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BROOKFIELD, Wis. — Fiserv on Wednesday handed out its top performance designation for 2009 to an auction that's been ranked in its top three during each of the past three years.

This time, ADESA Birmingham claimed the honor over other operations that have been at or near the top consistently, as well.

For the fourth consecutive year, Manheim Harrisonburg in Harrisonburg, Va., finished second in the Fiserv ranking. Fiserv officials noted that Manheim Harrisonburg has consistently finished in the top three since 2001, the first year they conducted this award program.

Two auctions shared the third-place spot. Receiving the honor were Carolina Auto Auction of Anderson, S.C. — last year's first place winner — and Auto Auction of New England of Londonderry, N.H.

Overall, Fiserv said that it helped remarket 70,000 vehicles in 2009.

Megan Haley, director of remarketing strategies at Fiserv, explained why ADESA Birmingham took the first-place honors.

"ADESA Birmingham has been a partner auction for more than 10 years and has worked hard toward reaching their first ever top auction award," Haley indicated.

"The strong sales performance by ADESA Birmingham exceeded all other markets," she continued. "The team at ADESA Birmingham is extremely dedicated to Fiserv and our clients."

Fiserv executives also recognized auctions by region that have achieved the highest level of operational excellence in 2009. These honorees include:

—Northeast: Auto Auction of New England.

—Southeast: Manheim Tampa.

—Central: Manheim Louisville.

—Midwest: Missouri Auto Auction.

—Southwest: Manheim San Antonio.

—West: Brasher's Sacramento.

Fiserv pointed out that it has ranked auctions since 2001 to assist its lender clients seeking the greatest potential return on their outsourcing investment. Executives mentioned that they evaluate auctions to identify qualified partners. They said their rankings are tabulated to reflect overall customer service, operational efficiencies, sale preparation and marketing with the main emphasis on sales retention.