var news = [ { "title":"Check out the Alpha Card Services company profile in the January 23rd issue of The Greensheet", "description":"Check out the Alpha Card Services company profile in the January 23rd issue of The Greensheet: See issue in the Greensheet", "date":"Feb 08", "category":"Press Release ", "year":"2012", "shortdescription" : "Check out the Alpha Card Services company profile in the January 23rd issue of The Greensheet: http://www.alphacardservices.com/send/120102.pdf", "printR" : "" }, { "title":"Check out the Alpha Card Services Startup Stories article in the December 2011 issue of Transaction Trends", "description":"Check out the Alpha Card Services Startup Stories article in the December 2011 issue of Transaction Trends: See our article in Transacton Trends", "date":"Feb 08", "category":"Press Release ", "year":"2012", "shortdescription" : "Check out the Alpha Card Services Startup Stories article in the December 2011 issue of Transaction Trends: http://www.alphacardservices.com/send/december2011_TransactionTrends_ACS.pdf ", "printR" : "" }, { "title":"Alpha Card Services has re-launched their corporate website", "description":"January 23, 2012, Philadelphia, PA – Alpha Card Services has re-launched their corporate website (www.alphacardservices.com) to better meet the demands of their growing merchant and partner base, and to also acquire and convert new website visitors. The updated website was created in a modern Web 2.0 design that is heavily focused on social media, SEO content and interactive graphics.

Key features of the new site include a more user friendly navigation that focuses on the company’s growing product portfolio of merchant solutions. Site users will be able to easily find products and services that are useful for their particular vertical market, such as restaurants, retail, e-commerce, or mail order businesses. Additional enhancements include a letter from Alpha Card Services’ CEO Lazaros Kalemis, a merchant referral program, and content highlighting news, events and happenings at the company. The redesigned site solidifies the company’s strategic direction of providing superior service, support and comprehensive business solutions to their merchants and partners.

“The new Alpha Card website is another piece of the puzzle in our recent rebranding initiative.” says John Lauer, Director of Marketing at Alpha Card Services. “As we have positioned ourselves as the payment processing industry’s leading comprehensive solutions provider, we needed to convey a fresh online image to our merchants and partners. Our continued goal is to have a clean, consistent image and brand message communicated across all our marketing platforms, including web, email, print, and social media.”

Alpha Card Services, an Inc. 500 I 5000 company from 2007 through 2011, has grown tremendously since its inception in 2000 and remains focused on adapting their award-winning services to meet the ever-changing business climate. Alpha Card Services, a Registered MasterCard® TPP and ISO/MSP of Wells Fargo Bank - Walnut Creek, CA and HSBC Bank, NA Buffalo, NY., was founded in 2000 as an agent and merchant friendly ISO. Within ten years the company has expanded their operations in both Pennsylvania and California, maintained zero hold times for over 5 years, and increased its product portfolio to credit and debit card processing, gift and loyalty cards, POS systems, Payroll services, merchant cash advances, ATM services, check guarantee services and will be introducing additional new products and programs throughout 2012.", "date":"Jan 23", "category":"Press Release ", "year":"2012", "shortdescription" : "Alpha Card Services has re-launched their corporate website (www.alphacardservices.com).", "printR" : "
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" }, { "title":"Alpha Card Services Launches Terminal Upgrade Program", "description":"January 16, 2012, Philadelphia, PA – Alpha Card Services has just launched a revolutionary terminal upgrade program to their existing merchants. The company announced they will be offering a free Hypercom T4205 upgrade to those merchants with out-of-compliance terminals or terminals which are unable to process all credit card types. Merchants participating in the upgrade program will agree to a new 36 month contract. After completion of the 36 month contract the terminal will be the merchants to keep.

An option of the terminal upgrade program allows the merchants who are processing with high speed internet to purchase the Hypercom T4220 Terminal for $9.95 per month. Additionally, a free supply and warranty program will be included with this option as long as the merchant continues to process with Alpha Card Services.

According to Alpha Card Services, the program will expire on March 30, 2012. For more information on Alpha Card’s terminal upgrade program, please click here.

“This is a great opportunity for our merchants considering the plethora of outdated and non-compliant terminals that exist.” says Robert Heinrich, VP of Sales at Alpha Card Services. “With PCI compliance issues as well as the introduction of EMV, we wanted to ensure that our merchants had state-of-the-art POS equipment to accept all payment types.”

Alpha Card Services, an Inc. 500 I 5000 company from 2007 through 2011, has grown tremendously since its inception in 2000 and remains focused on adapting their award-winning services to meet the ever-changing business climate. Alpha Card Services, a Registered MasterCard® TPP and ISO/MSP of Wells Fargo Bank - Walnut Creek, CA and HSBC Bank, NA Buffalo, NY., was founded in 2000 as an agent and merchant friendly ISO. Within ten years the company has expanded their operations in both Pennsylvania and California, maintained zero hold times for over 5 years, and increased its product portfolio to credit and debit card processing, gift and loyalty cards, POS systems, Payroll services, merchant cash advances, ATM services, check guarantee services and will be introducing additional new products and programs throughout 2012.", "date":"Jan 16", "category":"Press Release ", "year":"2012", "shortdescription" : "Alpha Card Services has just launched a revolutionary terminal upgrade program to their existing merchants.", "printR" : "
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" }, { "title":"Lazaros Kalemis, featured in Philadelphia Business Journal's CEO File", "description":"Click the link to the Philadelphia Business Journal CEO File article on Lazaros Kalemis: http://www.alphacardservices.com/send/ceofile_1.pdf", "date":"Dec 16", "category":"Press Release ", "year":"2011", "shortdescription" : "Philadelphia Business Journal CEO File article on Lazaros Kalemis", "printR": "END" }, { "title":"Lazaros Kalemis inducted into Philadelphia 100 Hall of Fame", "description":"Alpha Card Services' CEO, Lazaros Kalemis was recently honored as being one of five local Philadelphia area CEO's inducted into the Philadelphia 100: 2011 CEO Hall of Fame. Additionally, Alpha Card Services as a company was inducted into the Philadelphia 100: 2011 Company Hall of Fame.

