CHICAGO — The Illinois State Treasurer’s office has partnered with The Chicago Lighthouse to provide customer support for the state’s electronic banking and payment services, state Treasurer Michael Frerichs said today.
The partnership ensures excellent customer service for individuals and units of local government using the state’s ePAY services while supporting an organization that provides employment and job training for Veterans and people who are blind, visually impaired and disabled.
“This is an investment in people and in the power of possible,” Frerichs said. “For more than a century, The Chicago Lighthouse has been inspiring individuals to their fullest potential.” Lighthouse customer care centers will answer questions about the treasurer office’s ePAY program.
Created in 2002, ePAY provides a safe, timely and competitively priced payment tool for units of local government that offer electronic payment of bills. ePAY accepts credit cards, bank cards and electronic checks either online, at point of sale or by telephone. More than 800 local governments use ePAY, including cities, counties, libraries and park districts. Community colleges and universities also can benefit from ePAY.
“The confidence shown in our program by Treasurer Frerichs will raise additional awareness in the community about the excellent customer service provided by The Chicago Lighthouse,” said Lighthouse President and CEO Dr. Janet Szlyk.
Lighthouse customer care centers provide more than 600 permanent jobs for people who are blind, visually impaired, disabled and Veterans. The centers provide meaningful career opportunities for individuals facing barriers to employment. Revenue generated from the customer care centers supplements other Lighthouse programs and services.
The Lighthouse has offered customer care center support since 2012. Its client list includes well- recognized public and private entities. Because The Lighthouse focuses on professional development, retention and advancement of employees, Frerichs anticipates exceptional customer service that will allow for 95 percent of ePAY questions to be resolved within one business day.
The Lighthouse partnership is possible through ePAY improvements that lower fees, improve customer service and provide more security. JetPay (NASDAQ: JTPY), with company headquarters in Center Valley, Pa., was selected as the service provider following a public bidding process.
ePAY participants also can earn greater returns on investment balances when participating in The Illinois Funds, a local government investment pool. Daily liquidity is available through this $5 billion fund that is legally immune from any state budget impasse and enjoys a top credit rating from S&P Global. The Illinois Funds has provided consistent investment return and liquidity since 1975. More than 7,000 units of local government invest in The Illinois Funds.
About Chicago Lighthouse The Chicago Lighthouse is a world- renowned social service organization serving the blind, visually impaired, disabled and Veteran communities. Recognized as a pioneer in innovation since 1906, The Chicago Lighthouse provides vision rehabilitation services, education, employment opportunities and assistive technology for people of all ages.
About JetPay JetPay Corporation, based in Center Valley, PA, is a leading provider of vertically integrated solutions for businesses including card acceptance, processing, payroll, payroll tax filing, human capital management services, and other financial transactions. JetPay provides a single vendor solution for payment services, debit and credit card processing, ACH services, and payroll and human capital management needs for businesses throughout the United States.
About the Illinois Treasurer The Illinois Treasurer is the state’s chief investment officer and Frerichs is a Certified Public Finance Officer. He protects consumers by encouraging savings plans for college or trade school, increasing financial education among all ages, and removing barriers to a secure retirement. As the state’s Chief Investment Officer, he actively manages approximately $25 billion. The portfolio includes $13 billion in state funds, $7 billion in college savings plans and $5 billion on behalf of local and state governments.
The investment approach is cautious to ensure the preservation of capital and returns $28 to the state for every $1 spent in operations. The Treasurer’s Office predates Illinois incorporation in 1818. Voters in 1848 chose to make it an elected office.
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