On June 12, 2008, the Sixth Annual American Business Awards honored Heartland Payment Systems Inc. as the 2008 Best Sales Organization in America. The Princeton, N.J.-based processor was selected from more than 2,600 entries.
"This award is an honor because it not only recognizes Heartland, but also a part of the company that is a particular point of pride for us - our sales organization," said Bob Carr, Heartland's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
Heartland, a provider of credit, debit and prepaid card processing, as well as payroll and other payment services, didn't enter the contest on its own - it was nominated. Carr found out about the company's nomination when American Business Awards called, notifying him that Heartland was a finalist in the competition.
Unfortunately, the company was in the middle of acquiring Alliance Data Corp. and executive representatives couldn't attend the awards ceremony to receive the top prize.
The award is an addition to Heartland's growing number of accolades. In April 2008, Heartland received Best in Payments Editor's Choice Award by Cards&Payments magazine.
In December 2007, Selling Power magazine recognized Heartland as the Financial Services Sales Organi-zation of the Year, and Executive Director of Sales and Service Irina Haydon - also a finalist for American Business Awards' Best Sales Director - as Sales Director of the Year. Alsolast December, the Eastern Technology Council named Carr Technology Company CEO of the Year.
So, how does Heartland keep snagging one honor after another? The company hasn't changed its commission model in over a decade, Carr said, simply because it works. "We treat our people with respect," he said. "We walk the walk.
"For Heartland, our success is directly attributable to a strategic sales effort that not only values growth, but also relationships with our customers throughout the country. This is a credit to the members of our dedicated sales force who have committed themselves to the success of Heartland Payment Systems.
"We treat the customers of our salespeople fairly ... and customers often refer friends and acquaintances" to the company, he added.
The goal of the American Business Awards, one of four awards programs operated by Stevie Awards Inc., is to raise public awareness for top-achieving companies and business professionals. A Board of Distinguished Judges & Advisors, made up of a cross section of business executives, vote on the awards. "Stevie" is derived from the Greek word meaning "crowned."
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