Both these honors were bestowed to the company due to the 5 consecutive years of Alpha Card Services being awarded the esteemed Philadelphia 100 ranking. The Philadelphia 100 award was created to honor and identify the fastest growing companies in the Philadelphia region.

\"The Philadelphia 100 Hall of Fame award is a great honor, not only for me personally, but to the efforts of our employees and ISO team partners; all of whom are emboldened to follow our corporate mantra 'Committed to Excellence' \" says Lazaros Kalemis, CEO of Alpha Card Services. \"We expect to meet the high standards of the Philadelphia 100 Hall of Fame program for years to come.\"

Alpha Card Services, an Inc. 500 I 5000 company from 2007 through 2011, has grown tremendously since its inception in 2000 and remains focused on adapting their award-winning services to meet the ever-changing business climate. Alpha Card Services, a Registered MasterCard® TPP and ISO/MSP of Wells Fargo Bank - Walnut Creek, CA and HSBC Bank, NA Buffalo, NY., was founded in 2000 as an agent and merchant friendly ISO. Within ten years the company has expanded their operations in both Pennsylvania and California, maintained zero hold times for over 4 years, and increased its product portfolio to credit and debit card processing, gift and loyalty cards, POS systems, merchant cash advances, ATM services, check guarantee services and will be introducing many additional new products and programs throughout 2011.", "date":"Dec 6", "category":"Press Release ", "year":"2011", "shortdescription" : "Alpha Card Services' CEO, Lazaros Kalemis was recently honored as being one of five local Philadelphia area CEO's inducted into the Philadelphia 100: 2011 CEO Hall of Fame.", "printR" : "
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" }, { "title":"Podcast of Lazaros Kalemis, Alpha Card Services, CEO, at Bank Horizons", "description":"Podcast of Lazaros Kalemis, Alpha Card Services CEO, at Bank Horizons show in Atlantic City.", "date":"Nov 11", "category":"Multimedia", "year":"2011", "shortdescription" : "Alpha Card Services, CEO, at Bank Horizons", "printR": "END" }, { "title":"Alpha Card Services though the Alpha Card Cares initiative, sponsors Karen’s Phightin’ Phans at the Greater Philadelphia Walk to Defeat ALS!", "description":"On November 5th, Alpha Card Services though the Alpha Card Cares initiative, will be sponsoring and organizing Karen’s Phightin’ Phans, a walk team at the Greater Philadelphia Walk to Defeat ALS event at Citizen’s Bank Park in Philadelphia. The Alpha Card Cares walk team was sponsored in memory of Karen Rowlands, mother of Grant Rowlands, an Alpha Card Services employee. Karen recently passed away from ALS, otherwise known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

ALS is a progressive, neurogenerative and fatal disease affecting 5 out of every 100,000 people worldwide. At this point there is no known cure for ALS, although extensive research is ongoing to determine the root cause of the disease and develop an appropriate treatment.

As part of their support with the Greater Philadelphia Walk to Defeat ALS, Alpha Card Cares sponsored the Karen’s Phightin’ Phans walk team, designed and produced t-shirts to be worn by the walkers, and raised money to help fight ALS research efforts.

To help Alpha Card Cares promote a great cause in defeating ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease, the following link is the team donation page for Karen’s Phightin’ Phans. http://www.kintera.org/faf/donorreg/donorpledge.asp?ievent=464067&supId=342139656&msource=bfgetwordout

Alpha Card Services through the Alpha Card Cares initiative mobilizes the collective, financial and organizational effort of Alpha Card Services’ employees, management, customers, and vendors to support a variety of causes and organizations.", "date":"Nov 2", "category":"Press Release ", "year":"2011", "shortdescription" : "On November 5th, Alpha Card Services though the Alpha Card Cares initiative, will be sponsoring and organizing Karen's Phightin' Phans, a walk team at the Greater Philadelphia Walk to Defeat ALS event at Citizen's Bank Park in Philadelphia.", "printR" : "
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" }, { "title":"Alpha Card Services extends merchant application deadline until 3:00 p.m. PST for same day approval!", "description":"Alpha Card Services announced the extension of their Underwriting Department’s hours. The company reports that if a completed merchant application is submitted to Underwriting by 3:00 p.m. PST, it will be approved the same day expanding the current deadline by 4 hours. Alpha Card states the intention of the expanded Underwriting schedule is to further support our customers nationwide in obtaining same day account approval.

“Alpha Card’s underwriting department is open for business,” says Lazaros Kalemis, CEO of Alpha Card Services. “The expanded hours reflect the sentiment of our ISO and Financial Institution partners who are generating merchant applications at all hours of the day. The reality is merchant business does not end at 5:00 p.m. EST.”

