MADISON, Wis. – With the competition heating up, credit unions have to do what they can to stand out and experts say that public relations can help. According to the latest CUES manual PR for CUs, not only is PR a vital investment in long-term CU success but handled properly, public relations can also be a credit union's most affordable marketing strategy. The manual focuses on understanding just what effective PR entails and covers topics ranging from creating community awareness and building a lasting impact on the community, to working with the media and dealing with crisis communications. The manual is written by authors Lucy Harr, who has 18 years of experience with CUNA & Affiliates in community relations and public relations campaigns, and Dick Radtke, who has more than 30 years of experience and served as vice-president/senior public relations officer for CUNA Mutual Group. For more information on PR for CUs call CUES at (800) 252-2664.