By Justin Wise of 2% Certified business RPS Bancard LLC.

When I first heard about 2% for Conservation it was still in its infancy, with Jeff Sposito working on the idea with Wild Sheep Foundation and Sitka Gear. I loved the idea of getting businesses and people involved on a different level and holding them accountable. 2% has been taken way above and beyond that with Jared Frasier at the helm, and it’s been a pleasure being involved. 2% personally keeps me in check with the annual audit that we complete. This way I know where my time is being spent and ensure I am spending time supporting conservation causes that I hold dear. I also find myself wanting to spend more time and ideas on how we can support other organizations year over year.

I remember the first conservation-related banquet I ever went to. I was a little kid, and my father took me to the local Oregon Hunters Association dinner and banquet. We sat with some complete strangers, but the bond of the outdoors made the dinner, conversation, and atmosphere something that I wanted to be a part of, even at a young age. I kept asking questions, in between playing the kids’ games of course.

Why do they spend money on these deer tags? Why are they bidding on an elk tag? Why is it so much money? Where does that money go?
I wanted to take the whole experience in but had so much to learn.

As soon as I was old enough to participate, I spent as much time and resources as possible to work with OHA and the local Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation chapter on their local fundraisers and conservation projects, but still wanted to figure out how to do more, even though I didn’t know what that would mean until years later.

After college, I found a job in the customer service and golf industry. I grew up around the golf business and this career would serve as a reminder of the importance of the customer experience and trust. I found myself in southern California and sorely missing the hunting, camping, and mountains I grew up in. Growing up chasing blacktail and elk, shed hunting, and just getting out in the mountains made the choice easy for a career change after I found myself talking with an acquaintance who worked in the merchant service industry. Merchant services are all about customer service and helping businesses understand the nuances in the processing industry. It’s also about getting to know our customers on a personal level so that they feel comfortable calling with questions and concerns. Most importantly, forming a relationship with our customers built on trust.

RPS Bancard LLC (RPS) was formed in southern Oregon by a group of members who enjoy the outdoors and all that it has to offer. After a few years and some relationships formed with different companies, we developed the Donation Network. The Donation Network Programs are specifically for conservation organizations and businesses they work with, partner with, or support.

These credit card processing programs give back 20% of the net revenue monthly, to the conservation group of the customers choosing that participate in the Donation Network Program.

It’s a way to do something with the fees that businesses already pay. We are proud supporters and partners of the Wild Sheep Foundation, Mule Deer Foundation and Backcountry Hunters and Anglers.

2% also reminds me of the importance conservation and hunting serve for our future generations.

As conservationists, we have a direct responsibility to get involved, on any or all levels to protect wild places, animals, memories, and traditions so future generations can enjoy bits and pieces of what has been left for them. 2% helps bridge that gap and direct the ones who want to contribute to the right places or help the hard-core conservationist with their passions. I am looking forward to seeing what the journey brings as more companies and individuals get involved with 2% and partake in all the good conservation karma that’s available out there.