Western States Acquirers Association Announces New Vice President, Director and Two New Advisory Board Members.
Western States Acquirers Association Elects Xavier Ayala as Vice President and Mia Hyun as Director; Association also welcomes two new Advisory Board Members, Patrick E. Ford and Linda Grimm.
SAN DIEGO, California - January 13, 2012 - The Western States Acquirers Association is pleased to announce that Xavier Ayala has been elected Vice President and Mia Hyun, of Mobius Payments, has been elected as a Director. The Association also welcomes two new advisory board members, Patrick E. Ford and Linda Grimm.
Prior to their newly elected positions, Ayala served as a Director on the WSAA board of directors and Hyun served as an advisory board member. The two new advisory board members are knowledgeable and experienced members of the bankcard industry. Ford is the Senior Vice President of Client Relations for TSYS Acquiring Solutions and Grimm is the newly appointed Director of Consulting Services for CSR (Formerly CSRSI).
"I am extremely pleased to be working with Xavier as the new Vice President at WSAA and am also very excited to have Mia being promoted to the board of directors; both are extraordinarily dedicated and hardworking," commented Steve Eazell, President of the Western States Acquirers Association. "I also want to welcome aboard two outstanding industry leaders to the team. Pat and Linda, 'we are privileged to have you'."
Western States Acquirers Association 8th Annual Conference Draws Key Speakers, Sponsors, Exhibitors to "Must Attend" Show for Suppliers, ISOs and Acquirers on September 21-22
2011 WSAA Conference to award over $7500 worth of prizes, including ongoing cash giveaways throughout the show, Big Screen HDTV, iPads, Kindles and a Grand Prize of $3500 Cash.
The Western States Acquirers Association (WSAA) today announced its keynote speaker, award prizes and session topics for its 8th Annual Western Show conference in September. WSAA is expecting more than 600 attendees and 75+ exhibitor companies to fill the floors of the exhibit hall and conference session venues and sell out the San Francisco Airport Hyatt Regency for the 8th annual WSAA conference on September 21-22 in Burlingame, California.
"For agents, ISOs and vendors alike, the Western Show has become a 'must attend' event. It offers the opportunity to conduct business, network with colleagues and hear the latest about crucial issues in our industry," said Steve Eazell, president of WSAA, adding "it is such an honor to be part of such a monumental event and to be back in San Francisco is extremely special to all of us here on the board of the WSAA."
The keynote speaker will be Scott Stratten, the President of Un-Marketing.com., who is a world renowned expert in viral, social, and digital marketing. He will speak on how ISOs and payment professionals can generate more income by means of the latest social media and advertising techniques. Stratten's marketing agency serves companies such as PepsiCo, Adobe and Fidelity Investments, which have sought him out to develop and implement viral, social and relationship marketing strategies.
General and break-out session topics and speakers at the Western Show have been finalized and include the following:
- Operating Your ISO in Today’s Marketplace: features Ken Musante (Eureka Payments), Harold Montgomery (Calpian), Greg Cohen (Moneris)
- Mobile Payments -- Fad or Future: features Tony Abruzzio (Isis), Tim McWeeney (Verifone), Dave Wentker (Visa, Inc.)
- State of the Industry Update: features Donna Embry (Payment Alliance International)
- 6 Ways to Grow Your Business with Social Media: features Kevin Jones (SignaPay), Peggy Olson (Strategic Marketing), Jason Putnam (First American Payment Systems)
- Plus other sessions of extreme importance
The conference registration fee of $75.00 also includes admission to the renowned half-day Field Guide for ISOs Seminar, which is held before the conference's Opening Reception and evening celebrations on Wednesday, September 21. The workshop will cover subjects ranging from recruiting and sales training to international acquiring opportunities and ISO portfolio investment management.
WSAA also announced that many exhibitors have signed on as conference sponsors to keep the registration fee and other costs for participants very low. The Gold Sponsor of this year's conference is retailcloud. Silver Sponsors include American Express, Chargeback Guardian, EMS, iPayment, Planet Payment, SecurityMetrics, Trustwave and TSYS.
As part of the many events taking place at the show, two premier sponsors will be hosting an offsite, fun-filled soiree on Wednesday night, September 21, at one of Burlingame's finest establishments. The next evening, Thursday, September 22, one of the sponsors will be hosting transportation to downtown San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf and Union Square for an evening of excitement and merriment.
Attendees still have time to sign up for the Annual Conference by visiting the WSAA website (www.westernstatesacquirers.com), which was enhanced last year to facilitate online registration in a quick and easy-to-use manner.
