CORNERSTONE PROCESSING SOLUTIONS

from On Premise March/April 2023

LEAGUE PROFILE PORTAGE COUNTY TAVERN LEAGUE

ATLW supporter since its founding in 1999, Cornerstone Processing Solutions of Oshkosh is members’ go-to source for secure credit card, ATM, and point-of-sale (POS) system services and equipment.

“While we cater to customers in all types of businesses nationwide, we consider ourselves first and foremost a Tavern League member and provider,” says founder Brad Palubiak. “Our staff has the knowledge and experience to act as merchant service consultants. We pride ourselves on the ability to advise and guide all members through the world of payment processing solutions to find those that best meet their business needs.”

Cornerstone has been a Tavern League corporate sponsor for over 10 years and has attended every convention since 1999. Before becoming a corporate sponsor, Cornerstone even founded a program called Processing with a Purpose in which the company provided members with low-rate processing and donated a portion of the profits back to the Tavern League.

“We joined the TLW because we believe it is genuinely the best bar owner association in the country,” says Palubiak. “We have appreciated working with the individual members and the collective strength of the organization. As a Wisconsin-based business, we are loyal to our home state and our fellow small business owners. Since our first show in Lake Geneva in June 1999, it has been clear to us that the Tavern League is a robust supporter of local businesses and we join the league in meeting this mission.”

Cornerstone views itself as the TLW’s payment processing consultants, aiming to bolster members’ profitability. The organization offers a best-in-class POS system package. For as low as $29.99 per month per station, Tavern League members can purchase a POS system, including all the hardware, installation, training, a remote access portal, a mobile analytics app, a lifetime equipment replacement warranty, 24/7 support and more. “We have yet to encounter a competitor that can match this offer,” says Palubiak.

A trend in the industry that Cornerstone can help members implement is cash discounting (also called surcharging) for the credit card process. Cash discounting is the act of passing the credit card processing fees onto the cardholder, resulting in business owners saving hundreds, even thousands, of dollars every month. “Cornerstone offers a fully compliant program that meets the requirements of the card brands,” says Palubiak. “As with many other things in today’s world, credit card processing fees continue to climb.

“These fees will continue to increase due to rewards the card issuers are offering the cardholders, raising the costs the business owner is left to pay. By switching to our program, the business knows every month what its cost will be. With our program, businesses do not have to worry about keeping processing fees low because the business is no longer charged them!”

Cornerstone is a local, family-owned and operated company whose staff strives to educate merchants on available services and equipment to meet individual business needs. Palubiak adds that, over the past 24 years, he has seen no fewer than 60 competitors come and go, but Cornerstone has stayed constant. “Cornerstone is not here to make a quick buck — we are here for the long term. The best part of working with us is that, not only do our merchants receive personalized customer service, but we also offer some of the best pricing in the industry.”

He also adds that Tavern League members who use Cornerstone keep more of their hard-earned money in their pockets, which allows members to invest more in their business and their staff. “Cornerstone is here to help you decide what savings option you want to take advantage of, whether you choose to keep 100% of your ATM surcharge profits, pay the lowest fees on credit card processing or save money by switching your POS system provider. At Cornerstone, we will help you find potential savings in your processing services so that you can invest more in your business and your future.”

Palubiak also extends an offer to local leagues to talk about opportunities to build membership, make money, and discuss how local leagues may benefit from Cornerstone’s profit-sharing and cash discount programs. “Let us share these opportunities with you by reaching out to our office!” says Palubiak. TLW