In addition, the company recently opened their west coast office in Roseville, California. The purpose of the California office is to better serve Alpha Card’s nationwide customer base with expanded shipping time windows, and reduced transit times and lower shipping costs for western U.S. merchants.

“The new Roseville, California office is designed to better serve our customers,” says Robert Heinrich, VP Sales at Alpha Card Services. “With our state-of-the-art California facility and expanded shipping window, we can easily deploy products and services to our merchants nationwide after 5pm Eastern. Coupled with the Underwriting Department’s extended hours, we are enhancing an already superior Alpha Card experience.”

Over the past six months, the company has announced a number of high profile additions to their growing Sales, Marketing and Retention departments. Alpha Card Services also launched several ancillary product offerings, with Hospitality and Retail POS Systems and Employee Payroll Services as the centerpiece. The company reports these new product and service additions will provide comprehensive business solutions to a variety of merchants.

Alpha Card Services, an Inc. 500 I 5000 company from 2007 through 2011, has grown tremendously since its inception in 2000 and remains focused on adapting their award-winning services to meet the ever-changing business climate. Alpha Card Services, LLC.., a registered ISO/MSP of HSBC Bank, National Association Buffalo NY, was founded in 2000 as an agent and merchant friendly ISO. Within ten years the company has expanded its operations in both Pennsylvania and California, maintained zero hold times for over 4 years, and increased its product portfolio to credit and debit card processing, gift and loyalty cards, POS systems, merchant cash advances, ATM services, check guarantee services and will be introducing many additional new products and programs throughout 2011.", "date":"Sep 23", "category":"Press Release", "year":"2011", "shortdescription" : "Alpha Card Services announced the extension of their Underwriting Department's hours. The company reports that if a completed merchant application is submitted to Underwriting by 3:00 p.m. PST, it will be approved the same day expanding the current deadline by 4 hours.", "printR" : "
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" }, { "title":"Alpha Card Services Ranks No. 1644 on the 2011 Inc. 500 | 5000 With Three-Year Sales Growth of 165%", "description":"NEW YORK, August 24, 2011 -- Inc. magazine today ranked Alpha Card Services Number 1644 on its fifth annual Inc. 500 | 5000, an exclusive ranking of the nation's fastest growing private companies. The list represents the most comprehensive look at the most important segment of the economy—America’s independent entrepreneurs. Online retailer ideeli tops this year’s list. Alpha Card Services joins Spirit Airlines, television maker Vizio, Honest Tea, Dunkin Donuts and Metrokane, makers of the Rabbit corkscrew, among other prominent brands featured on this year’s list.

In addition to the overall ranking, Alpha Card Services was ranked the 80th fastest growing company in the financial industry and the 49th fastest growing company in the Philadelphia region. Alpha Card Services has been listed on the Inc. 500 | 5000 for 5 consecutive years.

“2011 has been a landmark year for Alpha Card Services in more ways than one,” says Lazaros Kalemis, CEO of Alpha Card Services. “Our continued ranking for 5 consecutive years on the Inc. 500 | 5000 list, is the capstone to an already successful period of organic sales growth, new product and service additions, key staff appointments and increased industry awareness. This honor could not have been accomplished without the tireless efforts of the entire Alpha Card team, including our nearly 600 independent sales offices.”

In a stagnant economic environment, median growth rate of 2011 Inc. 500 | 5000 companies remains an impressive 94 percent. The companies on this year’s list report having created 350,000 jobs in the past three years, and aggregate revenue among the honorees reached $366 billion, up 14 percent from last year.

Complete results of the Inc. 5000, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, region, and other criteria, can be found at www.inc.com/5000.

CONTACT: John Lauer, Director of Marketing at Alpha Card Services. 866-253-2227 ext. 52 or jlauer@alphacardservices.com

Methodology

The 2011 Inc. 500 is ranked according to percentage revenue growth when comparing 2007 to 2010. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2007. Additionally, they had to be U.S.-based, privately held, for profit, and independent—not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies—as of December 31, 2010. (Since then, a number of companies on the list have gone public or been acquired.) The minimum revenue required for 2007 is $100,000; the minimum for 2010 is $2 million. As always, Inc. reserves the right to decline applicants for subjective reasons. Companies on the Inc. 500 are featured in Inc.’s September issue. They represent the top tier of the Inc. 5000, which can be found at www.inc.com/500.

About Inc. Magazine

Founded in 1979 and acquired in 2005 by Mansueto Ventures LLC, Inc. (www.inc.com) is the only major business magazine dedicated exclusively to owners and managers of growing private companies that delivers real solutions for today’s innovative company builders. With a total paid circulation of 710,106, Inc. provides hands-on tools and market-tested strategies for managing people, finances, sales, marketing, and technology. Visit us online at www.inc.com.

About the Inc. 500|5000 Conference

Each year, Inc. and Inc.com celebrate the remarkable achievements of today’s entrepreneurial superstars—the privately held small businesses that drive our economy. The Inc. 500|5000 Conference & Awards Ceremony brings together members of the Inc. community, both a new class of Inc. 500|5000 honorees and the list’s alumni, for three days of powerful networking, inspired learning, and momentous celebration. Please join us September 22–24, 2011, at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland, located minutes from downtown Washington, D.C. For more information about the 2011 Inc. 500|5000 Conference & Awards Ceremony and to register, visit www.inc500conference.com or call 866-901-3205.

