Texas League Ramps Up Social Networking With 'BlogTalkRadio'

FARMERS BRANCH, Texas — In an out-of-the-box pitch for industry awareness, the Texas Credit Union League is venturing into online radio blogs and social networking via the launch of a monthly “BlogTalkRadio” program.The live, 30-minute debut show, “Credit Unions Help American Families Ride Out the Economic Storm,” was broadcast Jan. 14, featuring league President/CEO Richard Ensweiler matched up with John Tippets, the retired president/CEO of Dallas-based American Airlines FCU.Under the BlogTalkRadio format, audience participants connect with speakers in give-and-take questioning on the online radio blogs.The Ensweiler/Tippet show, branded as “Your Money, Your Matters,” is designed to “inform and educate the public on a wide array of issues related to personal finance, such as asset building, retirement planning, investments, et cetera.”“Incorporating social media into our communications strategy makes sense,” said Ensweiler. “It’s a valuable business tool and a cost-effective way for us to reach the public.”The league said it has been researching and testing the blogtalk vehicle for months and with it the league can spread a strong CU message while taking advantage of an opportunity “to address current issues, including the economy, financial marketplace and credit unions in general.”CUs, said Ensweiler, “have been America’s best kept secret for far too long. We are a stabilizing force in the U.S. economy, but we are often overshadowed by our for-profit counterparts.”The industry has a great story to tell and needs to do more to let the public know that “we are here, we are financially sound, and we’re ready to serve.”Other programs on the network, such as “Getting Out of the Payday Trap” and “401k Education,” are also in the works, according to the league. The program allows for chatting among listeners, as well posing questions either online or via call-in.–[email protected]