CardPartner Blog

UMB Acquires CardPartner

2010-05-11T11:22:00.001-04:00

UMB Acquires CardPartner Affinity Card Service from Serverside Group

Company Release - 05/10/2010 16:05

KANSAS CITY, Mo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- UMB Bank, n.a., the lead bank of UMB Financial Corporation (NASDAQ: UMBF), announces the acquisition of CardPartner from Serverside Group. The agreement was signed in the first quarter 2010 and terms of the deal are not disclosed.

The acquisition is a natural evolution of the relationship between UMB and CardPartner. In 2008, the two companies partnered to create a free, customized affinity Visa® credit card program for organizations and not-for-profits of all sizes. UMB has been the issuer and financial custodian of the credit cards, which assist not-for-profit organizations in raising funds via use of the cards.

“UMB is excited about the growth potential of CardPartner’s business model that offers organizations a simple, yet robust fundraising service,” said George Schmelzel, senior vice president of UMB Credit Card Services. “We have seen an increasing number of organizations utilizing this revenue generating program and we continue to experience growing demand for CardPartner’s turnkey solution.”

Doug Davis, vice president of CardPartner business development added that, “Directly aligning our services with a stable and experienced bank in the credit card industry solidifies a tremendous fundraising service for non-profit organizations. As a result of this acquisition, customers will experience no changes and we remain committed to providing the same level of service and dedication as in the past.”

Adam Elgar, President, Serverside Group, said, “The CardPartner business model has huge potential and UMB is perfectly placed to take the company forward. We felt it was important to focus on our own core business, which is to innovate and invest in the future of digital payment cards.”

CardPartner’s current team will remain in place working from their New York City office.

About UMB:

UMB Financial Corporation (NASDAQ: UMBF) is a financial services holding company headquartered in Kansas City, Mo., offering complete banking, asset management, health spending solutions and related financial services to commercial, institutional and personal customers nationwide. Its banking subsidiaries own and operate 135 banking centers throughout Missouri, Illinois, Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska and Arizona. Subsidiaries of the holding company and the lead bank, UMB Bank, n.a., include mutual fund and alternative investment services groups, single-purpose companies that deal with brokerage services and insurance, and a registered investment advisor that manages the company's proprietary mutual funds and investment advisory accounts for institutional customers. For more information, visit umb.com or follow us on Twitter at @UMBFinancial.

About CardPartner

CardPartner specializes in helping U.S.-based membership organizations and charities create custom Visa® credit card programs. CardPartner is owned and operated by UMB Bank, n.a., the lead bank of UMB Financial Corporation (NASDAQ: UMBF) – a financial services holding company headquartered in Kansas City, Mo. Visa® credit cards offered through CardPartner are issued by UMB Bank, n.a., and the bank approves credit decisions, grants credit, and manages the administration for card programs offered by CardPartner.

About Serverside

Founded in 2003, Serverside Group is the global technology leader in digital card design and a provider of innovative software solutions to issuers, personalization bureaus and card manufacturers. Serverside has built a market-leading position by running more than 1,000 card programs through its network of approximately 200 card issuers in 23 countries. Its clients include: RBS Group, Banco Sabadell, ING, Permanent TSB, ANZ, BMW, KBC, Fortis, Eurobank, First National Bank Omaha and Heritage Building Society. Serverside Group is headquartered in London and has offices in New York, Chicago and Auckland. To learn more, please visit www.serversidegroup.com.

Source: UMB Financial Corporation

Contact:
UMB Financial Corporation

Steve Wujek, 816-423-6214

swujek@barkleyus.com

If at first you don't succeed...

2010-03-30T13:00:00.001-04:00

...try, try again. We all know the cliche, but how does this apply to your card program?

We've found that our partners' key to success with their affinity credit card programs has been consistency. The organizations that continually promote their program through a variety of marketing channels have been the ones to see the greatest success. With the initial launch of your program you may have sent out an email blast announcing the program, added it to your website, or maybe posted it on Facebook and Twitter. Chances are you sparked your supporters interest in the program, which most likely resulted in submitted applications. However, the generally accepted marketing theory is that it will take at least 3 exposures to the product before a consumer will act. This is known as the effective frequency and is very much applicable to your affinity program.

Here's a simple example: After their initial, multi-channel launch, several organizations have reserved a space in their weekly e-newsletters for a gentle reminder to their supporters. Even though the card program was not the main focus of the newsletter, by having it incorporated, these organizations have seen an average of 52% more traffic to their application page on the days that the newsletters are sent. This continues to be true even 6-12 months after the program's launch, regardless of the fact that most recipients had already received information about affinity card in the past!

Another subtle reminder, which happens to be part of the marketing toolkit, is including your card program in your email signature line. By having a quick call to action and link to your online application complete each email you are sending, you are effortlessly increasing your card program's exposure.