About Alpha Card Services

Alpha Card Services, an Inc. 500 company from 2007 through 2011, has grown tremendously since its inception in 2000 and remains focused on adapting their award-winning services to meet the ever-changing business climate. Alpha Card Services, LLC., a registered ISO/MSP of HSBC Bank, National Association Buffalo NY, was founded in 2000 as an agent and merchant friendly ISO. Within ten years the company has expanded its operations in both Pennsylvania and California, maintained zero hold times for over 4 years, and increased its product portfolio to credit and debit card processing, gift and loyalty cards, POS systems, merchant cash advances, ATM services, check guarantee services and will be introducing many additional new products and programs throughout 2011.", "date":"Aug 24", "category":"Press Release ", "year":"2011", "shortdescription" : "NEW YORK, August 24, 2011 -- Inc. magazine today ranked Alpha Card Services Number 1644 on its fifth annual Inc. 500 | 5000, an exclusive ranking of the nation's fastest growing private companies. The list represents the most comprehensive look at the most important segment of the economy—America's independent entrepreneurs.", "printR" : "
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" }, { "title":"Alpha Card Services Selects SparkBase to Power Loyalty and Gift Card Programs", "description":'CLEVELAND, OH (August 15, 2011) – SparkBase (sparkbase.com), a leading loyalty and gift card network for financial services providers, announced today that Alpha Card Services selected SparkBase to power the loyalty and gift card programs they make available to their merchant clients. Alpha Card Services (alphacardservices.com) is a comprehensive business solutions provider that enables cost effective payment solutions for thousands of businesses across the United States, processing over $2 billion annually.

"We selected SparkBase to provide our loyalty, gift card, and mobile marketing solutions because of their robust technology platform and commitment to their ISO partners," said Lazaros Kalemis, CEO of Alpha Card Services. "Our goal is to provide our merchants with a turnkey program that includes Alpha Card produced, custom-branded cards; promotions delivered by card, email and text messaging, and mobile coupons that will help them grow their business. Our commitment to servicing and engaging our customers remains stronger than ever; coupled with our unique ability to deliver targeted and branded solutions to our merchants, while utilizing Sparkbase\'s powerful stored value technology platform."

Alpha Card Services also plans to offer SparkBase\'s new Paycloud mobile loyalty and marketing component that transforms iPhones and Android smartphones into mobile wallets that enable loyalty rewards and deliver merchant coupons and promotions directly to the consumer\'s phone.

Doug Hardman, CEO of SparkBase, commented, "By selecting the SparkBase technology platform to power its loyalty and gift card programs Alpha Card Services can offer its merchants cutting-edge reward, gift card and mobile marketing functionality. They can leverage our core strengths in developing and supporting the technology that delivers world-class loyalty and marketing programs that small and mid-sized businesses need while focusing on their core strengths of innovation and support."

About SparkBase – SparkBase entered the stored-value industry in early 2004 as the first truly independent gift and loyalty processing network. SparkBase continues to lead in innovation with its proprietary gateway, using patent pending technologies for processing stored value transactions with traditional cards, and new mobile payments methods. Developed in house at their headquarters in Cleveland, Ohio, SparkBase is a leader in gift and reward processing. For more information, visit sparkbase.com.

About Alpha Card Services – Alpha Card Services was founded in 2000 as an agent- and merchant-friendly ISO. Within ten years the company has expanded its operations in both Pennsylvania and California, maintained zero hold times for over 4 years, and increased its product portfolio to credit and debit card processing, gift and loyalty cards, POS systems, merchant cash advances, ATM services, check guarantee services and will be introducing many additional new products and programs throughout 2011. For more information, visit alphacardservices.com.', "date":"Aug 16", "category":"Press Release", "year":"2011", "shortdescription" : "CLEVELAND, OH (August 15, 2011) – SparkBase (sparkbase.com), a leading loyalty and gift card network for financial services providers, announced today that Alpha Card Services selected SparkBase to power the loyalty and gift card programs they make available to their merchant clients.", "printR": "END" }, { "title":"MaryAnn Baldez joins Alpha Card Services as National Sales Manager", "description":'August 4, 2011, Philadelphia, PA – Alpha Card Services has announced that MaryAnn Baldez has joined the organization as National Sales Manager, where her responsibilities include growing the ISO and MLS sales channel from their California office.

MaryAnn comes to Alpha Card Services with over 14 years\' experience in the payments industry. Her prior background includes stints at both POS Portal and Tasq Technology, where she exceled in providing POS and CRM solutions to ISOs and MLS.

"In talking with my ISO and MLS customers, the Alpha Card Services name constantly came up in conversations when talking of the best service provided by any ISO." Baldez continued, "Alpha Card Services\' commitment to excellence really appealed to me in making the big leap from terminal sales."

Over the past six months, the company has announced a number of high profile additions to their growing Sales, Marketing and Retention departments. In addition to these staff additions, Alpha Card Services also launched several ancillary product offerings, with Hospitality and Retail POS Systems and Employee Payroll Services as the centerpiece. The company reports these new product and service additions will provide comprehensive business solutions to a variety of merchants.

"Alpha Card Services takes pride in providing exceptional service and building long-term partnerships with our sales channel. MaryAnn has proven to share those same strategies, as well as the relevant industry experience to continue to grow our business with our ISO sales partners", says Lazaros Kalemis, CEO of Alpha Card Services.

