CUs CUDL Up With Kia In New Joint Venture
ONTARIO, Calif.-CUDL, which operates the nation's largest indirect auto buying company for credit unions, announced an agreement with Kia Motors America to provide members at participating credit unions manufacturer discounts on new Kia vehicles.
The program will be rolled out first in Washington and Oregon, providing credit union members in those states discounts of as much as $1,000 on 2008 and 2009 Kia vehicles. The initial program will run through April 30 and will be offered through CUDL's 71 credit unions and 22 participating Kia dealerships in those two states.
The program will provide $500 discounts on Kia's Spectra, Rio, Sportage, Optima and Rondo models, and $1,000 discounts on Kia's Sedona, Sorento, Amanti and Borrego models.
Plans are to expand the discounts into other markets.
Fairfax County Uses Grant To Fund Hispanic TV Ad
FAIRFAX, Va.-Fairfax County Federal Credit Union is using a $99,900 Innovation Grant from the National Credit Union Foundation (NCUF) to gain membership from the Hispanic community through partnerships with Spanish media.
CBS' Spanish affiliate El Zol Radio, Cox Cable en Espanol, and Entravision (including Telefutura, Univision, and WJAL) have agreed to contribute a combined $430,000 worth of in-kind media for Fairfax County FCU to use throughout 2009. The in-kind media includes radio and TV commercials, public service announcements, long-form interviews, news segments, banner placements, and literature distribution at Hispanic community events.
"The launch of our media campaign in January has already resulted in 17% of our new members coming from Hispanic origins and 60% opening checking accounts," reports Chief Marketing Officer Matthew Kaudy. "I am forecasting the trend to continue upward as the frequency of our message continues to increase and we continue to expand our messages through additional channels."
With all the additional visibility and outreach made possible by this NCUF Innovation Grant, Kaudy projects that by year-end, Hispanics will account for as many as 25% of Fairfax County FCU's new members.
AFCU Opens Branch In Hurricane
HURRICANE, Utah-America First CU said it opened a new branch here inside the Wal-Mart store, the $4.4 billion credit union giant's 87th branch.
A grand opening celebration was held March 18-28 at the new branch. During the grand opening, the new branch will hold a daily drawing for two $50 VISA gift cards per day. There was also be a grand prize drawing for a $300 Wal-Mart gift card, and children will have a chance to participate in a coloring contest.
Robbers Settle For Mngr's Wallet
PALATKA, Fla.-A pair of armed robbers settled for a credit union manager's wallet after failing to get into the safe at Putnam County FCU Monday morning.
The manager was entering the credit union at about 6:30 a.m. when two individuals wearing dark clothing and masks approached him. One carried what appeared to be an assault rifle.
The suspects forced the manager to open the credit union and attempted to enter the safe. When they couldn't get in, they demanded the manager's wallet and then fled on foot, according to police.
Calif. CU League Moves To New HQ
ONTARIO, Calif.-The California and Nevada CU Leagues moved into new headquarters in the Ontario Airport Towers last week.
The league, which is moving from nearby Rancho Cucamonga, will occupy the sixth floor of the project's first phase, a 150,000 square foot steel frame building. The Ontario Airport Towers office complex is scheduled to be completed in three phases, and will contain approximately 850,000 square feet of office space.
The new offices will be green in design, meaning interior materials, including paints, carpeting, and furniture, were selected because of their low chemical emissions and recycled content.
Daylight from the office's numerous windows, combined with efficient lighting fixtures, will help reduce energy use. Energy Star equipment and appliances were used where possible.
