CLEVELAND, OH -- Members of the Marble Institute of America (MIA) can look forward to saving substantially on two core business operations -- credit card processing and payment collections -- as a result of new alliances the leading natural stone association has forged with Paymentech and NCO Financial Systems.

Paymentech is one of the largest merchant processors in the nation, providing state-of-the-art, premier payment solutions to the marketplace since 1985, according to MIA. Through Paymentech, MIA members now can offer customers the convenience of credit card payment at a lower cost, thanks to discounted rates on credit card transactions negotiated exclusively for MIA. Credit card processing through Paymentech also offers MIA members additional benefits and features, such as recurring billing, check guarantees, technical support and customized solutions to accommodate unique transaction needs.

NCO Financial Systems is the world's leading provider of accounts receivable and customer relationship management solutions. Since 1926, NCO has specialized in commercial debt recovery and collection methods that preserve customer relationships and retention. It was recently rated the top collections company by the Thompson Corporation and CreditCollectionsWorld.com. NCO offers MIA members assistance in collecting overdue accounts and resolving business obstacles that negatively impact cash flow and profitability. Through NCO, MIA members can also take advantage of an array of free services designed to help them identify and avoid known credit risks.

“We are delighted to be able to offer our members special access to these powerful resources to better manage the costs of doing business,” stated MIA Executive Vice President Garis F. Distelhorst. “These new benefit programs, along with the new discounted freight and energy programs introduced earlier this year, give MIA members solid business advantages and serve to further demonstrate the value of MIA membership and MIA's commitment to supporting the success of member business.”