EPNA® and The Evanston Chamber of Commerce Team Up to Offer Low-Cost Payment Processing to Local Merchants

Evanston, IL, May 11, 2020  

EPNA, an independent merchant services provider, announced today that it has been selected by the Evanston, Illinois, Chamber of Commerce to be a preferred provider of payment processing services to Evanston area businesses. The arrangement takes the “shop local” paradigm to the next level by offering Evanston-area businesses a low-cost option for processing customer payments. 

• Local businesses can benefit from a low-cost hometown processing option 
• EPNA is the best option for credit card processing beating out Square with local service 
• Through the Evanston Chamber partnership, EPNA will donate $100 to local nonprofits with each new account 
• NAWBO Chicago Executive Director shares her experience with EPNA 
• Evanston Civic Leader recognizes the importance of local relationships 
• Please visit the EPNA homepage or email [email protected] for more information  

 “At the Evanston Chamber of Commerce, we understand the value of keeping business local. EPNA is a local business committed to helping grow our local economy,” said Roger Sosa, Executive Director. “We put EPNA through a rigorous analysis and feel confident that Laura and her team are committed to providing our members with high-quality services that are priced fairly and support their growth objectives.” 

 Hometown for Processing 

Accepting credit and debit card payments can be complicated and a major expense, particularly for smaller businesses. The introduction of Square in 2009, with its flat-fee pricing and simple set-up, attracted many smaller merchants to the card-accepting fold. But Square recently announced a shift away from flat-fee pricing, aligning its pricing structure more closely with traditional payment processors and, in the process, hiking the cost of processing small-dollar card payments by as much as 30%. 

 Beating out Square and all other Processors 

“We meet with businesses all the time and they say they want their clients to shop local all the while they are processing with huge companies that do not put them first and increase their rates for short term gain, said Laura Demke-Calixte, EPNA’s CEO. “I worked with those large companies and I saw first– hand how merchants were getting the short end of the stick; it’s not fair and EPNA is changing that.” 

Accepting credit and debit card payments can be complicated and a major expense, particularly for smaller businesses. The introduction of Square in 2009, with its flat-fee pricing and simple set-up, attracted many smaller merchants to the card-accepting fold. But Square recently announced a shift away from flat-fee pricing, aligning its pricing structure more closely with traditional payment processors and, in the process, hiking the cost of processing small-dollar card payments by as much as 30%. 

“EPNA is committed to fair pricing. In fact, we offer a true flat-fee processing option,” Demke-Calixte said. “Plus, we offer a full assortment of products and services and a level of personal service that can’t be matched. Our EPNA store, on Central Street in Evanston, is staffed by experienced executives and merchant consultants who will sit down with business customers, analyze their needs, and make recommendations based on each customer’s goals and objectives.” 

EPNA Legacy 

Further evidencing its commitment to Evanston, EPNA will make a $100 donation through the EPNA Legacy Initiative to a local charity for each merchant that signs up through the chamber partnership. 

 EPNA Storefront for Consulting Services Assists in the Non-Profit Space  

“EPNA has been a breath of fresh air! With transparent pricing and their high level of customer service, it truly feels like they are part of our team,” said Melissa Lagowski, executive director of the Chicago Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO Chicago). “With other merchant services companies we used in the past, we had no idea who was servicing our account. We simply received statements each month with no customer service. EPNA made the switch seamless, and we are extremely grateful to work with a local service provider.”

Steve Hagerty, founder of Hagerty Consulting and a civic leader in the Evanston community states, “It’s a win-win for everyone when one Evanston business supports another Evanston business. It strengthens our community and attracts more business.” 

 About EPNA 

EPNA is a WBE certified merchant services provider that also is certified in professional, scientific and technical services. EPNA is a national company with a local focus that works with merchants in all industries (mobile, retail, restaurant, mail order/telephone order, government, and non-profit). EPNA partners with financial institutions, CPA’s, consulting firms, private equity firms, associations, and non-profits.  

 About the Evanston Chamber of Commerce 

The Evanston Chamber of Commerce provides programs, services and leadership opportunities to help member businesses thrive. Through the important work of volunteers, the Chamber fosters a competitive business climate conducive to growth, prosperity and maintaining a high quality of life.