Alpha Card Services, an Inc. 500 company from 2007 through 2010, has grown tremendously since its inception in 2000 and remains focused on adapting their award-winning services to meet the ever-changing business climate. Alpha Card Services, Inc., a registered ISO/MSP of HSBC Bank, National Association Buffalo NY, was founded in 2000 as an agent- and merchant-friendly ISO. Within ten years the company has expanded its operations in both Pennsylvania and California, maintained zero hold times for over 4 years, and increased its product portfolio to credit and debit card processing, gift and loyalty cards, POS systems, merchant cash advances, ATM services, check guarantee services and will be introducing many additional new products and programs throughout 2011.', "date":"Aug 4", "category":"Press Release", "year":"2011", "shortdescription" : "August 4, 2011, Philadelphia, PA – Alpha Card Services has announced that MaryAnn Baldez has joined the organization as National Sales Manager, where her responsibilities include growing the ISO and MLS sales channel from their California office.", "printR" : "
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" }, { "title":"Lazaros Kalemis featured on the CEO Intronet Roundtable edition", "description":"Lazaros Kalemis featured on the CEO Intronet Roundtable edition by eCorp TV", "date":"Jul 13", "category":"Multimedia", "year":"2011", "shortdescription" : "Lazaros Kalemis featured on the CEO Intronet Roundtable edition by eCorp TV", "printR": "END" }, { "title":"Lazaros Kalemis featured on the CEO Intronet by eCorp TV", "description":"Lazaros Kalemis featured on the CEO Intronet by eCorp TV", "date":"Jul 13", "category":"Multimedia", "year":"2011", "shortdescription" : "Lazaros Kalemis featured on the CEO Intronet by eCorp TV", "printR": "END" }, { "title":"Alpha Card merchants can now accept credit cards through smartphones", "description":'July 8, 2011, Philadelphia, PA - Alpha Card Services has announced their merchants can now accept credit cards through the use of existing iPhone, Blackberry, or Android smartphones. According to Alpha Card Services, a mobile placement reader is required which enables credit card swiping, as well as a downloadable smartphone app dubbed QwickPAY. The company also reports that current Alpha Card merchants can request a no-charge mobile placement reader as part of their processing agreement.

According to Alpha Card Services, the principal benefits to the merchant are the security and mobility of the QwickPAY system. QwickPAY surpasses current PCI DSS standards by combining multi-layered MagneSafe™ security, in addition to encrypting card data from the point-of-swipe. The QwickPAY service enables merchants to use their existing mobile devices to make secure, card present transactions anytime and anywhere, without the concerns of storing sensitive card data. Additionally, the merchant will not need to utilize a receipt printer as the QwickPAY application captures the signature on the device screen and emails the receipt directly to the customer. The company also cited recent research that retailers are starting to migrate towards paperless, digital receipts in an effort to reduce paper and printer ink costs, as well capture consumer emails for future promotions and coupon offers.

"QwickPAY is a great solution for the busy merchant that needs to process numerous mobile transactions", says Robert Heinrich, VP Sales at Alpha Card Services. "We have found perfect applications for QwickPAY in restaurant and bar settings, as well as retail environments where longer checkout queues are commonplace. Merchants will be pleased that their payment transactions are handled quickly and safely."

"Our continued objective is to provide more value-added services to our merchants." says Lazaros Kalemis, CEO of Alpha Card Services. "We have evolved into a mobile society that thrives on quick, efficient, and secure payment transactions. QwickPAY addresses all these merchant needs with a downloadable software app and simple placement reader."

Alpha Card Services, an Inc. 500 company from 2007 through 2010, has grown tremendously since its inception in 2000 and remains focused on adapting their award-winning services to meet the ever-changing business climate. Alpha Card Services, Inc., a registered ISO/MSP of HSBC Bank, National Association Buffalo NY, was founded in 2000 as an agent- and merchant-friendly ISO. Within ten years the company has expanded its operations in both Pennsylvania and California, maintained zero hold times for over 4 years, and increased its product portfolio to credit and debit card processing, gift and loyalty cards, POS systems, merchant cash advances, ATM services, check guarantee services and will be introducing many additional new products and programs throughout 2011.

For more information on the QwickPAY mobile payment processing solution, call Robert Heinrich, 1-866-253-2227 ext. 25 or email rheinrich@alphacardservices.com.

Follow Alpha Card Services:

www.alphacardservices.com/facebook

http://twitter.com/AlphaCardServic

www.alphacardservices.com/blog

www.alphacardservices.com/linkedin', "date":"Jul 11", "category":"Press Release", "year":"2011", "shortdescription" : "July 8, 2011, Philadelphia, PA - Alpha Card Services has announced their merchants can now accept credit cards through the use of existing iPhone, Blackberry, or Android smartphones. According to Alpha Card Services, a mobile placement reader is required which enables credit card swiping, as well as a downloadable smartphone app dubbed QwickPAY.", "printR" : "
VIEW / PRINT PDF FORMAT
" }, { "title":"Alpha Card Services appoints Alejandro Swaby as National POS Manager", "description":'June 23, 2011, Philadelphia, PA - Alpha Card Services has announced the appointment of Alejandro Swaby to the newly created position of National POS Sales Manager. In his new position, Alejandro will oversee Alpha\'s point-of-sale (POS) product development, day to day operations, sales, as well as support and services.

Prior to assuming his current role with Alpha Card Services, Swaby founded Innovative Network Administrators, a technology firm and operated as the Chief Operating Officer. In this role, he led a sales force and developed an in-house channel partner program for software vendors, resellers, ISO\'s, and other vertical markets. Swaby also developed an internal rapid dispatch system to dispatch technicians nationwide to support over 100 reseller, manufacturer, and software products. Prior to Innovative Network Administrators, Swaby held a relationship manager position at Heartland Payment Systems where he specialized in restaurant and retail POS sales and integrations.

