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METROSPLASH SYSTEMS GROUP, INC. NAMES PATRICK M. CUMMISKEY CHAIRMAN, CEO
Seasoned industry leader says company on 'brink of massive growth'
| November, 2009DALLAS, TEXAS - Nov. 16, 2009 - MetroSplash Systems Group, Inc, a leader in fuel-based loyalty solutions, today announced the appointment of Patrick M. Cummiskey as its new chairman of the board and chief executive officer. A MetroSplash board member since November 2008, Cummiskey is well-known in the industry and has rich expertise in transaction processing for the supermarket, convenience store and petroleum markets.
"MetroSplash is on the brink of massive growth and I look forward to driving its future success," Cummiskey said. "I can't think of a more relevant value proposition in this economy. MetroSplash is built on a strong foundation with endless opportunities, and I'm delighted to join the team and to help bring the company to its full potential."
With more than 30 years' experience in the processing industry, Cummiskey is a seasoned veteran of large corporate environments and in building entrepreneurial, early stage companies. He began his career in point of sale transaction processing at Gasboy, now a part of Gilbarco and noted as the first company to install a pay-at-the-pump device.
Later as a founder of BUYPASS Corporation, he was instrumental in significantly increasing annual revenues from its pre-revenue start-up phase, its successful capital raising efforts and its strategic sale to Core States. Cummiskey furthered his career through several other successful mergers, acquisitions and IPOs. Most recently as Chief Executive Officer, he led Datawire Communication Networks from start-up to become the leader in Internet-based transaction delivery and through its successful acquisition by First Data Corporation in 2007.
Cummiskey assumed the CEO post Nov. 11. He resides in the Atlanta area but will spend considerable time at MetroSplash headquarters in Dallas.
ABOUT METROSPLASH SYSTEMS GROUP
Founded in 2003, MetroSplash Systems Group, Inc. provides a technology platform that enables businesses of all types to implement a supplier-integrated fuel-based consumer reward program (FuelLinks) or to monetize an existing affinity program toward the purchase of fuel. The company offers the financial settlement and Loyalty as a Service (LaaS) infrastructure to bridge between merchants (reward issuance) and fuel retailers (redemption). MetroSplash is located at 2300 Highland Village Drive, Highland Village, Texas 75077.
Super Marketing
Industry Debates Loyalty Ties Between Convenience, Grocery Stores.
| November, 2009When grocery chains such as Giant Eagle, Jewel and Albertsons began placing pumps on their lots earlier this decade, convenience retailers rolled their eyes and braced themselves for yet another assault on their gasoline profits.
But in 2009, retailers are seeing a different picture unfold. Partnerships are springing up between grocers and c-store operators, as a way for the former to leverage existing fueling sites and for the latter to bump up traffic counts.
While the gas-grocery solution may not be for all convenience retailers (see Kraft/CSP Daily News poll, p. 214), those engaged in such partnerships say it's been a boost to their businesses.
"If all you're going to do is reward customers you already have, that's one thing," says Terry Johnson, vice president of marketing for Uppy's, Chester, Va., a 40-store chain that partnered with a local grocer's loyalty program last year. "But in order for loyalty to pay, you're going to have to bring new customers to the location."
Since becoming the preferred gasoline retailer for Richmond, Va.-based Ukrop's Super Markets Inc. last year, Johnson says the chain has sold 7 million gallons through the fuelperks! program. More importantly, he's seen double-digit percentage increases in volumes overall, meaning that his new customers have decided to keep buying gasoline from the Uppy's chain. Read More...
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RUTTER.S LAUNCHES RUTTER.S REWARDS CARD POWERED BY FUELLINKS
Rutter.s offers cents-off savings using FuelLinks Platform from MetroSplash System Group Inc
| September, 2009Dallas, Texas/ Sept 21 2009, / MetroSplash Systems Group, Inc, a leader in fuel-based loyalty solutions, announced today that Rutter.s Farm Stores is raising the bar for convenience store loyalty with its launch of the Rutter.s Rewards card. During the summer months Rutter.s caused excitement with its .Fuel Up Free. contest, but now Rutter.s is taking consumer rewards to the next level with a loyalty card program that will reward a fuel discount offering for their customers. Branding the program with the slogan .See the Icon, Buy the Product, Earn the Reward!. Rutter.s Rewards will allow customers to earn cents-off-per gallon rewards on gasoline by purchasing any of more than 1,700 everyday items bearing a special display icon.
