The Green Sheet Online Edition
September 9, 2017 • 17:09:01
Letter from the editors
There is no shortage of news about the rapidly changing payments sphere. For years, industry veterans and advisers have given presentations, participated in panels, written articles, offered training programs, hosted webinars and podcasts, and organized entire events geared toward alerting payment professionals to disruption in our realm, the current and likely future impacts, and how to adapt and find new opportunities in an environment that continues to transform. So the challenge for many isn't lack of awareness of the pitfalls and possibilities ahead; it's lack of clarity on specific steps to take right now, as well as persistence of old habits that no longer produce results.
This issue's lead article gets into the nitty gritty of how ISOs and merchant level salespeople (MLSs) can thrive through specialization. It contains insights, advice and actions proven to be effective by a number of industry leaders who have forged ahead and are offering a helping hand to those on the brink of a new future.
Also inside, are contributions from industry experts who have taken time from their busy lives to speak to the feet on the street. Topics explored include the rationale for redefining "merchant services" to include bundled value-added products and services that help businesses grow; tips on helping merchants with PCI compliance; lessons to be learned when you lose a sale; mixed, conflicting messages from local, state and federal governments when it comes to cannabis sales and payments; and potential detrimental effects of the CFPB's recent decision to restrict arbitration in favor of class-action lawsuits.
In this issue, we also introduce our new Street SmartsSM author, Steven Feldshuh. He's using the moniker Talk to Steve in our MLS Forum, and he's eager to strike up some stimulating, edifying conversations with you, our readers.
In the news, we've reported on Uber's agreement to FTC privacy guidelines, growth in contactless payments, the end of Operation Choke Point, ClearSales' chargeback-prevention road show, a bold cybersecurity law enacted by New York State, Square's new showroom in lower Manhattan; dismissal of a CFPB lawsuit against several payment companies; and Fitbit's entrance into payments.
And once again, we present recent industry and company milestones, as well as product and company profiles. If you'd like your company to be profiled, or if you have other relevant requests or feedback, contact us at greensheet@greensheet.com. And we continue to appreciate the press releases you send to press@greensheet.com. 
Whether you want to upgrade your POS offerings, find a payment gateway partner, bone up on fintech regs or PCI requirements, find an upcoming trade show, read about faster payments, or discover the latest innovations in merchant acquiring, The Green Sheet is the resource for you. Since 1983, we've helped empower and connect payments professionals, starting with the merchant level salespeople who bring tailored payment acceptance and digital commerce tools, along with a host of other business services to merchants across the globe. The Green Sheet Inc. is also a proud affiliate of Bankcard Life, a premier community that provides industry-leading training and resources for payment professionals.
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