Revolutionary program now includes online aspect and additional locations
ANNAPOLIS, Md., July 3 /PRNewswire/ -- The dynamic stored-value card program
launched at the United States Naval Academy almost a year ago is proving so
popular that the Naval Academy Business Services Division (NABSD) is expanding
it to include additional campus locations.
In September 2007, NABSD launched the Yard Card program, a landmark
card-based program branded for the colloquial name given to the Annapolis
campus
by students. Designed exclusively for Midshipmen and staff, the Yard Card
program provides a convenient way to pay for purchases on campus. Now, with
the
addition of four new sites, it will be an even more attractive payment vehicle
for Midshipmen and staff.
Beginning the 2008-2009 school year, the Yard Card program will include
The
Mid Store, the gift shop, Textbooks and Uniforms amongst its participating
locations. The program has already been in use in the Drydock Restaurant,
Steerage, the Officer's Club and various coffee houses located on campus.
The popularity of the program is evident - approximately 25% of the
student
base signed up for the program last year and with the expansion of the
participating locations, an increase in enrollments is expected. The Yard Card
will also be included in the "Induction Day" materials distributed to all
incoming Midshipmen. The cards will be initialized and customized for each
Midshipman, plus a $5 bonus will be added to the card as part of the Yard Card
program expansion celebration.
In the expanded program, the web will also play a prominent role. Parents
will now have the ability to visit www.navyonline.com to refresh the balances
on
their Midshipmen's card, as well as request notifications of when their
Midshipmen's card balance falls below a certain dollar amount.
Visible Results, an industry leader in re-writable card-based marketing
initiatives, was selected by NABSD to execute the Yard Card program - a
partnership proven successful by the planned program expansions.
George Stevens, Country Manager USA, said "We enjoy working with the Naval
Academy staff. They wanted to put a program in place that would allow them to
really interact with their student base as well as provide significant insight
into the purchase behavior of the students."
"Together, we've done a great job of strategically ensuring the program is
both beneficial and fun for the students and staff - they have even partnered
up
with West Point, who run a similar program on our platform, to strengthen the
camaraderie between the students at both Academies - especially when there's
an
Army-Navy game on the horizon," Stevens remarks.
"Our goal in the program is to compel students to spend their dollars
on-campus rather than with area businesses. Given the fact that 100% of all
proceeds go right back into the student body, it really is a win-win scenario
for everyone. We look forward to a long partnership and continued growth. "
About the United States Naval Academy
Founded in 1845, the Naval Academy provides a four-year undergraduate
program that prepares young men and women morally, mentally and physically for
the privilege of leading Sailors and Marines. Located in historic Annapolis,
MD,
and comprised of 4400 Midshipmen, the Academy provides superb academic and
professional training, enabling its graduates to excel as Navy and Marine
Corps
officers. www.usna.edu
About the Naval Academy Business Services Division (NABSD).
NABSD operates a wide range of non-appropriated fund activities designed
to
provide the goods and services for the Brigade of Midshipmen. Services
provided
include a retail shop and a wide variety of food services for individuals on
campus. All profits generated directly support the Brigade of Midshipmen.
www.navyonline.com
About Visible Results
Visible Results is a global loyalty marketing organization that
specializes
in tailoring turnkey loyalty programs that help retailers find, keep and
profit
from their best customers. Visible Results offers end-to-end loyalty program
applications at the point-of-sale (POS). The flagship product is the
Graphicard(TM) - an innovative and unique platform that integrates a
re-writable, read-write 'smart' card. Offices located in Australia, New
Zealand, Singapore, USA, and the UK. www.visibleresults.com
SOURCE Visible Results USA
George Stevens, General Manager of Visible Results USA, +1-913-383-3400,
gstevens@visibleresults.com
