CUs getting their 15 minutes

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – From the national media arena, to buses, more credit unions are opting to air the credit union difference in public. Good Day Philadelphia, a morning program which airs daily on the Fox network from 7a.m. to 9a.m. recently featured Philadelphia Federal Credit Union. As part of its series of consumer updates called “Banking the Benjamins” the morning show shot footage at two PFCU locations and showed members and staff in action on a typical day. The segment went on to explain how important credit unions are in helping their members save and borrow money, highlighting how many credit union products and services cost less than a commercial bank. “It was a great opportunity, not only to feature Philadelphia FCU, but to inform the public of all the great things credit unions can do for their members, said PFCU CEO/President James McAneney. “We are the best deal in town.” The longstanding controversy between banks and credit unions over taxation and other regulatory issues made the front page of The Virginian-Pilot’s business section. The article shares the personal experience of a Chartway Federal Credit Union member and his preference of the credit union’s friendly service and relaxed atmosphere. In addition it offers a chronological timeline of the battle over credit union membership and the history behind the bank vs. credit union controversy. It also gives CFCU President/CEO Ron Burniske a public forum to speak out against regulatory restraints on credit unions. “Our belief is that everybody should have the ability to choose whether they want to join a credit union,” said Burniske in the article. “But if credit unions expect to be the primary providers of financial services to their members they will have to provide the mix of loans, savings products and other services that consumers want, which requires a hefty investment in technology and personnel training.” The article concludes with the financial and service impact that taxation would place on credit unions and asserts that ultimately consumers benefit most from a bank/credit union co-existence. Celebrating a new charter, which opened up its field of membership to all San Diegans, Chula Vista, California-based North Island Financial Credit Union has launched a local advertising campaign to increase awareness of its new status. The ad plays on NIFCU’s “San Diego’s Own” slogan and its popular mural created by artist David Schweitzer entitled Polymorphous Paradise. The mural depicts the San Diego County landscape, well-known landmarks and activities indigenous to the city including diving, surfing, sunbathing, and even SeaWorld’s killer whale Shamu. Local residents are encouraged to “Put yourself in the picture.” Buchalter Consulting, a marketing firm, has developed a campaign featuring billboards and 50 bus-side advertisements, which include the credit union’s Web site, to run through the end of the year. “Accessibility is the key in our advertising message now that we have fewer membership restrictions and more offices throughout the county,” said NIFCU President/CEO Mike Maslak. “Our mural represents the personal side and fun side of us. We think it’s important to let as many people as possible know about the distinctive NIFCU persona of community involvement and personalized service.” [email protected]