MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Going "green" is red hot, which is why MAX CU created the EcoMAX Home Expo, an inititiative that not only created buzz for the CU but has become part of its overall growth strategy.
D.G. Markwell, MAX CU's VP of lending, plans to offer tips at Credit Union Journal's upcoming Grow Show, in San Diego, to credit unions hoping to gain similar attention.
Markwell's "Where's the Green?" panel, will ask attendees to consider a newer, "greener" opportunity for building business. He says that CUs should become the resource its members turn to for tips on reducing energy costs and healthier living. "Your members will thank you by bringing the green they save back to you," he said.
The $732-million CU's EcoMAX Home Expo educates the community on all things green, something for which the credit union prides itself as being an expert.
At the Grow Show, Markwell plans to tell other credit unions how MAX CU used the EcoMAX Home Expo to grow business.
Markwell said that CUs need to use a "non-traditional angle to introduce the services they offer," such as commercial loans and home equity lines of credit.
"MAX credit union offers commercial loans. Big deal. MAX credit union offers home equity lines of credit. Big deal," Markwell said. He said that what credit unions need is a unique way to let the community know what it offers-such as the EcoMAX Home Expo.
"You've got to be able to be different," Markwell said. "Credit unions as a whole are not very creative. We used the EcoMAX Home Expo to make our product line look different and exciting."
Markwell said that credit unions need new marketing strategies for its already existing products. The EcoMAX Home Expo has attracted interest in the CU from professionals such as architects, builders, the media, etc., Markwell noted.
