CUs in Virginia & Wyoming Announce Naming Rights Deals

Two credit unions recently formed partnerships that will enable them to showcase their brand to local athletes and sports fans. In Richmond, Va., the fields at the youth soccer non-profit Richmond Strikers’ Striker Park are now called Virginia Credit Union Fields at Striker Park, and in Cheyenne, Wyo., a new facility at a community college will be named the Blue Federal Credit Union Recreation & Athletics Complex.

The $5 billion, North Chesterfield, Va.-based Virginia Credit Union’s partnership with the Richmond Strikers not only places the credit union’s name on 11 soccer fields utilized by Strikers players, but expands access to youth soccer for local children, teens and families, according to a Tuesday announcement from both organizations. Funding from Virginia CU will help the Strikers expand their programming as well as provide more than $50,000 per year in scholarships, which will help cover program costs for around 75 young athletes.

“Youth sports brings families and communities together,” Virginia CU President/CEO Chris Shockley stated. “We are excited to partner with the Richmond Strikers in this initiative. With thousands of youth and families joining together, Virginia Credit Union Fields at Striker Park represent another way our member-owned credit union can connect with families and our wider community.”

The Richmond Strikers are the hosts of the Jefferson Cup, a national youth soccer tournament that brings more than 1,700 teams and nearly 30,000 players to Richmond every March. Approximately 4,500 people ages 4-19 currently participate in the Strikers’ youth sports programs.

“I’m proud of this partnership and what Virginia Credit Union represents to Strikers members,” Jay Howell, executive director of the Richmond Strikers, stated. “This partnership enables the continued contribution of youth and families in a world-class experience, access for more players, and growth of the game. Our partnership with Virginia Credit Union will enable us to both continue and expand our scholarship program so that players and families of all income levels can participate.”

Meanwhile, on Thursday, the $1.8 billion, Cheyenne, Wyo.-based Blue announced its partnership with Laramie County Community College (LCCC), which includes the naming rights to a facility that is currently being renovated and scheduled to open in the spring of 2024.

As part of what it called a “lifelong partnership” with LCCC, Blue said it also plans to make personal, meaningful connections with college students through guest presentations, internships and community engagement opportunities. While financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, the credit union said it represented one of its largest investments in the Cheyenne community to date.

Dr. Joe Schaffer, president of LCCC, stated, “There are so many ways our organizations align, such as our missions and institutional focus, who we serve, and that we both are working to improve individual lives and our community. This opportunity not only helps us make a physical improvement on our campus; it opens doors for us to create growth experiences for our students, employees and our service area.”

Blue President/CEO Stephanie Teubner commented, “As a community connector, we couldn’t be more excited to work with Dr. Schaffer and LCCC in this new lifetime partnership. As LCCC continues to improve and upgrade their campus, we look forward to helping their staff and students discover pathways to realize their possibilities.”

Blue and LCCC will hold a joint press conference to celebrate the partnership and naming of the future Blue Federal Credit Union Recreation & Athletics Complex on Nov. 29 in the LCCC Student Lounge, located in the school’s College Community Center.