New York's credit unions have rolled out the second phase of an awareness campaign, with new billboards going up in Binghamton, Buffalo, Catskill, Glens Falls, Long Island, Olean, Rochester, Syracuse, Utica and Westchester. Phase two also incorporates free use of three league-produced radio spots by affiliated credit unions throughout the state. The ads seek to build not just awareness of credit unions, but also seek to respond to the "increasing number of state level banker attacks on credit unions across the country," according to New York State CU League CEO Bill Mellin.
This follows the initial campaign, which debuted in Albany in April with outdoor billboards strategically placed on routes to and from the state Capitol for a three-month period, along with a month-long radio advertising campaign. The league said plans for the third phase are underway and will include all credit unions in New York. Those ads will focus on the CU difference and will include free statement inserts for credit unions to include with their first quarter 2006 statements. Sample newsletter articles, web copy, staff stick-on buttons, posters and flyers will also be offered to New York's credit unions on a complimentary basis.
Meanwhile, in Denver, 52 credit unions from the Colorado league's Denver Area Chapter are running three 15-second commercials that will air more than 80 times throughout October on top-rated 9News, the Denver NBC affiliate. The commercials, targeting 25-54 year olds, will continue through the first week of November. Each commercial directs viewers to the 9News website where visitors can learn more about credit unions.
In addition to the commercials and website advertising, three CU execs-John Uchida with Space Age FCU, Sandy Neves with Fitzsimons Community FCU, and Mike Litzau with Colorado Central CU-were featured on a news and events program talking about CUs.