Card Competition

2010-03-16T12:04:00.002-04:00

PhiladelphiaDANCE has found a great way to give their cards a new look, while re-sparking the interest of their supporters. By holding a card competition, they are getting everyone involved. This viral marketing technique has proven to drive more traffic to card programs' websites and increase the number of applications submitted.

Check out their announcement.....and then vote for your favorite card!

Why not try this out with your program!?

Winter isn't over yet....

2010-03-11T15:00:00.004-05:00

Just in time for the last couple weeks of winter, CardPartner welcomes New York State Snowmobiling Association:

Creating a Big Splash for Sea Shepherd

2010-02-18T14:40:00.003-05:00

Have you seen our new ad in Fundraising Success and Non-Profit Times?

Stand Out

2010-02-02T10:17:00.000-05:00

February is here and I have finally gotten around to tossing all of last year’s Holiday cards - except one. Most were the same old thing and didn't require much effort to get rid of. Yet this particular card a friend had sent sported a picture of himself in just a Santa cap and his birthday suit (with a vase obscuring the unmentionables). Not an image I am terribly anxious to share but…

…there is a point to this. You see, I kept the card - perhaps solely for the reason of blackmail at a later date. But in short, my friend’s card truly stood out.

There’s a marketing lesson in this. Don’t follow the crowd. Be unique. Be remarkable. Be daring and find that you’re remembered.. rememberable (not a word, true, but catchy).

Try this with your card program. Here's how you already stand out:
-One of the best interest rates on the market today
-Enhanced Visa Platinum Benefits
-Custom card designs
-A competitive Introductory offer
-Partnered with the Forbes ranked #2 bank in the nation
-Rewards points

Your card is the EXCLUSIVE credit card showing support for your organization and earning money for your cause. Let your supporters know just how special this credit card is and what they are missing out on by not applying today.

Headline News! The Nation Magazine Launches Card Program

2010-01-11T15:29:00.006-05:00

The Nation Magazine announced their new Visa Platinum Rewards Credit Card today and is quickly climbing the ranks to become one of our most popular partners!

Click here to learn more and apply for your Nation Magazine Visa!

UMB ranked second "best" bank in nation by Forbes!

2010-01-05T11:12:00.000-05:00

UMB has been ranked the second "best" bank in the nation by Forbes in a
study in conjunction with SNL Financial. They looked at eight financial
measures that gauge asset quality, capital adequacy and profitability.
The size of the banks ranged from $5.2 billion to $2.3 trillion in
assets.

The number one "best" bank went to Bank of Hawaii, UMB was second and
Commerce was third. It's interesting to note that two of the top three
banks are headquartered in Missouri - as the article says, "there must
be something in the water." We know it's always been remaining true to
our lending standards, knowing our customers and having the best people
that make us successful.

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-24T14:23:00.000-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving from CardPartner

2009-11-25T19:39:00.000-05:00

Fundraising Success Magazine Features Affinity Programs!

2009-11-09T15:49:00.005-05:00

Fundraising Success Magazine's November issue highlights the misconceptions and benefits of an affinity card program.

"Unquestionably, fundraising has become extremely challenging given the current economy. However, Americans still want to contribute...nonprofits must be [able] to give their supporters ways to do so even when money is tight. One primary way to do so is through affinity marketing..." -'Buy to Give' by Steve Halliday

Check out the rest of the article at Fundraising Success Magazine.

Don't miss out on this great opportunity for you organization. Get started on your organization's affinity program today.

'Tis the season...

2009-11-02T11:39:00.003-05:00

The decorations are starting to be hung and the holiday songs are already playing in the stores here in Manhatten. Even with Halloween only 2 days behind us, it's clear that the holiday shopping must begin!

'Tis the season of giving and your supporters have to opportunity to give back just by using their affinity credit card. By purchasing gifts for their loved ones they will also be making donations to your organization. What a great way to spread the holiday spirit. Make sure to be sending out those e-blasts, newletters, Tweets and Facebook posts with increased frequency and watch your program thrive.

New to CardPartner? Sign up now to get your program started in time for the holiday spending!!

Take Advantage of the Autumn Weather

2009-10-07T09:59:00.003-04:00

With the kids back in school and the colder weather slowly forcing us indoors...seems like the perfect time to do a promotional push about your card program.

Remind your supporters about their opportunity to participate in your card program with the help of our Marketing Toolkit

CardPartner’s Marketing Toolkit provides you with everything you need to:

Send out e-mails to your mailing lists.
Produce a press release.
Print up flyers to hand out at events.
Add banners and badges to your webpage.
Make a blog post about your card program.
Tweet about your visa card.
Add the card program to your e-mail footer.
Produce your own promotional material using the hi-res versions of your cards and our logos.

Elvis Sighting!!

2009-09-24T11:21:00.005-04:00

The Elivis Presley Charitable Foundation launched our new Platinum Visa Rewards Program this past month in full force.

Result?...REMARKABLE! Over 200 cards issued in 3 weeks.

The King now adds 'King of Affinity Cards' to his title.

Over 40 new groups!!