"With our customers' needs first and foremost, we knew there wasn.t a better time to offer them an innovative loyalty program that really allowed them to save money during this challenging economy" said Jeff Leedy, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Chief Customer Officer at Rutter's Farm Stores, "This roll-out is the culmination of two years of internal strategic planning and program development."
Scott Hartman, President and CEO of Rutter's Farm Stores added: "Rutter's worked very hard to identify the best solution across its Radiant POS platform. Metrosplash was selected because it helped us deploy quicker and easier than some alternatives while meeting our many goals. Together, with our technology partners of MetroSplash and Radiant, we hope to add even more customer centric solutions in the future."
The FuelLinks loyalty platform is developed by MetroSplash Systems Group, located in Highland Village Texas. This solution is currently in place at more than 4800 brick and mortar locations including fuel centers, grocery stores, c-stores and community merchants along with 575 plus online retailers.
"Of course we are ecstatic to bring Rutter's on board with their rewards program powered by FuelLinks." said Steve Babick, CEO for MetroSplash Systems Group. "They have a long standing reputation for being a very customer-focused organization and this commitment only affirms their dedication to their customers."
ABOUT METROSPLASH SYSTEMS GROUP
Founded in 2003, MetroSplash Systems Group, Inc. provides a technology platform that enables businesses of all types to implement a supplier-integrated fuel-based consumer reward program (FuelLinks) or to monetize an existing affinity program toward the purchase of fuel. The company offers the financial settlement and Loyalty as a Service (LaaS) infrastructure to bridge between merchants (reward issuance) and fuel retailers (redemption). MetroSplash is located at 2300 Highland Village Drive, Highland Village Texas 75077
MetroSplash Systems Group, Inc Strategically Expands Board of Directors
With Appointment of Patrick M. Cummiskey
| December, 2008DALLAS (December 15, 2008) - MetroSplash Systems Group, Inc, a leader in fuel-based loyalty solutions, announced today the appointment of Patrick M. Cummiskey to its board of Directors. MetroSplash is proud to welcome Cummiskey, a dynamic professional who will take an active role in guiding continued growth for the company.
"We are extremely pleased to have Patrick join our Board of Directors," said Steve Babick President and CEO of MetroSplash. "His rich industry expertise in transaction processing and petroleum segments, will provide invaluable guidance and direction in assisting the company in achieving new growth objectives."
With over 25 years of experience in the transaction processing industry, Cummiskey began his career path in POS transaction processing at Gasboy, now a part of Gilbarco and noted as the first company to install a pay at the pump device. After reaching several milestones at Gasboy in the 80's, Cummiskey extended his leadership to found BUYPASS Corporation, which grew through M&A to become part of First Data Corp. Cummiskey furthered his career through several other successful mergers, acquisitions and IPOs, with the most recent being Datawire Communication Networks. Cummiskey transformed Datawire from a small start-up into the leader in Internet-based transaction delivery, which ultimately resulted in its acquisition by First Data Corp. The transformation of Datawire is a testament not only to Cummiskey's strong leadership but his intuitive vision and expertise in the industry.
Now Cummiskey has returned to his true passion, which is igniting entrepreneurial energy among his established client companies to help them capture "emerging" markets and future growth potential. "I can't think of a more relevant value proposition in this economic period. MetroSplash is built on a strong foundation with endless opportunities, and I am delighted to join the team to help bring the company to its full potential." said Patrick Cummiskey.
Cummiskey assumed his Director role on November 1st, 2008.He resides in Atlanta, Georgia but will spend valuable and productive time at MetroSplash headquarters located in Dallas, Texas.
