Columbus-based TSYS, the world’s top processor of credit card payments, was honored yesterday by the Georgia Historical Society (GHS) as the newest member of its Georgia Business History Initiative.
In a ceremony at TSYS’ corporate headquarters, GHS unveiled a historical marker detailing the economic and social impact that TSYS has had in its 35 years based in Georgia. The company joins such icons as Coca-Cola, CNN, Delta, and Chick-Fil-A as one of the institutions that has played a pivotal role in the state’s economic and cultural development.
As one of the first major technology companies to be headquartered in the state, TSYS’ impact continues to be felt as more and more of the economy becomes based online. Now boasting more than 12,000 employees across 13 countries, the company processes nearly 30 billion transactions per year.
Along with the historical marker, GHS is also putting together a company profile and case study to be made available for 8th grade economics teachers across the state as part of an ongoing program to help tie in local companies to the curriculum.
“What a great way to make history come alive,” Todd Groce, GHS President and CEO told IAG. “If we can understand how we got here, then we can make good decisions going forward.”
He continued, “The TSYS story is one of the most remarkable in Georgia history. Its founding and explosive growth are a testament to the power of free enterprise and visionary leadership. GHS is pleased to honor this uniquely Georgia company and highlight all that it does through its services and philanthropy to make the world a better place.”
Said TSYS president and CEO M. Troy Woods, “We are proud to call Georgia home, as we work to provide innovative payment solutions for people and businesses around the world. This marker is a strong reminder of the power people can have in their communities, and the TSYS Case Study is one of the tools we are using to prepare the next generation of technology talent by encouraging students throughout the state to pursue careers in technology, programming and cybersecurity.”
GHS has had a busy summer; last month the organization received a $500,000 federal grant to go toward its Next Century Initiative Capital Campaign. That effort will help renovate and expand the GHS Research Center to protect its archival and library collections, which are housed in Hodgson Hall, one of the oldest purpose-built libraries in the U.S.
