Quarter III 2025
Insights Start Here
Happy 4th of July
From all of us at Ironwood, we wish our partners and future partners a safe and happy Fourth of July!
A Word from Our President
Joan Kuykendall
"The last 10% it takes to launch something takes as much energy as the first 90%." - Rob Klain, Founder of Etsy
Happy 4th of July!
As we celebrate the spirit of independence, I’m proud to share a major milestone for Ironwood. We will soon manage transaction management, underwriting, enhanced support, and operations on the Fiserv Platform.
This transition marks a pivotal step in our journey. The final stretch—bringing this vision to life—has taken immense focus and determination. As Rob Kalin said, the last 10% demands as much energy as the first 90%, and we’ve poured our hearts into making this a reality.
By aligning our capabilities with those of our community financial institution partners, we are reinforcing our independence and enhancing our ability to serve with integrity, transparency, and teamwork—the core values that define Ironwood.
It feels especially fitting to make this announcement as we approach Independence Day. Gaining control over these foundational aspects of our business empowers us to shape our own future and better serve our partners and your merchants.
Be sure to watch for more details on the exciting announcement in future Lunch & Learn’s where you’ll learn more about this partnership and how your financial institution and merchants will benefit.
Here’s to continued growth, stronger partnerships, and a future built on trust and innovation.
Product Spotlight
Dejavoo's iPOSpays
Introducing iPOSpays: A Smarter, Streamlined Point-of-Sale Solution for Merchants
Ironwood is proud to announce the launch of iPOSpays, an enterprise-level payment gateway solution developed by Dejavoo. Designed to simplify and enhance merchant operations, iPOSpays offers a seamless, enterprise-level payment experience that integrates hardware, software, and reporting into one powerful platform.
Whether your merchants need wireless terminals, countertop devices, or mobile capabilities through the iPOSgo App, iPOSpays delivers flexibility and control. This solution ties together multiple processing options with an intuitive dashboard and enhanced reporting tools—making it easier than ever to manage transactions and grow business.
"At Dejavoo, we’re proud to partner with Ironwood. Their professionalism, industry insight, and commitment to delivering value make them a standout in the merchant services space. We appreciate their trust in us, and the strong relationship we’ve built, and look forward to continued success together." - Chris Clarke, Vice President | Sales USA, Dejavoo Systems
Key Features of iPOSpays:
- Post-Settlement Tip Adjust
- Card-Present Mobile Apps
- Upload Invoice PDFs
- Inventory Lite
- Social Media Reviews
- Invoice Payment Links
- Customer Vault
- Recurring Payments
- Digital Ads Displayed When Idle
This launch reflects Ironwood’s ongoing commitment to delivering innovative, merchant-first solutions that drive efficiency and growth. With iPOSpays, we’re equipping our partners with the tools they need to thrive in today’s fast-paced payment landscape.
Product Spotlight
Dejavoo's DejaPayPro
Introducing DejaPayPro: A Smarter POS for Growing Businesses
We’re thrilled to unveil the latest innovation in the Dejavoo lineup—DejaPayPro, a smart, cloud-based point-of-sale solution built for today’s small to medium-sized businesses. Tailored for quick service restaurants and retail shops with built in Dual Pricing, Surcharging, or True Cash Discount capabilities. “It’s more than a cash register, it’s your cloud-based Superpower.”
Whether your merchants operate in retail or food service, DejaPayPro delivers a seamless checkout experience with intuitive functionality, real-time reporting, and flexible payment options. Designed to work effortlessly across Android and iOS devices, this solution empowers merchants to manage their business from anywhere.
To learn more be sure to check out our Lunch & Learn session where we walk through the features, benefits, and real-world applications of DejaPayPro. It’s the perfect opportunity to see how this powerful POS system can elevate your merchants’ operations.
Why DejaPayPro?