ABOUT METROSPLASH SYSTEMS GROUP
Founded in 2003, MetroSplash Systems Group, Inc. provides a technology platform that enables businesses of all types to implement a supplier-integrated fuel-based consumer reward program (FuelLinks) or to monetize an existing affinity program toward the purchase of fuel. The company offers the financial settlement and Loyalty as a Service (LaaS) infrastructure to bridge between merchants (reward issuance) and fuel retailers (redemption). MetroSplash is located at 2300 Highland Village Road, Suite 700, Highland Village, Texas 75077-7194. Phone 972-966-3235, fax 972-966-0241. Website: www. MetroSplash.com.METROSPLASH SYSTEMS INTRODUCES TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS TO MAXIMIZE RETAIL LOYALTY PROGRAMS
Consumer Loyalty Management and FLEx Result in Confluence in Loyalty Marketplace
| October, 2008DALLAS (October 6, 2008) — MetroSplash Systems Group, Inc, developer of the FuelLinks® loyalty program, has announced that the program will be introduced in three major CITGO markets along the Eastern seaboard, including Staten Island. On Tuesday, August 8th, the card-based fuel-reward program was introduced by 14 Staten Island, New York, CITGO Retailers. CITGO locations in Springvale, Maine, and from Charlotte to Greensboro/Highpoint, North Carolina, will launch later in August. Beginning in September, the program will start rolling out to more than 4,000 CITGO-branded locations concentrated east of the Mississippi. FuelLinks offers consumers help paying for the fuel they need. Through the program, consumers can earn FuelLinks fuel rewards on everyday purchases from participating businesses. The rewards can be redeemed at participating fuel centers to achieve a reduction in the cost of fuel. Rewards are typically funded by repurposed marketing dollars that would otherwise be put into coupons, temporary price discounts or other types of promotion. Read more...
METROSPLASH SYSTEMS GROUP AND AFTERBOT FORM INNOVATIVE ALLIANCE OF CONFLUENCE
Two Industry Pioneers Come Together to Allow Retailers and Suppliers to Acquire New Customers, Execute Promotions More Efficiently and Drive Sales
| October, 2008DALLAS (October 6, 2008) — MetroSplash Systems Group (MSSG), a leader in fuel-based loyalty technology, and afterBOT, an industry pioneer in real time retailing solutions utilizing digital receipt technology, today announced that they have formed a marketing alliance to provide a comprehensive collaborative commerce platform to the convenience store industry . Through the combined technologies of the two companies, the intent is to provide merchants and suppliers with the 360 degree visibility required to optimize the resources applied to promotion/incentive programs in order to more effectively drive desired consumer behavior. While other solutions may optimize one or two aspects of the promotion cycle, only the confluence created by MetroSplash and afterBOT combines information from all points of the consumer lifecycle: POS, CRM, SRM and promotion management. Read more...
CITGO ALIGNS WITH METROSPLASH TO OFFER FUELLINKS® LOYALTY PROGRAM
The fuel rewards program is already available at more than 4,000 CITGO-branded fuel retailers in 28 states
| October, 2008DALLAS (October 6, 2008) — With gas prices on everyone’s mind, consumers are eager for ways to lessen the blow to their wallets, and CITGO Petroleum Corporation has plans to help them. The company is offering the FuelLinks® fuel reward program to more than 4,000 CITGO-branded fuel centers in 28 eastern states with plans to make it available to more. CITGO is the first major fuel supplier to accept FuelLinks rewards with the option to issue them on purchases through the convenience stores. Read more...
CITGO INTRODUCES FUELLINKS® REWARD PROGRAM ON STATEN ISLAND
FuelLinks will also launch in Maine, New York, and North Carolina markets leading up to rollout of over 4,000 CITGO locations.
| August, 2008DALLAS (August 14, 2008) — MetroSplash Systems Group, Inc, developer of the FuelLinks® loyalty program, has announced that the program will be introduced in three major CITGO markets along the Eastern seaboard, including Staten Island. On Tuesday, August 8th, the card-based fuel-reward program was introduced by 14 Staten Island, New York, CITGO Retailers. CITGO locations in Springvale, Maine, and from Charlotte to Greensboro/Highpoint, North Carolina, will launch later in August. Beginning in September, the program will start rolling out to more than 4,000 CITGO-branded locations concentrated east of the Mississippi. FuelLinks offers consumers help paying for the fuel they need. Through the program, consumers can earn FuelLinks fuel rewards on everyday purchases from participating businesses. The rewards can be redeemed at participating fuel centers to achieve a reduction in the cost of fuel. Rewards are typically funded by repurposed marketing dollars that would otherwise be put into coupons, temporary price discounts or other types of promotion. Read more...
