United States Naval Academy News

Naval Academy Expands Yard Card Program

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

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