DALLAS – Credit union clients of TNB Card Services, the card processing arm of credit-union-owned Town North Bank, will soon have access to a new marketing guide TNB has published to help them better sell their card programs. Credit unions that actively market their card programs achieve stronger net retail sales, higher outstanding balances and interest income, more accounts on file, and reduced attrition, TNB said. The TNB 2006 Card Marketing Guide offers solutions for acquisition, activation, retention, and loyalty programs. TNB's turnkey marketing programs are used by credit unions of all sizes. One client, Education Credit Union in Amarillo, Texas, is an example of the effectiveness of a proactive marketing program. The credit union increased its number of active card accounts by more than 7% in less than a year with a mix of promotions recommended by TNB and staff incentives, the card processor said. Education Credit Union's average balance in July 2005 of $2,068 represented 47% growth over the January 2005 figure of $1,403. Average monthly spending per account increased in that same six-month period by more than 50%, from $204 to $313. These were the first increases in any of those categories that Education Credit Union had seen since 2001, TNB added.