Western States Acquirers Association Opens Registration for 8th Annual Conference in San Francisco
Show themed "Your Bridge to Golden Opportunities" Projected to Break Attendance Record
The Western States Acquirers Association (WSAA) today announced that registration has opened for its 8th annual conference to be held later this year in the San Francisco Bay Area. The 2011 conference will be held on September 21-22, 2011 at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport in Burlingame, California.
"We are thrilled to be holding our annual show this year in San Francisco for many reasons -- the first of which is that the Bay Area has always been a center for innovation and leadership in our marketplace," remarked Steve Eazell, president of the Western States Acquirers Association. “The next reason is sentimental, as San Francisco is where we held our first conference back in 2004.”
Attendees and exhibitors have already begun signing up for the Annual Conference since registration opened on the WSAA website (www.westernstatesacquirers.com), which facilitates quick and easy enrollment.
WSAA also reported that exhibitor space is filling up rapidly. "Due to the tremendous response we received from last year's show, exhibitors are worried that they will not get a spot, which is a distinct possibility just as it was last year. We had many exhibitors on the waiting list last year that could only participate as roaming vendors," said the WSAA's Eazell, adding that last year's conference in San Diego broke the previous attendance record.
About Western States Acquirers Association
The Western States Acquirers Association is a not-for-profit, non membership organization dedicated to creating an independent forum explicitly designed for the purpose of educating, networking and helping to create an environment of solidarity within the merchant bankcard acquiring field. It is completely self-governing and staffed by volunteers dedicated to accomplishing these goals. We fund each of our events solely on the revenue generated through Vendor and Exhibitor sponsorship and minimal Attendee registration fees.
Vendors/Exhibitors are identified as those organizations or individuals that primarily sell to the Acquiring Industry.
Attendees are defined as Financial Institutions, Independent Sales Organizations, or Individuals that primarily sell acquiring related services directly to the Retail Industry. WSAA is open to all who want to attend these Seminars.
WSAA Announces its 2011 Conference. The Western States Acquirers Association (WSAA) today announced that its 2011 8th annual conference will be on September 21-22, 2011 at the San Francisco Airport Hyatt Regency in Burlingame, CA.
"The conference will once again provide tremendous networking and educational opportunities for all payment professionals" said Steve Eazell, President of the Western States Acquirers Association. "The Northern California location is near San Francisco, the Napa Valley, Monterey, Carmel and much more" Eazell said.
Conference registration will be available beginning in July 2011. Please check back to the website for additional details.
The Western States Acquirers Association is a not-for-profit, non membership organization dedicated to creating an independent forum explicitly designed for the purpose of educating, networking and helping to create an environment of solidarity within the merchant bankcard acquiring field. It is completely self-governing and staffed by volunteers dedicated to accomplishing these goals. We fund each of our events solely on the revenue generated through Vendor and Exhibitor sponsorship and minimal Attendee registration fees.
Vendors/Exhibitors are identified as those organizations or individuals that primarily sell to the Acquiring Industry.
Attendees are defined as Financial Institutions, Independent Sales Organizations, or Individuals that primarily sell acquiring related services directly to the Retail Industry. WSAA is open to all who want to attend these Seminars.
Western States Acquirers Association Opens Registration for 7th Annual Conference on October 13-14 in San Diego
2010 Show features the theme "Catch the Wave of New Opportunities"
July 15, 2010
The Western States Acquirers Association (WSAA) today announced that it has opened registration for its 7th annual conference to be held later this year in San Diego, California. The 2010 conference will be on October 13-14, 2010 at the La Jolla Marriott hotel in San Diego, California.
"This year's conference will provide tremendous networking and educational opportunities for all payments professionals," said Steve Eazell, president of the Western States Acquirers Association. "The Southern California venue is a wonderful added attraction as the La Jolla Marriott is just minutes away from beautiful beaches, vistas, theme parks and much more," Eazell said.
Attendees have already begun signing up for the Annual Conference by visiting the WSAA website (www.westernstatesacquirers.com), which was enhanced last year to facilitate online registration in a quick and easy-to-use manner.
The WSAA also reported that both sponsorship slots and exhibitor space have started to fill up. "We are thrilled to see many people signing up so soon," said the WSAA's Eazell, adding, "we urge everyone not to wait too long to sign up because due to the limited number of spaces, once they are gone, that is it, they are gone."
