New Canaan Rams Bringing School Pride to Hi-Tech Credit Card

This holiday season, while you're out (locally!) buying gifts for the people you love in your life, why not treat yourself to a little Rams-related bonus as well?

While pro teams and universities have long utilized credit cards as promotional platforms offering rewards, New Canaan became the first town ever Wednesday to have its high school team featured on new Visa card that will help raise funds for the team through card owner's everyday purchases.

Thanks to a partnership between the New Canaan All Star Booster Club and Dynamics Inc., manufacturer of "intelligent, battery-powered payment devices and advanced payment platforms," the Rams now have a first-of-its-kind ePlate Visa credit card that supports New Canaan teams, athletes, coaches, fields and facilities while earning the user some exclusive swag.

"We are thrilled to be the first High School Booster Club to be part of this unique program," said Tracey Karl, President of the New Canaan All Sports Booster Club. "Now all Rams fans can show off their NC Rams pride every time they use the card, and help support the Rams just by spending what they normally do while pushing the button for the NC Rams!"

The cards are apparently mini-computers, according to a statement issued by Dynamics, with a rewriteable magnetic strip that can be switched at the touch of either of the card's programmable buttons which let users dictate which reward they would like to put their next purchase toward. The card also lights up to show which reward is active and, via smartphones, tablets, or computers, cardholders can instantly change which of the number of rewards available the buttons represent.

Every $500 spent on the card also earns the user digital Rams Horns, which earners can trade in for exclusively-designed merchandise like New Canaan hoodies, hats, and women's and men's quarter-zip jackets. Double Horns are earned at locally participating retailers like Chicken Joe's, New Balance, Joe's Pizza or Hoyt Livery.

"Every school is looking for new and innovative ways to raise funds and show school spirit," said Eric Keshin, Chief Marketing Officer of Dynamics and a New Canaan resident. "With the ePlate card, we are extending our non-profit rewards platform to allow high schools around the country to have a more natural way for fans to support their programs. Given the spirit in this town, it was a natural to start with the Rams."

For more information, including a full list of available rewards and participating local retailers, or to apply for a card, head to the Dynamics Inc. page for the New Canaan Rams.