LOFINOS LAUNCHES FUELLINKS® AT CUB FOODS IN DAYTON
Chain partners with Duncan Oil and Certified Oil for reward redemption
| August, 2008Dayton, OH (August 18, 2008) — Lofinos Foodstores, Inc. has launched the FuelLinks® fuel reward program at its Cub Foods locations in Dayton, Ohio. Developed by MetroSplash Systems Group, Inc., the program enables consumers to earn fuel rewards on specially marked items, which can be redeemed at BP and Marathon fuel centers supplied by Duncan Oil Company and at Pippin’s Mart (Sunoco) supplied by Certified Oil Company. “The FuelLinks model offered the best possible loyalty solution at the lowest possible investment,” said Martin Sloan, Lofinos chief financial officer. “By adopting FuelLinks, we can offer customers an outstanding, multi-faceted program while saving hundreds of thousands of dollars in development cost and maintaining focus on our core competencies.” Sloan added, “We chose FuelLinks because of the stable, feature-rich technology MetroSplash has developed, and because they were able to align our stores with quality fuel retailers.” “Our participation with FuelLinks in other markets has produced excellent results, and we knew Lofinos would be able to launch it very successfully in Dayton,” said Don Gose, COO of Duncan Oil. “Our companies benefit from the incremental traffic and sales volume while consumers receive a badly needed break in fuel prices. It’s a win for everyone.” Read more...
MID-STATE LAUNCHES FUELLINKS® AT 10 CITGO-BRANDED POP SHOPPE LOCATIONS IN NORTH CAROLINA
Plans Call for Rollout to 40 Pop Shoppe Locations Over Next Six Months
| August, 2008Greensboro, NC (August 12, 2008) - Mid-State Petroleum has announced the launch of the FuelLinks® loyalty program at 10 company-owned Pop Shoppe locations in the Greensboro-High Point and Charlotte, North Carolina markets. According to Mid-State vice-president Tony Perez, these 10 represent the first phase of a planned rollout to approximately 40 Pop Shoppe locations, including dealer-owned stores, over the next six months. Mid-State will offer FuelLinks rewards on purchases made in the stores. It will also honor FuelLinks rewards consumers earn from other participating local businesses and online through www.FuelLinks.com. Developed and supported by MetroSplash Systems Group, Inc., FuelLinks is a card-based program that enables virtually any type of business to issue fuel-based rewards. Consumers earn 'Cash for Gas' rewards on qualified purchases, which are used to pay for fuel at participating fuel centers, in effect reducing the consumer's out-of-pocket cost for fuel. Rewards are funded by issuing merchants or third-party sources (manufacturers, vendors, jobbers, etc.), typically with redirected marketing and promotional dollars. Read more...
MetroSplash Systems Group, Inc. Partners With Fiscal Systems, Inc.
| May, 2008DALLAS (May 6, 2008) - MetroSplash Systems Group, Inc., a national leader in retail cross-merchandising tied to gasoline discount incentives, today announced a strategic partnership with Fiscal Systems, Inc. that will broaden its program access to retailers nationwide. The newly announced partnership effectively introduces MetroSplash's FuelLinks program to Fiscal Systems, Inc.'s customer base of 1,500 retailers, adding to MetroSplash Systems Group, Inc.'s existing 5,600 redemption locations. As a unique cross-merchandising system, FuelLinks enables retail outlets to offer discounted gasoline prices based on in-store purchase of other products as a customer loyalty program and incentive. With gas prices on everyone's mind, consumers are eager for ways to lessen the blow to their wallets, and MetroSplash Systems Group, Inc. is offering up opportunities. Read more...
MetroSplash Launches Casino Employee Benefit Program in Indiana
| May, 2006The Grand Victoria Casino and Resort in Rising Sun, Indiana, has launched a novel employee benefit program. The FUELLINKS® program rewards all employees of the casino with five cents per gallon discounts on fuel purchases of up to fifteen gallons per delivery made at participating CITGO locations including the Road Dog CITGO in nearby Aurora, Indiana. This new and exciting employee benefit program and similar benefits programs are offered by MetroSplash Systems Group, Inc., a CITGO preferred vendor.