2009-09-09T13:13:00.004-04:00

Proving to be another busy week for the CP team. Working with 40+ new groups to get their programs launched!

Our newest partners include The Arthritis Foundation, Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation, and the Cincinnati Cyclones - who are introducing their cards tonight!

A formal introduction to the Linux "Tux" card.

2009-07-28T14:54:00.005-04:00

Allow us to formally introduce the program that's causing such a sensation today, The Linux Foundation Visa card program!

Whale Wars is back with a vengeance!

2009-07-23T09:39:00.002-04:00

If you haven't already, be sure to check out the new season of Whale Wars. You can see our friends from Sea Shepherd in all their glory Friday nights at 9pm. est on Animal Planet.

Visible Results

2009-07-13T15:53:00.003-04:00

Not that you'll be surprised, but we're seeing a direct correlation between visibility of the card program on our partners' home pages and cards issued.

Omnipeace, which recently added a graphic about the card program on their homepage, is just one example among many.

Vis a vis partners who hide the card, those that let it shine can count on being rewarded with more accounts!

Arthritis Foundation Signs with CardPartner!

2009-07-07T16:05:00.003-04:00

We are very excited to announce that we have signed the Arthritis Foundation and will shortly begin work on designing their custom card program!

Meeting Face to Face

2009-06-30T17:20:00.002-04:00

Yes, we're an online company and we're all for using the latest technology, but even we must confess that there is something to be said for meeting face-to-face. Doug, Margie and I had a wonderful meeting here in town (NYC) with a prospective group this morning and we all commented on how refreshing it was to visit in person, see their facility and put faces to names.
Virtual reality is all well and good but we'll still take real reality any day of the week. We're looking forward to another person-to-person meeting with yet another group tomorrow. If you're in the New York area, consider this your open invitation to stop by and see us at 37 West 20th. Street, Suite 810.

CardPartner by the numbers. Part 1.

2009-06-27T13:56:00.003-04:00

We've been looking at the numbers lately and they're looking very good. At last count, we count thirty-three animal groups among our partners. These humane and welfare groups are focused on saving everything from frogs to whales to greyhounds and rabbits. We're proud to help them get the word out and the income in.

CardPartner Welcomes World ORT

2009-06-23T17:36:00.004-04:00

What a delight to meet in person today with Valerie Khaytina, Deputy North American Representative of World ORT. Founded in 1880, ORT is the world's largest Jewish education and vocational training non-governmental organization. Valerie gave us a great excuse to put up a fresh pot of coffee and bring in a box of pastries from City Bakery. We're looking forward to a a soft launch of her program over the summer, with a major introduction this fall. Thanks to Elie Rubinstein from The Blue Card for introducing Valerie to us.

Get up to speed with our latest signing!

2009-06-19T12:24:00.006-04:00

They're not even available yet and they're already going fast! Coming soon from CardPartner and Porsche Club of America are personalized PCA cards featuring members' very own Porsches.

Watch this space for updates on the launch of this major new program.

Badges? We have badges!!

2009-06-16T14:40:00.002-04:00

The badges section of our online Marketing Toolkit is brand new and we've already updated it with even more selections.

Check out all the new badges featuring our rewards partners now.

See Sea Shepherd on Animal Planet

2009-06-09T17:15:00.004-04:00

Congrats to our friends at Sea Shepherd on the debut of season 2 of Whale Wars.

See Sea Shepherd in action, and we do mean action, for yourself on the Animal Planet channel.

You hear us loud and clear!

2009-06-09T15:08:00.003-04:00

Sorry if we've been shouting on the phone today, but they're reinstalling our old air conditioners in our new windows and there's been a whole lot of banging going on here in Suite 810, 37 West 20th. Street, New York, NY.

Since it's now officially summer in the city, we're happily putting up with the noise and apologize if your ears are ringing!

Big Blow Up in CardPartner Conference Room!

2009-06-08T16:48:00.003-04:00

No, fighting has not broken out in the halls of CardPartner, we're just decorating our conference room with some wonderful blow-ups of our partners' card designs. The first batch of blow-ups arrived today and we'll begin the velcro'ing on Wednesday. We'll post some photos as soon as they're in place.

Introducing The SAVE THE FROGS! Visa Platinum Card

2009-06-08T14:25:00.001-04:00

Introducing The SAVE THE FROGS! Visa Platinum Card

Posted using ShareThis

Introducing The Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Visa Platinum Card

2009-06-08T12:46:00.001-04:00

Introducing The Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Visa Platinum Card

Posted using ShareThis

A Moving Blog Entry

2009-06-08T12:22:00.002-04:00

Thanks to David Liddle, developer extraordinaire, for moving our blog to its new home on Blogger. It will now be very easy for me to post links to our partners' applications using ShareThis.

Surf's Up!

2009-06-04T11:22:00.000-04:00

Wait till you see the awesome cards we've got in the works for the Surfrider Foundation and US Windsurfing, just in time for endless summer! They're the perfect way to pay for your summer getaway.