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Jim Luff | Corporate Communications Manager | Aurora Payments
Tell us a little bit about Aurora Payments:
Aurora Payments is a united network of technology and processing professionals dedicated to
providing our partners with customizable and reliable merchant solutions suitable for any
business environment. Through innovative technology, we help businesses increase profits and
efficiency, and achieve additional opportunities for growth. We have offices in Las Vegas,
Tempe, Atlanta, and Miami, and around 175 employees, currently.
Aurora is proud to be so much more than a “credit card processor.” We integrate with thirdparty
software, and offer a myriad of payment solutions that include text-to-pay and click-topay
invoicing, and nearly-instantaneous ACH payment processing. We have also spent years
working on our proprietary Next Generation Payment Platform: ARISE. ARISE includes the ACH
options, while also taking payment processing to the next level by including an internal
invoicing system with payment links for all sorts of payment types. This is so important as
consumers increasingly want more payment options and merchants seek to be paid faster. With
the included Customer Vault, recurring payments and subscription renewals are completely
automated. ARISE produces meticulous financial reports that help businesses harness their
finances like never before.
How did you, personally, end up in the transportation industry?
In 1990 I entered the limousine industry as a private chauffeur when I was asked by a friend to
fill in as a driver for country western singer, Merle Haggard. Then in 1993, I was hired as the
General Manager of The Limousine Scene, a 3-car operation. I led the company through an
expansion to 39 vehicles and 86 employees by 2016, at which time I retired. Chosen Payments
reached out and invited me to serve as Marketing Manager. The premise was, “who better to
market the company than a previous client?” When Chosen Payments was acquired by Aurora
Payments, I became the Corporate Communications Manager.
What has been your experience as an ILLBA member?
The ILLBA offers more than most trade associations in the form of in-person networking on a
regular basis, and it’s an incredible opportunity for members. Plus the communication about
things happening in Illinois that could have an impact on operators is outstanding. The
education they’re providing, and the fostering of relationships — such as their monthly coffee
chats — exceeds expectations for most trade associations. Everyone should be participating.
Any predictions, hopes, or ambitions for the future of our industry?
I believe the evolution of technology and particularly AI will have drastic impacts on the way we
do business. Paper checks are slated to become obsolete by 2027, a short three years away,
and consumers will continue to gravitate toward digital payment options. Many sports venues,
hotels, and amusement parks have already ditched cash completely. Merchants need to be
ready and willing to accept new ways of payment, or your customers will find someone else
who is more adaptive to the use of modern technology.
You can reach Jim at jim.luff@risewithaurora.com, +1 661 706 7955, or on LinkedIn.
Read Jim’s full interview on our website.
Calling all members and vendors / suppliers! Want to be featured in an upcoming Spotlight Series? Contact Paula at the ILLBA office.
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