10 Credit Unions Team Up to Launch National PR Initiative

Ten credit unions formed a new coalition that is on a mission to educate Americans about the unique advantages enjoyed by credit union members, according to a joint announcement Thursday from the new group, called Collaborative Public Relations Action (COPRA).

According to the announcement, COPRA launched a public relations campaign that highlights how credit unions are providing innovative financial solutions, fostering community-driven economic growth and empowering underserved populations. The campaign includes local and national media outreach, social media insights, thought leadership content and community events.

The 10 other credit unions that have joined COPRA so far are:

• Bethpage Federal Credit Union ($12.8 billion, Bethpage, N.Y.)
• Community Financial Credit Union ($1.6 billion, Plymouth, Mich.)
• Credit Union 1 ($1.4 billion, Anchorage, Alaska)
• Ent Credit Union ($9.7 billion, Colorado Springs, Colo.)
• Everwise Credit Union ($5.1 billion, South Bend, Ind.)
• Marine Credit Union ($1 billion, La Crosse, Wis.)
• OneAZ Credit Union ($3.3 billion, Phoenix, Ariz.)
• Vantage West Credit Union ($3 billion, Tucson, Ariz.)
• Verity Credit Union ($760 million, Seattle, Wash.)
• WEOKIE Credit Union ($1.3 billion, Oklahoma City, Okla.)

COPRA said more credit unions have declared their intentions to join COPRA’s campaign, which has an end goal of educating the public about the vital role that credit unions play in supporting local communities and small businesses, in the coming months. The coalition listed the following as the campaign’s key points:

• Community-First Focus: Credit unions are rooted in their communities, reinvesting in local economies and supporting local causes.
• Solving Real Problems: Each local branch offers tailored banking solutions for their specific geographical and demographic regions, including underserved populations.
• More Than Money: Credit unions support community and local educational institutions, recreational programs, civic initiatives, philanthropic support of local nonprofits and emergency causes.
• Transparency: Credit unions don’t rely on hidden fees or complex terms, offering practical financial solutions and consultation opportunities to best identify which products and tools best fit a member’s needs.

Tansley Stearns, president/CEO of Community Financial, stated, “In countless communities across the country, it’s the credit unions that have stepped up to help support a variety of needs in their local communities. No matter what your age or background, there is a credit union advocating for your financial success.”

Stearns continued, “Not all financial institutions center their value proposition to be ingrained into their communities as we are. Our purpose isn’t driven by profit; it’s driven by people. When you trust a credit union, your dreams are our dreams. Our structure demands we lead with heart. As a movement, we’ve long talked about collaboration. This is an opportune time for this coalition to prove collaboration can be much more than talk. When we come together, more lives can be impacted positively. There’s never been a better time to be a credit union acting on behalf of the people who need us most. This group aims to ensure we are no longer the best-kept secret in North America.”

Credit unions interested in joining COPRA can reach out to Stearns at tansley@cfcu.org.