Credit unions get in on the Super Bowl action

A delicious bet

Bruce Foulke, president and CEO of American Heritage FCU in Philadelphia is, of course, rooting for the Philadelphia Eagles, and reached out to James Regan, president and CEO of Digital FCU, Marlborough, Mass., who will be rooting for the New England Patriots to win to suggest a “friendly wager.” If the Patriots win, American Heritage will send DCU a case of TastyKakes—a Philadelphia delicacy. If the Eagles win, DCU will be sending a case of that region’s famous New England clam chowder.

Dollars to donuts

Credit unions aren’t the only ones getting into spirit. Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf and Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker engaged in a friendly food wager of their own. Gov. Wolf has put Rooster Soup Company soup, scrapple, La Colombe coffee, doughnuts from Federal Donuts and pizza from Rosa’s Fresh Pizza. Gov. Baker’s wager includes clam chowder from Legal’s Seafood in Boston, Craisins from Ocean Spray in Middleborough, Apple Cider Donuts from Smolak Farms in North Andover, apple pie, chicken pot pie and maple syrup from Hollis Hills Farms in Fitchburg, Grillo’s Pickles from Needham, and cupcakes and lemon squares from Koffee Kup Bakery in Springfield.

Lucky No. 52

$352 million South Jersey FCU, Deptford, N.J., is directly across the Delaware River from Philadelphia. The credit union slyly referred to the mascot of Philadelphia’s NFL team, the Eagles, and the fact the Eagles are underdogs to the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII by telling its members, “We're flying high with the Underdogs as they head to Big Game 52 with two outstanding promotions! Auto loan rates are reduced .52% APR and 12 month certificate rates are increased by .52% APY.”

Hometown advantage

Like a number of other credit unions, $2 billion Affinity Plus FCU, St. Paul, Minn., held a promotion connected to credit or debit card use to win a Super Bowl prize package. Members were told: “Super Bowl LII is coming to your home turf. Use your Affinity Plus Visa debit or credit card between September 15 and November 30, 2017, and you’ll be entered for a chance to win a trip to Super Bowl LII, courtesy of Visa.”

A winning combination

$1.5 billion NuVision FCU, Huntington Beach, Calif., promoted its “Added Advantage” loyalty program with what it called a “Big Game Sweepstakes.” Members in good standing could enter to win a $20,000 prize that included 2 tickets to the football game, parking, hotel accommodations and airfare. Those who had more Added Advantage points could get additional entries in the sweepstakes.

Celebrate without going broke

Tower Federal Credit Union, a $2.9 billion institution based in Laurel, Md., gave members suggestions through a press release for how to throw a party without breaking their checking accounts.
Tower FCU suggest that Super Bowl party hosts turn the party into a potluck. Different individuals can bring snacks to cut down costs, while the you, the host, can provide main dishes. Along with this, “bring your own beer” (BYOB) is also a good option.
The credit union also recommended using real plates and glasses, and buying football themed items at a local dollar store.
For low-cost pregame festivities, Tower CU recommends Super Bowl Trivia, Rate the Super Bowl commercial, Super Bowl Cook-off and Super Bowl Hot Potato (for the kids).

CENT CU ad will air during Super Bowl pregame

$49 million CENT Credit Union, Mason City, Iowa, is running a 10-second preview of its Super Bowl ad on the CU’s YouTube channel. The spot features the “Nacho Man” character it has used in its television ads. Members are being advised to look for the spot during the pregame show.
“If you think Nacho Man can stay away from an event as big as the "Big Game," you'd be incorrect. Here's a bit of what you can expect during our ad scheduled to air several times during pregame. You won't want to miss it - or the "Big Game" loan rates special he's promoting! Watch on Sunday!”