Non-Profit Groups Introduce Affinity Debit Cards
Breast Cancer Fund, Greenpeace and Surfrider Foundation Offer New Open Loop
Debit Cards Powered by Tempo
SAN MATEO, CA — Oct. 19, 2009 — The Breast Cancer Fund, Greenpeace and Surfrider Foundation today introduced revolutionary affinity debit card programs that will generate charitable contributions from members’ everyday purchases. In addition, the three organizations are offering the first payment cards in the U.S. made of PETG, an alternative to the PVC plastic used in virtually all payment cards today.Debit Cards Powered by Tempo
The programs are managed by Tempo, which today introduced a new affinity debit card platform (see related press release: “Tempo Ushers in New Era of Affinity and Co-Branded Debit Cards”),and the cards are issued by First Bank & Trust of Brookings, SD, part of Fishback Financial Corporation. Tempo’s platform enables these cards to be linked to cardholders’ pre-existing checking accounts.
Affinity debit cards represent a new fundraising option for non-profits, which receive contributions based on standard card transaction fees each time members use their cards for purchases. Cardholders can use their cards anywhere Debit MasterCard cards are accepted and also enjoy cash-back and ATM withdrawal access to their existing checking accounts.
Executives of the three organizations issued the following statements:
Jeanne Rizzo, President and CEO, Breast Cancer Fund — “We are extremely pleased to offer our supporters a Breast Cancer Fund Debit MasterCard that will result in effortless contributions. This is an exciting new fundraising vehicle that will support our work to identify and advocate for the elimination of environmental and other preventable causes of breast cancer.”
Mark Smith, Development Director at Greenpeace — “We are thrilled to offer members a new contribution option to help fund our efforts to expose global environmental problems and promote solutions that are essential to a green and peaceful future. This is a great opportunity to leverage members’ everyday transactions to the benefit of our cause. We’re especially pleased to offer cards produced with PETG, which we know to be a better alternative for health and the environment.”
Steve Blank, Director of Development, Surfrider Foundation — “We will encourage our members to obtain our new Debit MasterCard card, which will support our efforts to confront water pollution, maintain free and open beach access, reduce beach loss and protect unique coastal environments.”
Working with First Bank & Trust, Tempo manages all aspects of card issuance, including risk management, application processing, card fulfillment, authorization and settlement. Tempo’s Web-based platform also makes it easy for members of the three organizations to apply, activate their cards, and track purchases online.
“These three organizations are leading the way to a new era of debit card use,” said Tempo CEO Mike Grossman. “Debit is now the preferred payment vehicle of consumers and Tempo’s platform makes it possible for virtually any non-profit organization to quickly and easily offer affinity debit cards linked to consumers’ existing checking accounts.”
Organizations of all types can now provide affinity debit cards and market rewards aimed at motivating their target consumers, such as cash-back or charitable contributions, at no additional cost to the cardholder.
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About First Bank & Trust
First Bank is part of Fishback Financial Corporation, South Dakota’s largest bank holding company with assets of over $1.6 billion. Family owned and operated since inception, the organization is built around the Fishback family’s philosophy that bankers can be both conservative risk managers and entrepreneurs — a philosophy that has guided the organization since 1880. Today, Fishback Financial owns five banks in South Dakota and Minnesota, as well as a number of nonbank subsidiaries. Visit us online at www.fishbackfinancial.com.
About Tempo
Tempo is the leader in enabling organizations to quickly and easily offer affinity and co-branded debit cards to their customers, contributors and members. The open loop cards are rewards-based, partner-branded, and linked to the consumer’s existing checking account. Tempo provides its affinity partners with a Web-based platform that makes it easy to launch and market co-branded debit programs. The partners benefit by generating new revenue, and building loyalty through the delivery of enhanced cardholder value. Tempo is privately held and is headquartered in San Mateo, CA. For additional information, visit www.tempo.com.
Tempo Media Relations:
Pete Bartolik
508-283-4112pete@bartolik.com
These cards are issued by First Bank & Trust, Brookings, SD, pursuant to a license by MasterCard� International Incorporated. First Bank & Trust is a member of the FDIC and part of the Fishback Financial Corporation.
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