Columbus, OH, July, 2005 . . .The International Guild of Hair Removal Specialists (IGHRS), a non-profit international organization dedicated to providing the latest information about permanent and long-term hair removal, has endorsed HealthCard Systems as its transaction processing partner of choice for itself and its international membership.

For more than 26 years, the IGHRS has served to inform, unify and support the hair removal industry through networking events, legislative and professional advocacy and education. Simultaneously, the IGHRS has increased consumer awareness about the industry and assisted them with locating qualified specialists throughout the world.

The high cost of credit and debit card processing has been a barrier to entry for those IGHRS members not accepting credit cards and continues to be more costly for those who do. With this in mind, the IGHRS sought to partner with a credit and debit card processor that would to bring value, state-of-the-art technology and, most importantly, cost savings to its membership. HealthCard Systems, selected after diligent review, is unlike other processors in that they cater exclusively to the personal care and healthcare industries.

“HealthCard Systems is a time-tested company that understands and anticipates the needs of our industry and offers sophisticated processing solutions, flexibility and unparalleled support,” stated IGHRS President Vickie L. Mickey, C.T.

Mickey went on to state, “HealthCard's proprietary processing system has been developed to address our industry concerns. It provides cost-effective transaction processing programs that streamline services, integrate with existing facility software, eliminate confusion, reduce operating costs and minimize staff involvement.”

Servicing leading spas, personal care and healthcare facilities throughout the country, HealthCard Systems has set a new credit and debit card processing standard within the industry. “We are bringing about an important change that will have meaningful financial and operational impact for everyone. We're excited about this new partnership with the IGHRS and look forward to serving their membership,” said HealthCard Systems Chief Executive Officer David H. Schwartz.

The International Guild of Hair Removal Specialists (IGHRS) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing the latest information about permanent and long-term hair removal to the consumer. Established in 1979, IGHRS is dedicated to public awareness through education and believes that an educated consumer creates a professional awareness translating into the highest quality of skill and service. IGHRS has active member hair removal specialists in all 50 states and 11 foreign countries.

HealthCard Systems is the preferred credit and debit card processing company for the healthcare and personal care industries. With corporate offices in Rochelle Park, New Jersey, HealthCard was established with the single focus of exclusively serving these industries and is committed to providing customized and cost-effective card processing solutions to meet the industry's unique demands.