launch City of Vaughan MuniCard(TM) MasterCard(R) with rewards that can help pay municipal property taxes
Municipal credit card program puts cash into cardholder's account with the city.
VAUGHAN, ON, Sept. 17 /CNW/ - Mayor Linda D. Jackson and Members of Council today introduced the City of Vaughan MuniCard MasterCard issued by GE Money Trust Company, a federally regulated financial institution and member of the GE Money-Canada family. The innovative card heralds a new era in consumer loyalty credit card programs, where residential property owners can translate their existing spending into savings on their municipal property tax bill.
"Our Council and community have spearheaded this program with Civic Strategies because we think it is a terrific concept," said Mayor Jackson. "Our municipality is saying use your City of Vaughan MuniCard MasterCard and earn rewards to pay towards your property tax at the same time. I can't imagine a municipality that wouldn't want to participate in a reward program like this."
The City of Vaughan MuniCard MasterCard is available to all residential property owners of the City of Vaughan. The MuniCard program designed by Civic Strategies is distinctive for many reasons:
"This is a win-win situation," said Giorgio Gianniotti, founder, president and CEO of Civic Strategies Inc. "Cardholders are able to reduce payments on their residential property tax bill by collecting rewards from all spending that goes on their Vaughan MuniCard MasterCard. They save even more money by shopping at participating Vaughan businesses. And, on top of that, the program does not cost the city one cent!
"This City of Vaughan MuniCard MasterCard is a ground-breaking reward program which can be adopted by any and all municipalities." Gianniotti added.
Gianniotti, the creator of the MuniCard program, won the backing of Vaughan Council to find a finance company to issue the card. GE Money, the consumer lending unit of the General Electric Company (NYSE: GE) and MasterCard Canada are the first in Canada to market this co-brand municipal credit card.
"GE Money is pleased to be part of this unique partnership," said Valerie Gregory, vice-president and general manager, cards, at GE Money. "The City of Vaughan MuniCard MasterCard, which will be offered by GE Money Trust Company, a federally regulated financial institution and part of the GE Money-Canada family, produces a tangible benefit both to the citizens of the City of Vaughan and the local business community."
Toronto based Civic Strategies will provide everything from a controlled audit system between the city and GE Money, to complete customer and marketing support. For more information and to apply for the card please visit www.municard.ca.
About Civic Strategies
Toronto-based Civic Strategies Inc. (CSI) is the first Canadian company to introduce municipalities to a co-branded credit card program that transfers cash rewards to residential property tax accounts.
The MuniCard is part of a unique program created in 2002 by Giorgio Gianniotti, President of CSI. Civic Strategies Inc. (CSI), incorporated in May 11, 2000, is a privately held company. For more information on CSI, please visit www.civicstrategies.ca.
About GE Money Trust Company and GE Money
With more than $190 billion in assets, GE Money, a unit of General Electric Company, is a leading provider of credit services to consumers, retailers and auto dealers in 55 countries around the world. GE Money -- Canada provides private label credit card and MasterCard card programs to consumers and lending options for retailers in key industries across the country. GE Money also is a provider of alternative residential mortgages. More information can be found at www.gemoney.ca.
GE is Imagination at Work -- a diversified technology, media and financial services company focused on solving some of the world's toughest problems. With products and services ranging from aircraft engines, power generation, water processing and security technology to medical imaging, business and consumer financing, media content and advanced materials, GE serves customers in more than 100 countries and employs more than 300,000 people worldwide. For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.ge.com.
In Canada, GE has more than 10,000 employees, 19 major manufacturing plants and more than 150 sales and service locations across the country.
About MasterCard Worldwide
MasterCard Worldwide advances global commerce by providing a critical economic link among financial institutions, businesses, cardholders and merchants worldwide. As a franchisor, processor and advisor, MasterCard develops and markets payment solutions, processes over 16 billion transactions each year, and provides industry-leading analysis and consulting services to financial institution customers and merchants. Through its family of brands, including MasterCard(R), Maestro(R) and Cirrus(R), MasterCard serves consumers and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories. For more information, go to www.mastercard.com
Russell Wilkerson
GE Capital Managing Director of Communications and Public Affairs
[email protected]
1-203-840-6420
1-203-581-2114