PEWAUKEE, Wis. – Wisconsin credit unions have tapped Green Bay Packers Place Kicker Ryan Longwell to encourage families here to talk about money and credit unions. And the timing could not be better. Considered by some sports fans as the "little engine that could" in the NFL, the Packers recently edged out the Dallas Cowboys as "America's favorite football team". According to WCUL President/CEO Brett Thompson, using a sports figure – particularly a Packer – might help young people and their families take notice and start talking about the issues that affect people's ability to save, borrow and get ahead in life. A recent study by the Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy, has revealed that Wisconsin students scored an "F" when tested on their knowledge of credit cards, retirement funds, insurance, and other personal finance basics. Longwell's public service announcement focuses on the importance of building money skills early and ends with an announcer saying "brought to you by the credit unions of Wisconsin." The public service announcement is one of three planned. In late December/early January, Longwell will talk about the February Children's Miracle Network fundraising efforts of credit unions and later on in 2003 Longwell will also offer tips on how consumers can protect themselves against identity theft. "The PSA really give us extra mileage on our arrangement with the Packers," said WCUL Director of Communications Chris Olson. Part of that arrangement includes paid advertisements airing statewide on approximately 70 AM and FM station. During a recently completed two-week paid ad campaign a total of 2600 30-second spots aired with Longwell touting the benefits of credit union membership. In addition, there are 15-second radio ads scheduled to run in conjunction with radio coverage of every Packers game- a total of 20 games a year. "Learning about money isn't always part of formal schooling. But understanding basic money matters is critical to a young person's ability to get out on their own and become financially self-sufficient," said Thompson. "Consumers can count on their credit union for information to help them make informed financial decisions. Teaching members to save and borrow wisely is part of credit unions' 150-year history as cooperative businesses." [email protected]