ETA Launches Payments Industry Advocacy Program at Strategic Leadership Forum

The Electronic Transactions Association (ETA), the trade association of the global electronic payments industry, has kicked off this year’s annual Strategic Leadership Forum (SLF) in Scottsdale, Arizona. Today’s event, the largest in ETA history, will include the launch of ETA’s new political engagement program, The Voice of Payments™, as well as the newly formed ETAPAC. Former Rep. Bart Stupak (D-Mich.) will be the luncheon’s featured speaker.

“The complicated world of government regulation is one of the biggest challenges ahead for the payments industry” said Jason Oxman, CEO of ETA. “ETA’s Voice of Payments™ gives ETA members the tools to advocate for the innovative American companies that are driving the world’s best electronic payments system.”

Mr. Stupak’s remarks will focus on the importance of making the voice of the payments industry heard in Washington. With his expertise gained from 18 years of service in Congress, 16 of which were spent on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Mr. Stupak brings a unique perspective to the payments industry’s ongoing engagement with policymakers.

The launch of The Voice of Payments™ is part of ETA’s broader enhanced legislative outreach efforts. Among increased advocacy efforts on behalf of members, ETA has also launched a political action committee, ETAPAC; they have also doubled government relations staff and registered a lobbyist to increase their reach on Capitol Hill.

ETA’s new advocacy program comes at a time of explosive growth for the association. In the past year, ETA has expanded its membership to include more than 540 of the world’s largest payments companies. New members include all four national wireless carriers, major technology companies, and the leading mobile wallet ventures and companies that are driving advances in payments technology.

ETA’s SLF is the payments industry’s premier executive networking event. Keynote speakers include First Data Corporation’s Vice Chairman Ed Labry and Heartland Payment Systems’ CEO Bob Carr.
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