The Electronic Transactions Association Selects Trevelino/Keller to Introduce Certified Payments Professional Program to Merchants

WASHINGTON, Feb. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Electronic Transactions Association (ETA), an international trade association representing more than 500 companies who offer electronic transaction processing products and services, announces its engagement with Trevelino/Keller to promote its Certified Payments Professional (CPP) program to merchants.

The purpose of ETA is to influence, monitor and help shape the merchant-acquiring industry by providing leadership through education, advocacy and the exchange of information. Its Certified Payments Professional program sets the standard for professional performance in the payments industry and is a symbol of excellence. It signifies that an individual has demonstrated the knowledge and skills required to perform competently in today's complex electronic payments environment.

Headquartered in Atlanta, with a presence in Washington, DC, and Charleston, SC, Trevelino/Keller brings years of experience in the payments and financial services industries, having worked directly with ETA for its clients throughout the past eight years. Trevelino/Keller also offers extensive experience in merchant-facing industries, which aligns with ETA's goal of education not only for the payments industry, but to those served by the industry.

"Finding a firm with the unique blend of merchant-facing and payments industry experience was key to our ability to communicate our CPP message directly to merchants. Trevelino/Keller proved to be the solid choice for this job," states ETA Interim CEO Pamela Furneaux. "This credential identifies merchant services representatives who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and expertise in all facets of electronic payments. Following our first testing period, we are proud to say that 180 individuals have earned the Certified Payments Professional (CPP) designation."

Recognized as one of the top 30 firms to work for in North America, Trevelino/Keller is often sought after by rapidly ascending companies in need of a strategic partner that cuts across public relations, social media and marketing.

"We are pleased to work in partnership with ETA on what we deem an incredibly important benefit to small and mid-sized businesses," says Dean Trevelino, principal, Trevelino/Keller. "Small businesses across the country look to payments professionals on a daily basis for one of the most basic needs in business – the acceptance of credit cards. Providing a certification and continuing education opportunity for those serving the industry, will only bolster these relationships and help bring peace of mind to merchants everywhere."

About Trevelino/Keller

Headquartered in Atlanta with a presence in Washington, DC and Charleston, SC, Trevelino/Keller specializes in public relations, social media and brand communications. Its areas of practice include Technology, B2Business, Lifestyle, GreenWorks, Franchising and Health. In 2005, Trevelino/Keller founded the Atlas Alliance, made up of likeminded boutiques that offer cultural (Hispanic and Latino), geographic (Europe, Middle East and Asia Pacific) and specialty expertise (entertainment, public affairs). In 2006, Trevelino/Keller founded The Start-Up Council to support early stage companies on a gratis basis. In 2010, the firm launched Wheelhouse, its social marketing brand focused on delivering next generation online solutions. For more information about the firm, its practice-focused ning communities or Wheelhouse, visit www.trevelinokeller.com. For career placement, visit the firm's PR site, www.prstarbase.com.

About ETA

The Electronic Transactions Association is an international trade association representing more than 500 companies who offer electronic transaction processing products and services. ETA's mission is to advance the payments industry profession by providing leadership through education, advocacy and the exchange of information.

The Certified Payments Professional credential is the standard for professional performance in the payments industry and a symbol of excellence. It signifies that an individual has demonstrated the knowledge and skills required to perform competently in today's complex electronic payments environment. The program recognizes that today's merchant service providers must have a broad knowledge of the industry and must demonstrate mastery not only of sales, but also pricing and interchange; business process, operations and workflow; products and solutions; risk; and regulatory, compliance and security matters.

For additional information about the Certified Payments Professional Program visit www.electran.org/cpp or contact ETA.

SOURCE Trevelino/Keller