"There are infinite possibilities at Alpha Card Services with regard to POS services, said Swaby. Retailers and Restaurateurs need a knowledgeable company which can deliver comprehensive turnkey solutions and services specific for their industry to improve the bottom line. Alpha Card Services is positioned to create that partnership."

"Alejandro is a key addition to our leadership team," says Lazaros Kalemis, CEO of Alpha Card Services. "We are fully positioned to become a comprehensive business solutions provider to merchants with the addition of POS Services and soon to be launched Payroll Services."

Alpha Card Services, an Inc. 500 company from 2007 through 2010, has grown tremendously since its inception in 2000 and remains focused on adapting their award-winning services to meet the ever-changing business climate. Alpha Card Services, Inc., a registered ISO/MSP of HSBC Bank, National Association Buffalo NY, was founded in 2000 as an agent- and merchant-friendly ISO. Within ten years the company has expanded its operation to a 10,000 square-foot state of the art facility, maintained zero hold times for over 3 years and increased its product portfolio from credit and debit card processing, gift and loyalty cards, and check guarantee services, to include merchant cash advances, ATM services and many exciting new products and programs to be introduced throughout 2011.

For more information on Alpha Card POS Services, call Alejandro Swaby, 1-866-253-2227 ext. 51 or email aswaby@alphacardservices.com.

PR Contact:

John Lauer, Director of Marketing

866-253-2227 ext. 52 and jlauer@alphacardservices.com', "date":"Jun 24", "category":"Press Release", "year":"2011", "shortdescription" : "June 23, 2011, Philadelphia, PA - Alpha Card Services has announced the appointment of Alejandro Swaby to the newly created position of National POS Sales Manager. In his new position, Alejandro will oversee Alpha\'s point-of-sale (POS) product development, day to day operations, sales, as well as support and services.", "printR" : "
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" }, { "title":"Alpha Card Services opens Alpha Card West", "description":'June 17, 2011, Philadelphia, PA - Alpha Card Services has announced the recent opening of their new West Coast regional office in Roseville, California, aptly named Alpha Card West. Headed by Robert Heinrich, VP of Sales at Alpha Card Services, this centrally located Western regional office will provide new and existing merchants and ISO partners with expanded sales and support options. The new Alpha Card West office is anticipated to better serve the customer with reduced shipping times and lowered freight costs due to the on-site warehouse.

Concurrent to the Alpha Card West launch, the company has recently hired a veteran National Sales Manager to expand their ISO reseller universe. Other key appointments are expected to soon follow.

"This launch is the next step of our evolution in properly engaging industry ISOs and related merchants," says Robert Heinrich, VP Sales at Alpha Card Services. "Alpha Card West is prepared to handle increased customer service and support requirements for the Western United States."

"With the opening of Alpha Card West and our other recent initiatives, we have become more than just a payment processor to merchants," says Lazaros Kalemis, CEO of Alpha Card Services. "Our customers have business requirements that go well beyond check or credit processing. We are prepared to assist them in any way possible and act as a comprehensive business solutions provider. "

Over the past year, Alpha Card Services has been aggressive with a number of notable changes including an industry leading free Mobile Processing solution for Smartphones, an in-house dedicated retention department, aggressive residual splits and working capital to our partnered sales offices, to go along with our legendary zero hold time support queues.

Alpha Card Services, an Inc. 500 company from 2007 through 2010, has grown tremendously since its inception in 2000 and remains focused on adapting their award-winning services to meet the ever-changing business climate. Alpha Card Services, Inc., a registered ISO/MSP of HSBC Bank, National Association Buffalo NY, was founded in 2000 as an agent- and merchant-friendly ISO. Within ten years the company has expanded its operation to a 10,000 square-foot state of the art facility, maintained zero hold times for over 3 years and increased its product portfolio from credit and debit card processing, gift and loyalty cards, and check guarantee services, to include merchant cash advances, ATM services and many exciting new products and programs to be introduced throughout 2011.

For more information on Alpha Card West and ISO programs and services, call Robert Heinrich, 1-866-253-2227 ext. 25 or email rheinrich@alphacardservices.com.

PR Contact:

John Lauer, Director of Marketing

866-253-2227 ext. 52 and jlauer@alphacardservices.com', "date":"Jun 17", "category":"Press Release", "year":"2011", "shortdescription" : "June 17, 2011, Philadelphia, PA - Alpha Card Services has announced the recent opening of their new West Coast regional office in Roseville, California, aptly named Alpha Card West. Headed by Robert Heinrich, VP of Sales at Alpha Card Services, this centrally located Western regional office will provide new and existing merchants and ISO partners with expanded sales and support options.", "printR" : "
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" }, { "title":"Alpha Card Services celebrates 10 year milestone", "description":'February 25, 2010, Philadelphia, PA, - Alpha Card Services is proud to celebrate its 10th year in the industry. In recognition of this achievement the company has refined its already-successful business model by offering an even greater Commitment to Excellence.

"We\'re committed to not only meeting but surpassing the expectations of both merchants and ISOs," says Lazaros Kalemis, CEO of Alpha Card Services. "The new Alpha Card is about going above and beyond everyone\'s expectations."

Most noticeably, Alpha Card Services has upgraded its company logo to reflect its dedication to this new motto. But the changes go much deeper than a new image. With true commitment comes real change through an expanded range of highly competitive programs and services that will enhance the experience of everyone involved in the Alpha Card community.

