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FiSCA Joins and Participates in Consumer Choice in Payments Coalition:

Group Seeks to Preserve Right
of Consumers to Use Cash

Seeking to protect the ability of consumers to conduct their transactions in whatever form is most convenient to them, FiSCA has joined the Consumer Choice in Payment Coalition (CCPC). The CCPC consists of a group of businesses, trade associations, and consumer groups that have come together to advocate for consumer choice and for preserving the right of all consumers to use cash to pay for goods and services in the marketplace.

Among the new coalition’s top priorities is supporting passage of The Payment Choice Act of 2019 (HR-2650). The bill, introduced by Representative Donald M. Payne Jr. (D-NJ), now has 55 bipartisan co-sponsors. If enacted, the law would prohibit cashless retail establishments and maintain U.S. currency as a viable means of payment for most consumer purchases in the U.S. H.R. 2650 closely follows popular measures recently adopted at local and state levels, which largely ban cashless policies at brick-and-mortar retail establishments, while not disrupting traditional non-cash payment methods using the internet, phone, and mail. Addition-ally, the bill provides penalties for violations, ranging from $2,500 for a first offense to $5,000 for subsequent violations.

On July 1, 2020, Senate Bill 4145 was introduced by Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND). This bill is the com-panion bill for HR 2650, and the coalition will support its passage.

Upcoming FiSCA Events:

Board, Annual Meeting, and
MoneyTrends Updates

FISCA BOARD OF DIRECTORS TO MEET NOVEMBER 9-10 IN AUSTIN, TEXAS.

The Board of Directors has scheduled its fall meeting for November 9-10, at the JW Marriott in Austin, Texas. In addition to the Board meeting, the FiSCA Executive Committee will also meet there.
Recognizing the critical issues facing the association and the industry, along with the possible changes stemming from the results of the 2020 national elections, the Board has elected to hold an in-person meeting; however, virtual attendance will be made available to Board members. The agenda for the meetings will be robust, as the industry and the association look forward to a challenging year ahead. This will be the first meeting of the combined Boards of FiSCA and CFSA.

FISCA ANNUAL MEETING OF MEMBERS TO BE CONDUCTED IN DECEMBER

FiSCA’s bylaws call for an annual meeting of the members of the association. The business to be conducted at the annual meeting includes the election of directors and officers. Traditionally, FiSCA has conducted this meeting during a general session at its annual conference, now known as the MoneyTrends Conference. Due the COVID-19 pandemic, the Mon-eyTrends 2020 Annual Conference, scheduled for November 8-10, has been canceled. In fulfillment of the requirements of the FiSCA bylaws, an annual meeting of members will be scheduled in December 2020. In addition to the election of officers and directors, the Board anticipates that several bylaw amendments will be on the agenda. These amendments are designed to update the current FiSCA bylaws, and to address several issues that arose during the merger discussions with CFSA. Among the proposed amendments are expanding the number of seats on the Executive Committee designated to represent small entities.

MONEYTRENDS 2021 RETURNS TO OUR NATION’S CAPITAL 

After missing the 2020 MoneyTrends Conference due to the pan-demic, MoneyTrends will return in 2021 at the spectacular Marriott Marquis Washington, D.C. from November 1-3, 2021. Returning to our nation’s capital for the first time since the 2016 event at the Gaylord National, MoneyTrends 2021 will bring together the newly merged INFiN member-ship in the industry’s largest national conference event. Anticipating a clean bill of health in 2021, MoneyTrends 2021 promises a return to the event’s tradition of camaraderie and interpersonal interaction, along with impactful speakers and educational opportunities. As the epicenter of industry issues, MoneyTrends 2021 will also feature key legislators, regulators, and policymakers providing insight into the challenges faced by consumer financial service providers.

Washington is also a fantastic destination for the entire family and fall is the region’s best season, offering warm days and cool nights con-ducive for sightseeing, dining at D.C.’s upscale restaurant scene, and shopping at the nearby City Center mall. The Marriott Marquis Washington D.C. is centrally located downtown, in close proximity to the D.C. Metro, and a short trip to all there is to see in town. Bringing the industry together for the first time in almost two years, MoneyTrends 2021 will certainly offer energy and excitement for all attendees.

MONEYTRENDS 2022 TO BE HELD IN AUSTIN, TEXAS

One of the most disappointing aspects of the difficult decision to cancel the MoneyTrends 2020 Annual Conference was the missed op-portunity to be one of the first major events to be held at the Austin Marriott Downtown. Located in the heart of the Texas capitol, the Mar-riott Downtown will feature state-of-the-art technology, safety and com-fort measures. In addition, based on the size of FiSCA’s annual event, MoneyTrends 2020 would have likely resulted in a buyout of the entire facility, allowing for enhanced branding, networking, and presentation opportunities for the event.

Following the decision to cancel the 2020 event, FiSCA engaged with Marriott and reached an agreement to hold the 2022 MoneyTrends Conference at the Marriott Downtown venue. This decision allows FiSCA to take advantage of the planning and coordination that was already in place for the 2020 event. With its expanded membership, including the addition of new affiliate members, the event is certain to be a sellout.

Austin, Texas is an exciting, smaller city featuring a multitude of din-ing, entertainment, cultural, and historical opportunities outside of the conference venue. The 2022 MoneyTrends Conference will be held dur-ing the month of October, which promises cooler temperatures and the opportunity to utilize the Marriott Downtown’s outdoor facilities. Stay tuned for additional information regarding MoneyTrends 2022.