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Letter from the editors

here's no question the diverse population in
the United States contributes to a dynamic
environment that fosters innovation in many
T ways. It's also true that people across the
globe are more interconnected than ever before. We
can now work closely with colleagues an ocean away,
giving new meaning to the phrase "diversity in the
workplace."

Smart companies have studied their customer demo-
graphics and are not only making their work forces
more diverse, they are also taking steps to ensure that
their work environments are welcoming to workers
from a range of backgrounds. This includes companies
in the payments sphere, both industry titans and hope-
ful startups. The lead article in this issue looks at the
progress being made in our sphere to promote work-
force diversity at all levels and includes perspectives
from industry veterans and newcomers alike.

One emotion that is common across cultures is frustra-
tion. And our contributing writers offer advice herein
on how to mitigate rather than exacerbate this. One
expert gives tips on how to respond when a merchant Bridge the Gap
becomes frustrated; others offer advice on providing
great customer service, which keeps frustration to a between your
minimum and boosts retention. Another contributor
emphasizes the need to not bandy about terms like advertising dollars
"cloud" without informing merchants exactly what
benefits your cloud services are providing to them. Yet and bottom line
another expert offers examples of wrongdoing on the
part of ISOs and merchants so you don't repeat them
and become frustrated ‒ or worse. Customized advertising campaigns
to t any size company and budget.
In addition, several news stories we've covered recently
are excerpted in News Briefs. These include Fiserv's • Spotlight Innovators’ Pages
completed acquisition of First Data Corp.; how mobile (frequently updated content)
technology continues to challenge brick-and-mortar
stores on multiple fronts, forcing retailers to adapt to • Print (various size options)
digital-first consumers; mixed responses to the Fed's
FedNow real-time payments initiative; the ETA/TSG • Resource Guide listing
U.S. Spending Snapshot; and a PayPal, MetLife and Vil- (print/online/front page options)
lage Capital collaboration to help fledgling businesses
worldwide. • Email Blasts (to GS readership)

As always, we've scoured announcements and emails • Online (website/twice month newsletter)
submitted by members of the vibrant payments com- • Video
munity and included updates on as many milestones as
possible in partnerships, research acquisitions, appoint- • Bundled advertisng campaign discounts
ments and more. And no issue could wrap up without
informative company and product profiles. At trade-
shows, we often hear what a useful resource The Green Danielle Thorpe
Sheet is for payment professionals working throughout
the industry. Helping you is our mission. If you have AVP Media Partnerships
ideas on how we can be an even better resource, email
us at greensheet@greensheet.com, and please continue to 707-284-1686
send news to press@greensheet.com.

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