Some of the most notable changes include a highly-competitive Free Wireless Terminal program, a dedicated retention department, aggressive residual splits and working capital to our partnered sales offices to go along with our legendary zero hold time support queues.

Alpha Card Services, an Inc 500 company from 2007 through 2010, has grown tremendously since its inception in 2000 and remains focused on adapting their award-winning services to meet the ever-changing business climate. Alpha Card Services, Inc., a registered ISO/MSP of HSBC Bank, National Association Buffalo NY, was founded in 2000 as an agent- and merchant-friendly ISO. Within ten years the company has expanded its operation to a 10,000 square-foot state of the art facility, maintained zero hold times for over 3 years and increased its product portfolio from credit and debit card processing, gift and loyalty cards, and check guarantee services, to include merchant cash advances, ATM services and many exciting new products and programs to be introduced throughout 2011.

For more information on programs and services call Robert Heinrich, 1-866-253-2227 ext. 25', "date":"Mar 4", "category":"Press Release", "year":"2011", "shortdescription" : "February 25, 2010, Philadelphia, PA, - Alpha Card Services is proud to celebrate its 10th year in the industry. In recognition of this achievement the company has refined its already-successful business model by offering an even greater Commitment to Excellence.", "printR": "END" }, { "title":"Alpha Card Redesign", "description":'April 19th , 2010 - Alpha Card Services, Inc., a leading payment processor and merchant acquirer today has release a redesigned corporate website.

"The Alphacardservices.com redesign was sorely needed to update company offerings and image," said Alpha Card Services, Inc CEO Lazaros Kalemis. "We envision that alphacardservices.com will become the gateway to everything Alpha"

Alpha Card Services prides itself on being an agent and merchant friendly ISO/MSP and continually tries to improve the experience these customers have with all their interaction and communication with our company.

"Our MIS Department is doing a great job in redeveloping our corporate image, and adding much need functionality." said Alpha Card Services, Inc CEO Lazaros Kalemis. "the new site reflects the growth of our company and includes several nice features including current national news headlines, up to the second processing volume, a map of the country depicting our active merchant locations, and direct links to both our ISO/MLS portal and our merchant portal including our Card Acceptance guide for merchants."', "date":"Apr 19", "category":"Press Release", "year":"2010", "shortdescription" : "April 19th , 2010 - Alpha Card Services, Inc., a leading payment processor and merchant acquirer today has release a redesigned corporate website.", "printR": "END" }, { "title":"Executive News Radio Interview", "description":"Insert link to multi-media.", "date":"Apr 15", "category":"Multimedia", "year":"2010", "shortdescription" : "News radio interview with Alpha Card Executive.", "printR": "END" }, { "title":"13th consecutive month with zero hold times!", "description":'March 28, 2007 - Alpha Card Services, Inc., announced today that December 2006 was the thirteenth consecutive month with zero hold times for either technical support or customer service. Alpha Card Services, Inc., a registered ISO/MSP of HSBC Bank, National Association Buffalo NY, is focused on offering payment solutions to the small to medium sized merchant market.

"We are excited that even with our tremendous growth of over 1,700 percent since 2004 that our customers and sales groups have not experienced any growing pains in the support they need" says Dimitrios Tsikoudis CO-Founder of Alpha Card Services. "We believe the key to our outstanding record in service is doing things right the first time, every time."

Alpha Card Services, Inc., prides itself in staying ahead of their tremendous growth and hiring staff before they are critically needed.

"It is easy to market to potential sales groups and merchants with the level of support we offer" says Robert Heinrich, President of sales and marketing. "There are many companies in our industry that have experienced tremendous growth, what I believe sets us apart is that we are not only focused on the growth of the sales channel but also building the foundation to support that growth as well."', "date":"Apr 14", "category":"Press Release", "year":"2010", "shortdescription" : "March 28, 2007 - Alpha Card Services, Inc., announced today that December 2006 was the thirteenth consecutive month with zero hold times for either technical support or customer service. Alpha Card Services, Inc., a registered ISO/MSP of HSBC Bank, National Association Buffalo NY, is focused on offering payment solutions to the small to medium sized merchant market.", "printR": "END" }, { "title":"Alpha Card Services ranks 6th on the 19th annual Philadelphia 100 list", "description":'October 26th , 2009 - Alpha Card Services, Inc., a leading payment processor and merchant acquirer, has been named one of the 100 fastest-growing privately held companies in the Philadelphia region by the Philadelphia 100. Alpha Card Services, Inc. ranked number 6 with a growth rate of 519.39% percent over the last two years.

"Recognition by the Philadelphia 100 is just an incredible feeling after all these years of hard work," said Alpha Card Services, Inc. Co-Founder and COO Dimitrios Tsikoudis. "To be honored alongside some of the areas biggest companies just goes to show you that by working hard and treating employees, our partners, and our merchants fairly really pays off."

Founded in 2000, Alpha Card Services, Inc. is a payment and transaction processor serving businesses nationwide. Alpha Card Services currently handles the merchant accounts for over 10,000 merchant locations and processing in excess of 1.2 billion dollars annually. Headquartered in Huntingdon Valley, PA the company provides payment processing services for Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, Diners Club, JCB, ATM, debit cards, EBT state and government cards, Electronic Check Conversion Company through AlphaCheck, a customizable gift/ loyalty card program, and ATM machines through Alpha ATM.

