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NuMark CU is treating members to a feast of food and fun to mark International CU Day.
$244 million NuMark Credit Union, Joliet, Ill., is serving a veritable feast to members during its Credit Union Days Sale.
The recipe for success? Combine five 50-inch, smart TVs; 125 blenders; t-shirts for staff; above-market rates for CD IRAs; auto loan discounts; and free mortgage appraisals. Mix in a popular fundraiser for the local food bank, and you’ve created one phenomenal International Credit Union Day celebration!
“We periodically offer sales events,” says VP/Marketing Kari Endres, CSME, a CUES member. “This year, we decided to combine our Credit Union Day celebration with an even bigger event, the ‘CU Days Sale,’ running October 6th through the 21st.” She adds that celebrating CU Day often gets lost with members because it’s just one day. “But CU Days gives us more time to celebrate and more reasons to share the credit union difference.”
And it’s not just razzmatazz; the event is a success because there’s something in it for everyone.
Members can take advantage of auto loan discounts (100 basis points off their lowest qualifying rate, as low as 1.99 percent APR), CD IRA bonus rates (as high as 2.25 percent APY for 60 months), plus a drawing at every office for a smart TV. With the increased lobby traffic, the CU also opted to incent members with a gift for opening a new checking account—a super cool (Cooks 5-in-1) power blender.
Employees are having fun with this one, notes Endres, since the blenders are conspicuously stacked in every branch, calling out to members to “Take Me Home.”
“I can’t believe the success we’ve had with these blenders as incentives,” submits Endres. “Our branches thrive on some friendly competition. This month, their goal is to see who can open the most checking accounts and give away their blenders, first. And they’ve been known to fight pretty hard for bragging rights!”
Members stopping in during CU Days can enter a drawing for a 50-inch flat-screen TV at each of the CU’s five offices, one entry per day, as many days as they choose, through the 21st.
United to End Hunger
Not to mention member deals, giving back to those in need is another key ingredient. NuMark CU is participating in a month-long effort to raise money for the Northern Illinois Food Bank.
“We’re selling $15 gift cards to Bakers Square,” says Endres. “And for every gift card sold, we’re donating $5 to the food bank.” Staff will also be wearing their CU Days t-shirts three times during the month and, in exchange, donating $10 each to the food bank.
Who doesn’t love a slice of pie?
The CU is tapping into the social mood of members and community partners throughout the month. “Both campaigns are perfect for our social and digital channels,” concludes Endres. “There are so many fun things to talk about this month to encourage member engagement—while serving their needs and helping a community cause. That’s what we as credit unions are all about.”
With 25 years of marketing and communications experience, Stephanie Schwenn Sebring established and managed the marketing departments for three CUs. As owner of Fab Prose & Professional Writing, her focus is on assisting CUs and industry suppliers with their communications needs.
