Electronic Merchant Systems Selects SparkBase

December 14, 2009

SparkBase (www.sparkbase.com), the industry leader in private-label stored value processing, announces that Electronic Merchant Systems, the premier Cleveland, OH based Independent Sales Organization (ISO), has selected SparkBase as the network to power their Altus Premier product.

In announcing the relationship, Douglas Hardman, SparkBase CEO states, "EMS has always been a very progressive company with their merchant offerings. They realize the importance of a properly executed Gift and Loyalty solution to merchants as a way to boost sales in a down economy. We are able to provide them with functionality beyond what the other networks offer, and work with them closely to ensure that the launch is successful. Having them as a partner in our back yard is very exciting to us."

Dan Neistadt, President and CEO of Electronic Merchant Systems, says of the relationship, "We are very pleased to add SparkBase to our extensive repertoire of value added products. Doug and his team of professionals are committed to providing world class products and client support to the ISO industry today, and just as important, are willing to evolve product capability and delivery to meet ever changing technology enhancements at the point of purchase."

The SparkBase network is sold exclusively through financial services resellers, and marketing agencies to offer merchants sophisticated gift and loyalty offerings with advanced features including text message and email marketing. Electronic Merchant Systems will begin offering their new Gift and Loyalty programs on the SparkBase network immediately.

Cleveland Acquirer chosen by Ohio Turnpike Commission

February 10, 2009

Electronic Merchant Systems, a Cleveland-based acquirer and independent sales organization, has won a two-year contract to provide payment card processing for the Ohio Turnpike Commission's electronic toll-collection service, Kathy Weiss, commission director of contracts administration, tells CardLine sister publication ISO&Agent Weekly. The commission plans to install the E-ZPass toll system in the fourth quarter.

Accountholders will be able to replenish their accounts online for their E-ZPass transponders, which communicate wirelessly with antennas near the roadway to capture tolls. Tollway travelers also will be able to pay tolls by swiping a payment card at a tollbooth, Weiss says.

The commission operates 31 toll plazas. The system will accept Visa Inc., MasterCard Worldwide, American Express Co. and Discover Financial Services cards, though it will process debit cards as only signature-debit transactions when used online and at tollbooths, Weiss says. It will not accept PIN-debit transactions. The commission handles about $500,000 in annual credit card transactions currently and collects between $180 million to $200 million in annual tolls, Weiss says. The contract has three two-year renewal periods, she says.

The commission is just now adding electronic toll-collection because its route is mostly in rural areas that lack the congestion of urban areas, Weiss says. "Customers would like the convenience of E-ZPass," she says, and the commission's adoption fills a gap in the toll systems that recognize E-ZPass payments in the Northeast and Midwest.Currently, 13 states have electronic-toll collection systems.

Electronic Merchant Systems faced three competitors for the contract: Chicago-based MB Financial Bank N.A.; National City Merchant Services, a unit of Pittsburgh-based PNC Bank N.A.; and Huntington Merchant Services, a revenue-sharing alliance between Greenwood Village, Colo.-based First Data Corp. and Huntington Bancshares Inc. of Columbus, Ohio.

EMS Partners with TechTrex Inc.

April 17, 2008

Electronic Merchant Systems announced today that it reached an agreement with TechTrex Inc. to offer the PrimeTrex IP POS terminal to their current and future client base.

"EMS has a long history of offering cutting-edge technologies to our merchants," says Matt Shepard, EVP. "Partnering with TechTrex will ensure a continued tradition to do just that in our market."

This high-performance POS terminal is a must for any merchant who doesn't want to be restricted by slow transactions. With the reliability of the PrimeTrex IP, merchants can enjoy the flexibility of dial or Ethernet connectivity in one unit; all of the hardware is onboard. The 32-bit processor and abundant memory (48 MB) of the PrimeTrex IP allow for quick access to a multitude of value-added applications. The three serial ports connect you to the peripheral devices needed to support them. The PrimeTrex IP has a 22+ lines per second printer; the fastest printer on the market today.

"TechTrex is very pleased to partner with Electronic Merchant Systems" says Dave Ninesling, Sr. VP of Sales. "EMS understands their market, provides their customers with a full assortment of products, and provides excellent customer service."

Neistadt named President/CEO

November 29, 2007

Electronic Merchant Systems (EMS), a national merchant service provider, is pleased to announce the naming of Dan Neistadt as Chief Executive Officer/President.

Founded in 1987 in Cleveland, Ohio, the company provides high quality credit card processing services through a full suite of industry leading processing and communication technologies. "Naming Mr. Neistadt CEO/President was the next logical step to grow the company nationally across our targeted market segments," said Jim Weiland, Chairman. EMS currently supports 20 offices in leading geographic markets nationally and offers a full array of value added products and processing options.

Dan comes to EMS with over 25 years in the payment industry including serving as Executive Vice President and Manager of the Business Management Group within Key Electronic Services at KeyBank USA. In addition to his experience with KeyBank, Mr. Neistadt has always been active within the industry. In the past, Dan has served on MasterCard's National and International Debit Access Committee. He has also been active and served several terms as a board member of the Electronic Transaction Association including a term as the President of the ETA.

"I feel honored to lead EMS," said Mr. Neistadt. "The foundation is set for EMS to grow its business lines nationally for the benefit of EMS' core constituencies, our merchant clients, our agent and financial institution partners, and our employees."