BEAVERTON, Ore. -
Billboards and newspaper spots will debut in April featuring Noah Oliver, son of Alisha Oliver, assistant vice president of branch operations for the Stayton branch of NW Preferred FCU.
"I think it is awesome that Noah is the poster child for Oregon credit unions!," said Alisha Oliver said of her son's selection as a model for the campaign: "Credit unions-mine in particular-are such a big part of our lives, so for him to be able to help bring awareness to the credit union movement in such a small way makes me proud. I firmly believe in this industry and what we do for people; for Noah to be involved in the cause is fabulous."
The newest ad offers Reason No. 13 to join a credit union: "Our Stock Is You," is the fourth in a series, according to Laura Wieking, the CUAO's manager of communications with the CUAO.
"We feel adding reasons into the mix makes the campaign fresh and lively. It is something that stands out from the clutter," she told the Credit Union Journal. "We are in year two of the statewide awareness campaign, which is a good opportunity to bring in new reasons. Using models from credit unions, rather than stock photography, makes it more personalized."
In addition to NW Preferred FCU, children from Cutting Edge FCU, Oregon Community CU, Pacific Northwest FCU and NW Priority CU participated in the photo shoot, the CUAO said. The shoot was held in mid-March at the Durham branch of Oregon Community CU.
Customization Available
One image will be used in the formal campaign, but the CUAO said credit unions that participated in the shoot will be able to use customized campaign materials featuring "their" model.
The awareness campaign is titled: "You Belong" and originated with the Utah League of Credit Unions. The CUAO said the campaign uses "catchy reasons" to convey the credit union difference. The current ad shows the model, Noah Oliver, handing over his piggy bank to a teller. The Association said it will provide a "great youth message" and demonstrate the trust Oregon's CUs have established with its members.
Wieking said the next ad will feature the theme: "Lending a Helping Hand."
"It will show a 'hipster gal,' a Gen Y young girl with dyed hair, holding open a door for an older gentleman who is surprised and pleased with the help," she said. "It will tell people to look beyond appearances."
