Who needs milk? Members Insurance Services asks, "Got auto insurance?"

<p>BOCA RATON, Fla. – Ask a simple question and Members Insurance Services says it gets a huge response. Playing off an idea from one MIS owner/partner Sarasota Coastal Credit Union CEO Tom Randle to have credit union employees wear t-shirts that say “Ask me about insurance”, MIS marketing department came up with “Got Auto Insurance?” A take-off of the “Got Milk” ads, the “Got Auto Insurance?” two-month campaign, which was designed in-house has been wildly successful with both members and staffers alike. In addition to credit union employees wearing sunny yellow polo shirts with the “Got Auto Insurance?” every Wednesday and buttons that say “Ask me about auto insurance” on Mondays and Fridays, the campaign also includes tent cards, statement stuffers, brochures and posters in all offices, as well as notices in each monthly newsletter. “The staff and I love the additional casual dress day,which runs through the end of June,” said MIS Board President Barry Hughes. “Our agency has never been so busy- the phone is ringing and e-mails are coming in with everyone wanting to see if we can save them money and we are able to in a lot of cases.” Since the campaign runs through the end of the month the official numbers have not been tabulated yet, but Hughes says the response has been “quite substantial” and better than they expected. “Let’s face it, members won’t call if they are not aware of us,” said Hughes. “Now, more and more members than ever are aware that we have an insurance agency.” As a way to motivate employees Randle has even offered each of his employees a $100 bonus when they reach 600 policies with MIS. According to Hughes, “it is marketing like this that will help members and allow us to be successful.” Initially started through a partnership of six credit unions-Atlantic Coast FCU (which has since converted to a bank); Bay Gulf FCU; Tampa Bay FCU; IBM Southeast Employees FCU; Community Educators CU of Brevard; and Sarasota Coastal CU – MIS now writes through 26 insurance companies and offers multiple-state insurance policies in over 28 states. Claiming to be in the business at the right time Hughes says MIS is currently working with approximately 10 credit unions to join as partners and bring MIS closer to the vision of having credit union partners across the U.S. [email protected]</p>