We were treated to a great presentation this week by Kathryn "Kate" Guidish, our chapter Vice President, who represents Financial Transaction Services and provides merchant services.
Merchant services?! I thought services were what merchants provided.
These mysterious merchant services are the electronic payment processes that move virtual credit and gift card dollars into your commercial bank account. If you are a seller, Kathryn has the means to provide you with a system of credit card acceptance to meet those selling needs.
Kathryn has spent a number of years in this business. It has involved extensive and continued education to both learn all the details and stay on top of the competition. Her long-term experience in the industry has provided her the skills to extensively assess the needs of her customers and Financial Transaction Services will tailor a package suitable for anyone in the business of selling.
She is also able to provide gift and loyalty card programs. From a small, independent shop that wants to try a gift card program for the holidays to a large scale retailer seeking custom printed cards and purchases tracking, Kathryn can provide a program to meet any seller's needs.
Anyone that sells a product or service, of course, is a potential customer for her. Who is her best referral?
Any new business owner that is still in the process of planning and organization;
The controller for a large institution, like a college or hospital;
Independent owners of a franchised retail location;
Owner/operators of a franchise who are "de-branding" and establishing themselves as an independent retailer;
Service providers that are more expensive and are offering highly specialized and crucial services, like a doctor, attorney, automotive repair, accounting firm, or pharmacy;
An existing internet business or a traditional brick-and-mortar seller who is venturing into e-commerce for the first time.
In reality, anyone we do business with is probably a good candidate for referral to Kathryn Guidish. We should all be sure to share her name with our business associates this week and in the future.
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Guests of the Week
Guests included Nancy Stewart Schneider of Stewart's Appliance on Cleveland Street in Elyria ... our regular guest star Al Zanni of ACN and a member of the North Olmsted chapter ... and Jan Beck, proprietor of Tre Sorelle Cioccolato (master of all deliciousness) and a member of the Lorain chapter. Welcome to all of our guests!
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Unity in the Community
"It's Your Turn"
30th Annual FCII Festival & Trade Show
The annual AAFRO (African-Americans for the Respect of Others) Festival is one of the biggest intercultural festivals in Ohio. The festival promotes diversity and family unity. The AAFRO Festival is an interpersonal tool that provides an opportunity to help each culture celebrate its beauty, uniqueness, and contributions to today's society and bring them all into the Iron Castle. The AAFRO Festival will have two days of events, featuring an Underground Railroad tour, recreational activities and performances, guest speakers and workshops.
IRN members have been asked by long-time friend of the program and our chapter Membership Chair, Maureen Dockrill, to make contributions either directly to the organization or through sponsorship and advertising opportunities at their Trade Show on July 10 at LCCC. Program ads or table top sponsorship are still available at this time but limited. Please contact event organizers at (440) 366-3244 to donate.