MADISON, Wis. -
Benjamin Rogers, now an independent consultant based in Philadelphia, will serve as the project's principal investigator. In this role, Rogers, who has served as the editor of the CEO Report for the past two years, will be responsible for managing the overall project and ensuring that project deliverables are reached under the general direction of Filene's chief research officer.
The 18-month project's goal is to persuade CUs to become more relevant to the young-adult demographic. This will be done by educating CUs on opportunities in the young-adult market; project marketing and promotion; identifying appropriate geographic regions for project work; developing and testing various business models; and assisting state leagues and other credit union's organizations with implementation of young adult programs.
"We are really starting at the beginning," Rogers said, "of trying to put together products that will attract younger members, and creating environments that will attract younger employees."
One way the project will accomplish its goals, Rogers said, is by launching a site that will talk about the issues of the young-adult market every day. Rogers expects the site to be live later this month.
The project is planned to end on April 6, 2009. An extension until Oct. 9, 2009 may be permissible based on the mutual agreement of Filene and Rogers.
"Credit unions have a good story to tell, both to members and employees," he said.