About Western States Acquirers Association
The Western States Acquirers Association is a not-for-profit, non membership organization dedicated to creating an independent forum explicitly designed for the purpose of educating, networking and helping to create an environment of solidarity within the merchant bankcard acquiring field. It is completely self-governing and staffed by volunteers dedicated to accomplishing these goals. We fund each of our events solely on the revenue generated through Vendor and Exhibitor sponsorship and minimal Attendee registration fees.
Vendors/Exhibitors are identified as those organizations or individuals that primarily sell to the Acquiring Industry.
Attendees are defined as Financial Institutions, Independent Sales Organizations, or Individuals that primarily sell acquiring related services directly to the Retail Industry. WSAA is open to all who want to attend these Seminars.
Western States Acquirers Adds New Talent to Advisory Board
WSAA Adds Industry Professionals to Its Rank and File
May 1, 2010
The Western States Acquirers Association is pleased to announce that they have expanded its Advisory Board to include three knowledgeable and experienced members of the bankcard industry. The WSAA Board of Directors is delighted to welcome Gregory Holmes, of Holmes Associates, Mia Hyun of Mobius Payments, and Linda Horwath from JCB International to its comprehensive list of industry veterans further enhancing the capabilities of the organization.
"We are so delighted to welcome these great people with their extensive talents and backgrounds to our team." remarked WSAA President Steve Eazell. He added, "It is an honor and a privilege to be working with such wonderful industry professionals."
The WSAA is also delighted to add that they have added a new website offering new functionality and additional tools designed to help make it easier to navigate within the site for things such as registration and other useful information. The site will be available for registration for the 2010 conference shortly. Please visit www.westernstatesacquirers.com to see the new features.
The Western States Acquirers Association's 2010 Annual Conference will be held this year at the Marriott La Jolla in beautiful San Diego October 13-14. For general questions or more information regarding registration, sponsorship, and exhibiting please speak with Steve Eazell or Gregg Gumbinger at 925-229-8237 or via email at gregg.gumbinger@camcommerce.com or visit the new website.
About Western States Acquirers
The Western States Acquirers Association is a not-for-profit, non membership organization dedicated to creating an independent forum explicitly designed for the purpose of educating, networking and helping to create an environment of solidarity within the merchant bankcard acquiring field. It is completely self-governing and staffed by volunteers dedicated to accomplishing these goals. We fund each of our events solely on the revenue generated through Vendor and Exhibitor sponsorship and minimal Attendee registration fees.
Vendors/Exhibitors are identified as those organizations or individuals that primarily sell to the Acquiring Industry.
Attendees are defined as Financial Institutions, Independent Sales Organizations, or Individuals that primarily sell acquiring related services directly to the Retail Industry. WSAA is open to all who want to attend these Seminars.
Western States Acquirers Association Announces New Officers
WSAA Board Pleased to Welcome New President and Vice President
February 22, 2010
The Western States Acquirers Association is pleased to announce that they have elected former WSAA Vice President Steve Eazell, Secure Payment Systems to lead the organization as its new President. Steve is a founding member and has been involved since its inception in 2005. It has also elected David Sharp, PaySimple, as its new Vice President. David joined as an advisory board member in 2006.
Rounding out the slate of officers is Gregg Gumbinger, CamCommerce, who will remain the Secretary and Michael McGirr, CyberSource, who will retain his status as the Treasurer.
The board is also pleased to welcome Xavier Ayala, Moneris Payment Solutions and Deborah Camm, Planet Payments as Directors.
"I have to say that I am humbled to be part of such a remarkable team of professionals, remarked WSAA President Steve Eazell. "I am honored to follow in the footsteps of some great leaders and to serve in this capacity for such an amazing organization. It is truly a blessing."
The Western States Acquirers Association's 2010 Annual Conference will be held this year at the beautiful La Jolla Marriott Hotel in San Diego, California on October 13th-14th. For general questions or more information regarding registration, sponsorship, and exhibiting please visit our website at www.westernstatesacquirers.com.
About Western States Acquirers
The Western States Acquirers Association is a not-for-profit, non-membership organization dedicated to creating an independent forum explicitly designed for the purpose of educating, networking and helping to create an environment of solidarity within the merchant bankcard acquiring industry. It is completely self-governing and staffed by volunteers dedicated to accomplishing these goals. We fund each of our events solely on the revenue generated through Vendor and Exhibitor sponsorship and minimal Attendee registration fees.
2009 Conference Presentations
On behalf of Ken Elderts, President of WSAA and the entire WSAA Board of Directors, we would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you and our Sponsors for making our 6th Annual Conference a tremendous success.