MetroSplash Launches Casino Player Loyalty Program in Indiana
| April, 2006A revolutionary new loyalty program that rewards players with gasoline discounts at CITGO branded locations was recently launched. FUELLINKS®, as the program is called, is driven by technology developed by CITGO preferred vendor, MetroSplash Systems Group, Inc. The Grand Victoria Casino and Resort in Rising Sun Indiana is issuing cash fuel rewards to its preferred players. The card based rewards are redeemable at participating CITGO locations including the nearby Road Dog CITGO in Aurora, Indiana. The rewards have proved to be very popular with the gamers.
MetroSplash Launches Innovative Loyalty Program in Pennsylvania
| April, 2006A ground-breaking new loyalty program that ties consumers grocery purchases to gasoline discounts at CITGO branded locations was recently announced in Pittsburgh and in gasoline/convenience trade media. FUELLINKS®, as the program is called, is driven by technology developed by CITGO preferred vendor, MetroSplash Systems Group, Inc. CITGO Marketer Milo Ritton, the owner of Superior Petroleum Company of Pittsburgh, created the Fueland Food Store chain to run the program. The stores are slated to open by mid-April and will offer CITGO gasoline at discount prices through a grocery loyalty program at Foodland stores. The Foodland stores in Ford City, PA.. and West Kittanning, PA., will award accumulated discounts off gasoline to customers who buy selected products in their stores. Gasoline discounts will also be added from some purchases made in the Fueland stores. The discounts can then be redeemed for gasoline at Fueland gas station locations. Ritton projects that all of his other stores will be converted to Fueland stores by the end of the year.
MetroSplash Achieves VeriFone Loyalty 4.0 Certification
| April, 2006MetroSplash Systems Group, Inc. has completed certification of its FuelLinks® fuel rewards program to the VeriFone Loyalty kit version 4.0. The VeriFone loyalty kit version 4.0 contains new functionality providing price-rollback of fuel prices at the gasoline dispenser. The new product offering allows consumers to earn cash-value and cents-per-gallon fuel rewards in the convenience store by purchasing promoted products. Rewards, both cash-value and cents-per-gallon, may also be earned in the retail and services community and on the Internet. The earned rewards are redeemable at participating convenience stores equipped with appropriate MetroSplash and VeriFone Systems and software.
MetroSplash Achieves VeriFone Loyalty 3.0 Certification
| March, 2006MetroSplash Systems Group, Inc. has completed certification of its FuelLinks® fuel rewards program to the VeriFone Loyalty kit version 3.0. The new product offering allows consumers to earn cash-value fuel rewards in the convenience store by purchasing promoted products. Rewards may also be earned in the retail and services community and on the Internet. The earned rewards are redeemable at participating convenience stores equipped with appropriate MetroSplash and VeriFone Systems and software.
MetroSplash Announces Verifone Loyalty Parntership
| July, 2005MetroSplash Systems Group, Inc. is pleased to announce that it has joined the Verifone Loyalty Partnership program. MetroSplash has begun integration of its FuelLinks® fuel rewards program to VeriFone POS offerings including the Ruby, Topaz and Sapphire. The FuelL® fuel rewards program integration to VeriFone's POS offerings will enhance consumer's ability to earn rewards in the convenience store as well as in the retail and services community and on the Internet. The earned rewards are redeemable at participating convenience stores equipped with appropriate MetroSplash and VeriFone Systems and software. MetroSplash anticipates launching a new offering integrated to the VeriFone loyalty kit in the spring of 2006.
Abilene, Texas
| October 13, 2004AutoGas Systems, Inc. today announced a strategic marketing and technology alliance with MetroSplash Systems Group, of Bedford, Texas that combines the technological strengths of both companies. The result of this alliance provides a unique and innovative way for retailers to cross-merchandise their products by offering gasoline at a price-per-gallon reduction at the pump. Read more...
Abilene, Texas
| September 1, 2004AutoGas Systems, Inc. today announced a strategic marketing and technology alliance with MetroSplash Systems Group, of Bedford, Texas that combines the technological strengths of both companies to offer a unique and innovative way for retailers to cross-merchandise their products. This combined infrastructure provides the only way to offer motor fuel incentives as a cents off per gallon at the pump.
MetroSplash acquires Fuel Links Inc.
| September 26, 2003MetroSplash Systems Group, a privately held Dallas-based technology company, has acquired Fuel Links Inc. of Irving. Read more...