- Cloud-based for anytime, anywhere access
- Streamlined checkout with a user-friendly interface
- Real-time sales and inventory reporting
- Seamless integration with mobile devices
- Ideal for retail and food service environments
Partner Spotlight
Austin Bank
Austin Bank, a community bank headquartered in Jacksonville, Texas, has 40 locations in 28 Texas cities within fourteen counties. With assets in excess of $3 billion, the bank is locally owned and operated by the Austin family, celebrating 116 years of service in the Texas banking industry.
The Austin family has been a prominent part of the Texas banking industry for four generations, establishing a trusted name in East Texas through a strong commitment to local decision-making and reinvestment in the region. The bank is guided by its core values of appreciation, unity, service, trustworthiness, integrity, and nurturing.
"Austin Bank is proud to partner with Ironwood as a trusted ally in providing innovative, transparent, and community-focused payment solutions that enhance our customers' banking experience. One of the key reasons we continue our partnership with Ironwood is the accessibility to their executive team." - Misty Cox, Vice President | Senior Treasury Management Officer
Industry Highlights
Empowering Women in Banking: Ironwood at the 2025 WBA Event & Our New Book Club Launch
This was Ironwood’s second year attending the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) Women in Banking Event. Calling it a resounding success would be an understatement—over 350 female bankers attended, making it a record-breaking day filled with inspiration, networking, and empowerment.
I was inspired by the guest speakers and am committing to:
- Perform a "Courageous Audit" and create positive impact daily (Sarah Noll Wilson).
- Use a "power pose" to boost confidence (Kristina Schaefer).
- Spark Joy within my team by identifying "our elephant" (Kathy Parry).
As woman-led organization, Ironwood was a proud sponsor of the WBA Women in Banking event because it mirrors our mission of building long-lasting relationships for our partners driven by our core values of integrity, transparency, and teamwork.
To keep the momentum going from the event, we're launching a virtual book club featuring Don't Feed the Elephants by Sarah Noll Wilson. We'll meet informally on the third Wednesday of each month from 7:30–8:30 p.m. CT to discuss the book together.
The book has 12 chapters, and we’ll focus on one chapter per session. For our first meeting, we’ll discuss the Foreword, Introduction, and Chapter 1 (pages 1–42). Going forward, we’ll typically read one chapter between sessions, so feel free to join in at any point. We’ll also vote on future book selections as a group—suggestions are always welcome!
We also welcome female bankers in leadership roles to join us as guest speakers during our sessions.
Lastly, we’ll be attending the Illinois Bankers Association’s Women in Banking event on October 2–3 in Springfield, IL.
If you’d like a calendar invite or more information, please email jniles@teamironwood.com.
Industry Highlights
Visa Commercial Enhanced Data Program (CEDP)
As your valued partner, Ironwood wanted to make you aware of this industry update pertaining to the Visa Commercial Enhanced Data Program (CEDP).
The CEDP is a new Visa initiative designed to improve the quality of enhanced data submitted with commercial card transactions (business, corporate, purchasing, and fleet cards). It's an evolution of Visa's previous Level 2 and Level 3 enhanced data programs.
How does CEDP work?
- Improved data quality: Visa encourages merchants to submit higher-quality Level 2 and Level 3 data on their commercial transactions.
- Validation process: Visa Commercial Solutions (VCS) will validate the submitted transaction data using machine learning, starting October 17, 2025.
- Merchant verification: Merchants will be categorized as "verified" or "non-verified" based on the consistency of their data quality.
- Incentives: Verified merchants will be eligible for immediate interchange discounts. Non-verified merchants can still receive incentives, but they will be delayed until after data validation.
- Fees: A 0.05% participation fee will be charged on CEDP transactions that include enhanced Level 2 or Level 3 data.
Why is CEDP important?
- For merchants: Submitting accurate and verified data can help merchants qualify for reduced interchange rates and potentially lower their processing costs.
- For issuers: Accurate data provides issuers with better insights and improved reconciliation for commercial card programs.
- Impact on Level 2/3 programs: CEDP replaces previous Level 2, Level 3, and Large Ticket programs. Level 2 interchange rates will be phased out by April 17, 2026, except for Visa Commercial Fuel transactions.
