FedChoice FCU Takes Home Two American Marketing Assoc. Awards

WASHINGTON -- For the second year in a row, FedChoice Federal Credit Union has walked away a winner at the 2008 M Awards hosted by the American Marketing Association--D.C. Chapter.

This year, FedChoice won two awards--one for best direct marketing campaign and another for best printed marketing collateral.

The first award, for the direct marketing campaign, honored a series of four specialized letters, which FedChoice created in order to both educate and engage members during the first 90 days of their membership. The second award, for marketing collateral, recognized a new line of brochures, highlighting the products, services, features and benefits to FedChoice members, in an easy-to-read format.

The AMA-DC entries were judged on the criteria of insight, objectives, strategy, tactics and results.

"We are incredibly proud to have won these prestigious awards from the AMA-DC," said FedChoice President/CEO David Bunch. "And, more importantly we are delighted with the success of both marketing pieces, which have allowed us to engage our members in a professional, well-organized and credible manner."

Last year, FedChoice won an award for the best integrated marketing campaign in the Washington-metropolitan area for its Live Sept. 5 marketing campaign that unveiled its new name, logo, colors and themes, such as "altogether better" and "un-banking."

Innovations FCU Revamps Web Site

PANAMA CITY, Fla. -- Innovations Federal Credit Union has unveiled its completely revamped Web site (www.innovationsfcu.org).

The new look and feel of the Web site and its user-friendly interface allows users to easily obtain information about the credit union's products and services. Navigational aids are clearly indicated, and the user experience is designed to be more intuitive.

"Our Web site is one of our most important communication and delivery channels; therefore, it was important for it to be friendlier and more functional, while more effectively supporting our brand position," said Innovations Chief Marketing Officer Karen Hurst.

Member and employee feedback fueled the development of the new site.

David Southhall, Innovations CEO, said, "Our goal is to develop on-going dialogues with our members, so it was critically important to ensure the site is

reflective of members' needs while supporting our goal of being an advocate to all those we serve."

The credit union tapped Hampton, Va.-based branding firm Raoust+Partners to design, develop, build and wrap the new site into Innovation's new brand communication platform.

Snigglezoo Club Debuts at Two CUs

LOS ANGELES -- Snigglezoo Entertainment's Money Mammals Saving Money Is Fun! Kids Club will be swinging into Paragon Federal Credit Union, Montvale, N.J., and 1st Advantage Credit Union, Newport News, R.I.

The program--designed for kids up to age 11 focuses on educating while entertaining. The club's overall goal is to help credit unions build member loyalty early; retaining and attracting youth members while teaching them to share, save and spend wisely.

Once a Kid's Club member, children receive a passbook, coin purse, membership card, punch card and a Money Mammals bracelet. For every dollar saved members receive a punch on their punch cards, which can then be used to spend on Money Mammals gifts, saved in their accounts or given to charity. In addition, members receive a quarterly newsletter along with access to a credit union-customized Money Mammals Web site where they can watch Money

Mammals videos, play games, download coloring pages and have fun while learning about money.

Medford, Ore.-based ROGUE Federal Credit union first launched the program in January and youth membership increased by 20% in just the first quarter.

For Paragon Federal CU and 1st Advantage the move was a natural fit, they said, and given the national trends regarding savings habits teaching their youngest members the value of money and benefits of savings is simply the right thing to do.

Ads Feature Testimonials to MSU FCU

LANSING, Mich. -- Michigan State University Federal Credit Union is letting its members do the talking and turning them into campus celebrities.

Member testimonials are helping others see how the credit union helped them live the theme of "Life made possible...every step of the way."

"Testimonies, especially from real members offer a sincerity that few actors can duplicate. They really motivate prospective members to visit MSUFCU and see what it is all about," said MSU FCU Vice President of Marketing Joyce Banish.

Recognizing each member has different needs for their own financial situations is why the credit union turns to members to help sell MSU FCU and its services to the public.

The commercials, billboards, brochures and radio advertisements all feature members that have everyday needs and a personal history with the credit union.

MSU Federal Credit Union also sends direct mail and e-mails to members on a regular basis to inform them about the different types of programs and promotions.

According to Banish, the possibilities seem endless. Some of the personal testimonies include Ralph, a senior member at MSU FCU who has been a member for over 35 years and received benefits ranging from discounted fees to free products. In addition, graduating seniors, such as Kerri from Michigan State University, speak from experience about the perks of having an MSU FCU account, even if they are stepping out into the real world and moving out of state. In her spot, Kerri talked about being able to pay for her apartment and other expenses with the help of MSU FCU.

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Simon Ad Agency to Invade Texas

AUSTIN, Texas -- Los Angeles-based advertising agency Simon + Associates Advertising is branching out to Austin, Texas.

The satellite office is designed to help build its presence and better to serve its wide variety of clientele.

"It's always been our plan to have presence in the West and Southwest, so that we can continue to provide our clients with broader exposure in key markets. We are right on plan in terms of our growth strategy, which is to adapt to the market and grow with our clients," said Principal/Executive Creative Director Jane Simon.

Simon is a progressive, integrated marketing and advertising agency that provides customized solutions. The firm offers a wide variety of services--from traditional print and broadcast advertising, to viral and alternative marketing. Staffers servicing its financial clients hail from the credit union marketing trade and include former credit union marketing directors and managers.