contract along with electronics or appliances at their retailer. If the purchase becomes damaged or broken, the e-Gift card means they can have their item repaired or replaced much faster than ever before, as there is no need to wait for a reimbursement check or plastic card to be sent through the mail.

"Today's consumers are increasingly discerning, looking for products that exceed their expectations," said Joe Erdeman, president of Assurant Solutions' Extended Protection Solutions business. "It's quite an honor to have been selected as a finalist for new product of the year. I believe this achievement speaks to our commitment to staying ahead of the curve and providing our clients with products that truly improve the customer experience."

Assurant Solutions is the first in the industry to offer an e-Gift card to consumer electronics and wireless retail clients and their customers. The company has issued over 100,000 e-Gift cards to date, through some of the country's largest big box retailers. The convenience of the e-Gift card helps promote customer satisfaction and brand loyalty.

This year's Stevie Award winners will be announced during the annual gala on Monday, June 20 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City.  More than six-hundred executives from across the U.S.A. are expected to attend.  The event will benefit Camfed (camfed.org), which fights poverty and HIV/AIDS in Africa by educating girls and empowering women to become leaders of change. The ceremonies will be broadcast on radio nationwide by the Business TalkRadio Network.  

About Assurant Solutions (NYSE: AIZ)

Assurant Solutions businesses develop, underwrite, market and administer specialty insurance, extended service contracts and other risk management solutions through collaborative relationships with leading financial institutions, retailers, automobile dealers, funeral homes, manufacturers, wireless carriers and other entities. With operations in 25 locations, including executive offices in Atlanta, Ga., Assurant Solutions serves clients and their customers in 12 countries throughout North America, the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe and Asia.  www.assurantsolutions.com

Assurant Solutions is part of Assurant, a premier provider of specialized insurance products and related services in North America and select worldwide markets. Assurant, a Fortune 500 company and a member of the S&P 500, is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol AIZ. Assurant has over $27 billion in assets and $8 billion in annual revenue. www.assurant.com

About The Stevie Awards

Stevie Awards are conferred in four programs: The American Business Awards, The International Business Awards, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, and the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service. Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. Learn more about The Stevie Awards at www.stevieawards.com.

SOURCE Assurant Solutions