In summary, the Visa Commercial Enhanced Data Program (CEDP) is a significant change in the commercial card interchange landscape, impacting how merchants qualify for favorable rates by emphasizing the importance of accurate transaction data.
Day in the Life of Denise Manley, VP of FI Sales
Starting the Day with Purpose: Conversations, Community, and the Power of Connection
There’s something special about starting the day with intention. For me, it begins with a cup of coffee on the pool deck, with my two golden retrievers, followed by a quick hike through the woods. It’s my way of grounding myself before diving into the day’s work—and it makes all the difference.
What I love most about my job is the people. Every day brings new conversations, fresh perspectives, and the chance to connect with individuals who have incredible stories to share. Recently, I had the pleasure of speaking with a banker preparing for retirement after 50 years in the industry. His wisdom was inspiring, but what struck me most was his kind observation: “I can hear you smiling through the phone.” That moment reminded me how powerful genuine human connection can be—even over a phone line.
As a former banker myself, I understand the many hats’ bankers wear and the deep responsibility they feel toward their communities. That shared experience sparked a meaningful conversation that eventually led us to discuss technology in the merchant services space. Naturally, I mentioned our Lunch & Learn Sessions, a fantastic resource where industry leaders share insights and innovations. If you haven’t checked them out yet, you can register to attend future monthly sessions here.
We’re especially excited about the launch of iPOSpays and DejaPayPro —two powerful additions to our suite of payment solutions. What sets us apart isn’t just the technology, but the people behind it. One of the most common frustrations we hear from merchants is, “I can’t get a real person when I call for tech support.” That’s why we proudly offer U.S.-based support teams available 24/7—because real people make a real difference.
I also had the privilege of attending the PA Bankers Conference, where I reconnected with our partner Randy Black, CEO and President of FCCB. Randy was honored for his leadership and contributions to the community—a well-deserved recognition. With 385 bankers in attendance, the event was a powerful reminder of what unites community bankers: a genuine commitment to service.
Ask any banker what customer service means to them, and you’ll likely hear the same thing: “We all offer similar products and services—what sets us apart is how we take care of our customers.” That philosophy resonates deeply with me. At the end of the day, it’s the people who make an organization great. As we like to say: TEAM – Together Everyone Achieves More.
Here’s to more meaningful conversations, stronger communities, and always smiling through the phone.
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Announcements
Future Trade Shows
Ironwood will be attending the conferences and trade shows listed below—we’d love to connect if you’ll be there too!
- Illinois Bankers Association, Women in Banking Awards Ceremony
Date: October 2–3, 2025
Location: Crowne Plaza, Springfield, IL
Hosted by the Illinois Bankers Association, this conference celebrates 25 years of empowering women in the banking industry. Attendees will enjoy inspiring keynote sessions, leadership development workshops, and the prestigious Women in Banking Awards Ceremony honoring trailblazing professionals.
- GoWest Credit Union MAXX 2025
Date: October 13–16, 2025
Location: Oregon Convention Center & Hyatt Regency, Portland, OR
MAXX is the premier annual event for credit unions across six western states. It features high-impact networking, over 120 solution booths, educational sessions, and community impact initiatives like the CU4Kids Auction. It’s a must-attend for credit union professionals seeking innovation and collaboration.
- BankTech Conference
Date: October 23, 2025
Location: DoubleTree by Hilton, Oak Brook, IL
This hybrid event brings together banking professionals to explore the latest in fintech innovation. With sessions on AI, cybersecurity, digital banking, and customer engagement, BankTech is ideal for those looking to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving financial technology landscape.
- Midwest Bank Leaders Conference
Date: November 6, 2025
Location: Gleacher Center, Chicago, IL
Designed for senior bank executives, this conference focuses on economic trends, regulatory updates, and technological advancements. It offers a platform for strategic discussions and peer networking to help leaders prepare for the challenges and opportunities of 2026.