Circle K gives away free prepaid phone cards.

VANCOUVER, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 7, 1995--Circle K convenience stores are giving away over 5 million free long-distance minutes this week.

On Friday, Dec. 8, over 2,000 Circle K convenience stores across the country will give out more than 1 million prepaid phone cards as a free holiday gift to their customers. This is the single largest promotion ever launched on a single day in the prepaid phone card industry, according to Jeff Penchina, BLT Technologies vice president of sales and marketing - retail.

In partnership with BLT Technologies of Vancouver, the provider of TALK 'N TOSS(R) generic and private label cards, Circle K stores will each give away five-minute phone cards to the first 500 customers through the door. The limited edition holiday-themed cards feature a Santa Claus character offering his traditional Ho! Ho! Ho! greeting to consumers.

"What better way to thank our customers for their patronage than to give them a free phone card during the holidays," says Kristi Prior, Circle K category manager. "Once customers try our new phone card, we're convinced they'll get hooked on the convenience and competitive value of our long distance calling rates. Our `More For Your Money' phone cards bring added value to every purchase with coupons for free products and other premiums. Best of all, phone cards make terrific gifts because they're one size fits all."

"BLT Technologies was selected by Circle K in October because we are one of few prepaid phone card companies who can deliver a retail promotion of this magnitude," explains Penchina. "We work with our retailers from the design and production of the card itself through the start-up development of the new product category to the delivery of the long-distance services to the end-users. Few other competitors can match our ability to provide such a comprehensive package."

Nationwide, prepaid phone cards have become a $400 million business and are considered one of the fastest-growing segments of the telecommunications industry. Retailers nationwide have embraced prepaid phone cards as a successful revenue generator and cross-promotional tool. Available in denominations of 15, 30 and 60 minutes, consumers are happy with the new product because it can save them up to 60 percent on their long-distance calls when away from the home or office.

TALK 'N TOSS, a registered trademark of BLT Technologies, is the nation's leading prepaid phone card brand available at 13,000 retail locations nationwide.

Founded in 1989 and headquartered in Vancouver, BLT has attained leadership in the highly competitive prepaid phone card industry by providing a wide range of services and features, broad channels of distribution, and outstanding service.

The Circle K Corp. is the largest operator of company-owned convenience stores and the largest independent gasoline retailer in the United States. It operates or franchises over 2,500 stores in the United States, primarily in the Sun Belt. Additionally, there are over 2,600 stores operating under the Circle K trade name in 19 foreign countries.

CONTACT: BLT Technologies

John Hall, 360/695-7000

or

The Circle K Corp.

Judy States, 602/530-8186