For the third consecutive year, Michigan credit unions are gearing up to show their support of local businesses through a national CU Lunch Local cash mob campaign.
The effort will kick off Oct. 14 with credit union employees and members buying products and services at shops in their respective communities, according to Jessica Richardson-Isenegger, who has helped to organize the event. Isenegger is a senior partner with in-fusion Group, a Southgate, Mich.-based consulting firm that works with credit unions and CUSOs.
Last year, Michigan was joined by credit unions in Louisiana and Ohio for CU Lunch Local during International Credit Union Week. Isenegger said this year's goal is for even more Michigan credit unions and more states to join in. CU Lunch Local is not sponsored by any group but is a grassroots effort within the credit union industry, she said.
"In addition to infusing cash into local businesses, CU Lunch Local is the perfect opportunity to solicit exposure for the impact credit unions and local businesses make every day in their communities," she said.
Participation is simple, Isenegger said. First, commit to buying local on Oct. 14.
"It could be as simple as a cup of coffee from a neighborhood shop, or ordering lunch for your department from a locally owned deli. Spread the word to others in your credit union in the community at large," she explained.
Next, join the event on Facebook and share details with members, community businesses and online friends to help build a community of support.
Isenegger said as the event's date grows closer, credit unions can promote the event through their own social media channels. Take photos, tag local businesses and use the hashtag #culunchlocal so the event can gain momentum and be tracked online, she added.
Credit unions continue to embrace the idea of small business cash mobs with many holding their own individual events.
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