In This Issue
- Smart Clients: National Heritage Foundation
- Did You Know?
- SmartSpotlight
- SmartFamily Buzz
- Pay It Forward
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SMARTNEWS
Welcome to the inaugural issue of SmartNews!
You've heard the expression, "No news is good news". We take exception with that sentiment. At Smart Payment Solutions, we've got lots of news...and it's all good! Whirlwind changes have occurred over the last few months—both professionally and personally [Think: expansion of products and services, a June 2007 wedding and more.
Consider this newsletter an extension of our commitment to great service... or that holiday greeting that you actually enjoy reading each year (or in our case, each month). We bring you the information you need to grow and prosper, sprinkled with a healthy dose of the comings and goings of our dynamic staff.
We are committed to providing you with exceptional customer service and the tools you need to pay smart, so you can grow smart. We hope this newsletter will become a useful resource in achieving those objectives.
As the electronic payments industry continues to evolve rapidly, we want to ensure that each of our 1,000+ clients (and growing) considers Smart Payment Solutions his or her trusted advisor. Whether you are a large corporation or a small non-profit, rely on us to guide you in recommending the best payment solutions to meet your needs.
Smart Payment Solutions recognizes that its clients' payment processing methods significantly impact the bottom line. Each month, SmartNews will feature tips, industry news, employee spotlights and client case studies that can help you:
- Make informed decisions about the best payment products and services for your organization
- Reduce merchants' fees and points on your credit card rate
- Improve your chances of recovering funds on returned checks
- Boost donations and pledge amounts through electronic payment processing
- Receive funds faster and safer through automated payments
- Decrease time and administrative tasks spent manually processing payments
- Increase productivity and focus on your core competencies
In addition to the desire to keep clients apprised of our exciting developments, we will encourage you to share your own success stories, tips and resources.
One of our most recent developments was the completion of Smart Payment Solutions' January 2006 acquisition of Automated Financials Group. The venture is another step toward providing our clients with the ACH processing, check conversion, credit card merchant account and returned check processing services that can boost productivity and the bottom line.
Keep an eye out for more exciting news from our Virginia (corporate), Indiana (operations) and New Hampshire (branch) offices. And please let us know what you think of our newsletter. As your trusted payments advisor, we value your opinion.
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SMARTCLIENTS
ACH Processing Makes Giving Easier for The National Heritage Foundation
Established in 1968, The National Heritage Foundation (NHF) serves as a greenhouse for thousands of charitable organizations. The group helps them set up operations, streamline administrative functions, and keep the associated costs under control through its umbrella of services and expertise.
NHF was handling thousands of charitable organizations' contributions manually. Automating the process was a difficult and complex task. "With so many different organizations involved, it was becoming arduous as well as adding to the confusion, since these organizations fell under the NHF domain," explains John T. Houk, III, president of The National Heritage Foundation. "To handle them internally took a lot of staff time and we were simultaneously growing exponentially."
A Willingness to Listen
Houk's wife, Julie, who was NHF's Vice President of Marketing & Foundation Operation and Development at the time, knew of Smart Payment Solutions and engaged their services. NHF was attracted to Smart Payment Solutions' willingness to understand and desire to fulfill the organization's specific needs.
"Smart Payment Solutions really listened to our concerns," recounts Houk. "They were committed to addressing our unique needs instead of expecting us to fit into the cookie cutter mold that so many other companies use."
Houk notes that the relationship is an easy one because Smart Payment Solutions enjoys their work, and really values their clients and the relationships they forge with them.
NHF utilizes Smart Payment Solutions' Automatic Clearinghouse (ACH) processing services. ACH is a secure, private electronic payment transfer system that connects to all U.S. financial institutions. Checks can be processed by phone or over a secure web-based system. ACH-related services include direct deposit as well as recurring payment plans such as donations and pledge contributions.
NHF investigated other better-known and more established payment processing organizations before settling on Smart Payment Solutions. However, those companies expected NHF to compromise and fit their unique needs rather than the other way around. With Smart Payment Solutions, it was clear that NHF's objectives would be met and that Smart Payment Solutions was committed to working through any challenges along the way to deliver on their promises.
Smooth Sailing for Charities
So were there any challenges along the way? "With the number of charitable organizations we have under NHF, there were bound to be a few obstacles," concedes Houk. "It is very challenging to implement software that can do what we needed it to do."
Fortunately, Smart Payment Solutions' dedication to the project was evident in their constant communications with NHF, willingness to adapt and readjust whenever and wherever necessary, and very cooperative approach.
Houk notes that the software implementation broke new ground in the philanthropic industry. "Incorporating this software into an organization like ours had never been done before," acknowledges Houk.
"Our electronic online contributions have increased from $100,000 to over $1,000,000 in the last year," declares Houk. "Additionally, we have saved approximately 100 hours per month in administrative work, since we've implemented the web interface."