Western States Acquirers Association "Octobers Best" Conference - Wednesday and Thursday October 14th & 15th @ Anaheim Sheraton Resort, Disneyland, CA
Hello Industry Professionals, Manufacturers, Service Providers, Processors and Colleagues!
You are less than two weeks away from WSAA 2009 Octobers Best Conference. Have you registered to attend? If you plan to attend and want to stay at the resort it’s important that you make your reservations today. The price is right and the hotel is nearly sold out!
Once again WSAA has assembled an impressive group of industry veterans ready to impart their knowledge and speak to topics re-shaping the payments industry. Our conference theme this year is "Octobersbest – Making Money in the Payments Industry." Please see Agenda here!
Registrations during the last two weeks have been incredible and we expect the attendance to be comparable to last year’s record attendance. Over 75 vendors will be there wanting to meet with you and tell you all about their products and services. You don’t want to miss this conference!
Shuttle Service John Wayne Airport – There will be a WSAA shuttle available to and from the John Wayne (SNA) airport during the hours listed below. A Greeter will be near baggage claim #2 to direct you to the pick-up area. Thank you AuthorizeNet for sponsoring the shuttle service this year!
Tuesday: 10/13 - 1pm – 5pm
Wednesday 10/14 – 8am – Noon
Friday 10/16 – 6am – 11:30 (every 30 minutes)
On behalf of the entire Western States Acquirers Association I want to encourage you to join us for two days of educational seminars, valuable presentations, networking, fun and prizes.
Sincerely,
Ken Elderts, President
Western States Acquirers Expands Advisory Board
WSAA Adds Slate of Professionals to Its Already Substantial List of Talent
July 14, 2009
The Western States Acquirers Association is pleased to announce that they have expanded its Advisory Board to include four established and experienced members of the bankcard industry. The WSAA Board of Directors is excited to welcome Ryan Fenley, of POS Card Systems, Deborah Camm, Planet Payments, Jason Putnam, First American Payment Systems and Tim McWeeney, Way Systems to its already expansive list of industry veterans to enhance the capabilities of the organization.
"We are proud and honored to have such well respected individuals to join our rank and file," remarked WSAA President Ken Elderts. He added, "Each and every one these folks adds an enormous amount of experience, professionalism and capability to our team, welcome aboard."
About Western States Acquirers
The Western States Acquirers Association is a not-for-profit, non membership organization dedicated to creating an independent forum explicitly designed for the purpose of educating, networking and helping to create an environment of solidarity within the merchant bankcard acquiring field. It is completely self-governing and staffed by volunteers dedicated to accomplishing these goals. We fund each of our events solely on the revenue generated through Vendor and Exhibitor sponsorship and minimal Attendee registration fees.
Vendors/Exhibitors are identified as those organizations or individuals that primarily sell to the Acquiring Industry.
Attendees are defined as Financial Institutions, Independent Sales Organizations, or Individuals that primarily sell acquiring related services directly to the Retail Industry. WSAA is open to all who want to attend these Seminars.
WSAA Promotes Two Industry Veterans
The Western States Acquirers Association is pleased to announce that they have added two talented industry veterans to join the WSAA Board of Directors. Gregg Gumbinger, a gifted and accomplished industry professional, currently working with First Data and David Sharp, a knowledgeable and proficient acquiring professional currently working with Pay Simple.
Gregg will be taking the position of Secretary and David comes on as a Member of the board. Gregg is taking over for the previous secretary, WSAA founder and Past President, Sherry Friedrichsen who will remain as a consultant. "We are elated to have two extremely talented professionals agree to take part of our little family," remarked WSAA President Ken Elderts. He went on to say "I have worked with both Gregg and David for some time now and am convinced that their experience and professional work ethic will be a great addition to the board." About Western States Acquirers
The Western States Acquirers Association is a not-for-profit, non membership organization dedicated to creating an independent forum explicitly designed for the purpose of educating, networking and helping to create an environment of solidarity within the merchant bankcard acquiring field. It is completely self-governing and staffed by volunteers dedicated to accomplishing these goals. We fund each of our events solely on the revenue generated through Vendor and Exhibitor sponsorship and minimal Attendee registration fees. Vendors/Exhibitors are identified as those organizations or individuals that primarily sell to the Acquiring Industry. Attendees are defined as Financial Institutions, Independent Sales Organizations, or Individuals that primarily sell acquiring related services directly to the Retail Industry. WSAA is open to all who want to attend these Seminars.
Source: Company press release.
