US NAVAL ACADEMY GETS RESULTS AND SINKS BATTLESHIPS

KANSAS CITY, Jan 08, 2008

In September, Visible Results™ launched a landmark card-based loyalty program on behalf of the Naval Academy Business Services Division (NABSD) at the United States Naval Academy, Annapolis. The Yard Card - branded for the colloquial name given to the Annapolis campus by students – was designed exclusively for midshipmen and staff and was provisioned as a convenient stored value payment facility.

Visible Results’ Graphicard™ was selected by NABSD as the platform for their on-campus program due to the wide range of functionality and the high level of excitement created by the unique and dynamic card.  The platform also allows the added bonus of an engaging and interactive loyalty program on both the front end (card face) and the back end (ongoing communication with the members).  The Graphicard platform also allows the Yard Card program to instantly reward members for frequenting on-campus auxiliary restaurants and coffee concessions with items such as free coffee, $1 off coupons, free pizza and more.

The Yard Card has multiple functions. Primarily, it’s a stored value or cash holding card. However the rewritable face of Graphicard™ provides an opportunity to display new messages to the card holder each time it is used. The sophisticated software running behind the Yard Card includes a customizable gaming feature which provides an extra incentive for students and staff to consolidate their spending on- rather than off-campus.

Each purchase made using the Yard Card, at any of the participating stores, represents an opportunity for the cardholder to play the classic naval combat game, Battleship.  This game of chance is made possible by a unique thermochromic process. With each transaction, the Yard Card is swiped through the Graphicard™ terminal which erases and reprints the information and images on the face of the card.

With each ‘swipe’ (transaction), the face of the Yard Card is re-imaged and a new game graphic informs the cardholder of a ‘hit’ or ‘miss’. When a ship is ‘sunk’, an instant prize is awarded to the midshipman or staff member.

George Stevens, General Manager of Visible Results USA commented; “The students love it! A ‘losing’ graphic provides just as much fun with messages displayed on the cards ranging from ‘Miss…Target Practice Required’ to ‘Miss…You Aim Like Army’”.

One of the most highly valued features of the Yard Cards is the ability to deposit money to the cardholders account and have that value available as credit on the card.

“The re-loadable feature is incredibly convenient to members as it is faster than using a credit or debit card and there’s nothing to sign. It’s also more secure than cash because Yard Cards can be promptly replaced if lost or destroyed.

An added feature in the program allows family and friends to add funds to an existing Yard Card account quickly and easily over the phone or through emailing the Yard Card Admin office. 100% of the funds go directly to the cardholder with no costs attributed to transfers of money.”

As a program service, email notifications are also sent to past depositors when a member’s Yard Card account balance falls below $25, encouraging them to deposit additional monies into that account. 

The US Military upholds a well established tradition of offering discounts and benefits to individuals serving the country. However, this is the first time a loyalty and gift card program has been established exclusively for use by the Naval Academy - especially one that rewards the sinking of battleships!

 

About The 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, Maryland and comprised of 4400 midshipmen, the Academy provides superb academic and professional training, enabling its graduates to excel as Navy and Marine Corps officers.

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.

About Visible Results™. Visible Results™ is a leading developer of unique loyalty marketing programs that provide innovative relationship marketing solutions for retailers and other consumer-facing branded businesses. Visible Results' global organization supports a broad spectrum of clients across the specialty retail, mass merchandising and shopping center sector in Australia, New Zealand, USA, UK, Asia and the Middle East. Visible Results is the exclusive global provider of the unique Graphicard™ solution.