Creativity, collaboration and an easy working relationship with Smart Payment Solutions have benefited NHF immeasurably. "The customized applications have really improved our operations and increased contributions for our clients," concludes Houk.
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DID YOU KNOW?
Nearly 14 billion automated clearing house (ACH) payments were made in 2005, a 16.2 percent increase over 2004, according to statistics compiled by NACHA Ð The Electronic Payments Association. Annual ACH payment volume has doubled in the last 5 years, spurred by growth across all transaction categories and newer applications used primarily to collect consumers' bill payments.
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SMARTSPOTLIGHT
You may not recognize his face. But if you are a Smart Payment Solutions client, you undoubtedly are familiar with his voice. Nic Winters is the company's Customer Service Manager.
Nic joined Smart Payment Solutions in February. He oversees the customer's experience, ensuring consistency in service and satisfaction, from the first training session and technical issues to daily processing. Nic is committed to providing customers with the best service possible. Additionally, he measures quality assurance throughout all facets of a customer's contact with the company.
"I like being the 'voice' of the company," explains Nic. "And I enjoy making connections and building a relationship with each client."
Nic also appreciates the company's hands-on approach and collaborative culture. "Smart Payment Solutions really values every team member's perspective," he observes. "I enjoy being a key contributor to a company that is growing like Smart Payment Solutions. It's exciting."
Nic's enthusiasm mirrors the energy, responsiveness and personal service Smart Payment Solutions is dedicated to delivering to each client. These attributes play an integral part in the solid relationships the company has built with its customers.
Prior to his current position, Nic served as a Project Director in Customer Service at Walker Information in Indianapolis, Indiana. The company specializes in customer loyalty management. During his tenure, he collected and assessed customer and employee data. In turn, the application of captured information assisted in developing and implementing several successful customer service platforms.
Nic earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from Butler University. While there, he developed his passion for movies, managing the University's student film group and showing 24 to 25 second-run shows on campus each year.
When not providing exceptional customer service, Nic is busy planning his June 2007 wedding to his fiancée, Jessica. He also is an avid golfer (with an impressive 10 handicap) and continues to add to his extensive DVD collection. His favorite movies? "Well, I can enjoy almost any movie," laughs Nic. "I can see a bad movie and take pleasure in just how bad it is." Since he's a golfer, Tin Cup ranks high on his list of favorites as does Garden State.
As if that weren't enough, Nic and his colleagues have embarked on a virtual road trip to all of the company's clients. "We [the Greenwood, Indiana office] put up a map of the United States with pushpins marking each client's location," he says. Nic notes that there are pins everywhere. Often, he and his team stand back to appreciate the diversity of their clients and end up looking for discernible images in the pattern. "Some think it's [the map] taking on the likeness of our president, but given my penchant for golf, it reminds me of the course at Pebble Beach," chuckles Nic.
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SMARTFAMILY BUZZ
"You never call or write." We've all heard this sentiment from a family member. At Smart Payment Solutions, we want to make sure you don't have to echo that refrain about us. The SmartFamily is buzzing with more exhilarating news. Here's a sampling:
- SmartPartnerships: Rory Conway, Smart Payment Solutions' Director of Business Development, recently returned from his honeymoon in Barbados, looking tan and well-rested. On November 10th, he married Pia de Solenni in Washington, DC. Agreement is unanimous among the SPS staff that his wardrobe has improved considerably and he has finally discovered that there is a world of cuisine beyond the Golden Arches.
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PAY IT FORWARD
Do you know a colleague interested in electronic payment solutions for his or her organization? We appreciate your referrals.
Have a question about our services or a payment issue you'd like to discuss? We are happy to help you.
Want to share a great payment tip or best practice with more than 1,000 of our clients? We welcome your comments, suggestions and tips. In fact, we'll send a $25 Barnes and Noble gift certificate to the person who submits the best (or most creative) payments tip we receive by January 20. Send your comments and your contact info to news@smartps.com.
SmartNews is a monthly newsletter for Smart Payment Solutions customers and colleagues. Each issue covers various aspects of the electronic payments industry, and how it can benefit you and your business. Know colleagues who would be interested in this newsletter? Please feel free to pass it along to them.
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ABOUT SMART PAYMENT SOLUTIONS
Smart Payment Solutions is a payment processing company that helps non-profit organizations and corporations enhance productivity, increase contributions and electronically process payments efficiently and securely. Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, with offices in Indiana and New Hampshire, Smart Payment Solutions was founded in 2002. By employing a highly consultative approach, the company is able to create customized solutions that meet clients' unique needs. Services include ACH payment processing, check verification, Returned Check Processing, automated recurring payments, collection of donations and payments, and conversion of paper checks into electronic transactions—all performed safely and securely. For more information visit www.smartpaymentsolutions.com or call Matt Whitaker at 703-516-4282.