"We believe our staffs\' dedication to our partners and merchants through zero hold times is really paying off" says Dimitrios Tsikoudis "We believe the key to our outstanding record in service is doing things right the first time every time."

Alpha Card Services, Inc., prides itself in staying ahead of their tremendous growth by hiring staff before they are critically needed.

"It is very exciting to be recognized for this fast growth" says Lazaros Kalemis, Co-Founder and CEO of Alpha Card Services, Inc. "The nicest part was to be listed with several of our merchants that we have grown along side since our inception."

About the Philadelphia 100: Founded in 1988, The Entrepreneurs forum of Greater Philadelphia, The Philadelphia Business Journal, and Wharton SBDC, The Philadelphia 100 is a merit based program which was founded to publicly identify, recognize, and promote young successful companies. The Philly 100 has been awarding the entrepreneurial community for 19 years now and will continue to recognize these successful privately owned, fast-growing companies.', "date":"Oct 26", "category":"Awards", "year":"2009", "shortdescription" : "October 26th , 2009 - Alpha Card Services, Inc., a leading payment processor and merchant acquirer, has been named one of the 100 fastest-growing privately held companies in the Philadelphia region by the Philadelphia 100. Alpha Card Services, Inc. ranked number 6 with a growth rate of 519.39% percent over the last two years.", "printR": "END" }, { "title":"Alpha Card Services ranks 99 on the annual INC 500 list", "description":'August 28, 2009 - Huntingdon Valley, PA, Alpha Card Services, Inc., a leading payment processor and merchant acquirer, has been named one of the 500 fastest growing, privately held companies in the country by Inc. Magazine. Alpha Card Services, Inc ranked number 99 with a growth rate of 1,540 percent over the last three years.

Recognition in the Inc. 500 validates the hard work of the entire Alpha Card Services team and the value we bring to customers," said Alpha Card Services, Inc CEO Lazaros Kalemis. "Alpha Card Services dedication to outstanding service namely our zero que hold times and outstanding quality assurance department really have helped keep attrition of both merchants and sales reps to a minimum."

Founded in 2001, Alpha Card Services , Inc. is a payment and transaction processor serving businesses nationwide. Alpha Card Services currently handles the merchant accounts for over 10,000 merchant locations and processing in excess of 1 billion dollars annually. Headquartered in Huntingdon Valley, PA our company provides payment processing services for Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, Diners Club, JCB, ATM, debit cards, EBT state and government cards, Electronic Check Conversion Company through AlphaCheck, a customizable gift/ loyalty card program, and ATM machines through AlphaATM.

"We are excited that even with our tremendous growth of over 1,500 percent that our customers and sales groups have not experienced any growing pains in the support they need" says Dimitrios Tsikoudis COO of Alpha Card Services. "We believe the key to our outstanding record in service is doing things right the first time every time."

Alpha Card Services, Inc., prides itself in staying ahead of their tremendous growth and hiring staff before they are critically needed.

"It is easy to market to potential sales groups and merchants with the level of support we offer" says Robert Heinrich, President of sales and marketing. "There are many companies in our industry that have experienced tremendous growth, what I believe sets us apart is that we are not only focused on the growth of the sales channel but also building the foundation to support that growth as well."

The Inc. 500 ranks privately held companies according to year-over-year sales growth from 2003 to 2006. Companies are ranked on cumulative three-year sales growth from 2003 to 2006. Over the years, the Inc. 500 has identified the next generation of world-class companies, with Microsoft, Stonyfield Farms, Timberland, Oracle, The Princeton Review, Morningstar, Jamba Juice, Gateway, E*Trade, Intuit, and Domino\'s Pizza all appearing on the list before they became industry powerhouses.', "date":"Sep 28", "category":"Awards", "year":"2009", "shortdescription" : "August 28, 2009 - Huntingdon Valley, PA, Alpha Card Services, Inc., a leading payment processor and merchant acquirer, has been named one of the 500 fastest growing, privately held companies in the country by Inc. Magazine. Alpha Card Services, Inc ranked number 99 with a growth rate of 1,540 percent over the last three years.", "printR": "END" }, { "title":"Launch of the Alpha Card Gateway", "description":'"In continuing our efforts to provide leading edge technologies to our merchants and sales partners we are proud to release our eCommerce, MO/TO and Retail gateway processing,", said Lazaros Kalemis, President and CEO of Alpha Card Services. "In a continuation of our zero marketing campaign we are releasing our AlphaCard gateway with a zero setup charge"
With increased competition for merchants from gateway providers, our main objective in launching the AlphaCard Gateway was to maximize the Alpha Card Services brand while doing our best to eliminate fraud issues for our merchants.

"Through the development process we have added the industries best fraud protection functionality such as ISpyFraud protection, Verified by Visa, MasterCard SecureCode support, batch uploading and Recurring billing." said Lazaros Kalemis, President and CEO of Alpha Card Services.. "The most exciting piece of this new technology is the ability to brand the gateway for any of our ISO/MSP partners and Agent Bank Relationships."', "date":"Jun 18", "category":"Press Release", "year":"2009", "shortdescription" : "\"In continuing our efforts to provide leading edge technologies to our merchants and sales partners we are proud to release our eCommerce, MO/TO and Retail gateway processing,\", said Lazaros Kalemis, President and CEO of Alpha Card Services. \"In a continuation of our zero marketing campaign we are releasing our AlphaCard gateway with a zero setup charge\"", "printR": "END" } ]