CUNA's TEAMmarketing lends a hand with promotions

MADISON, Wis. - Having "team spirit" has simplified the marketing process. CUNA Mutual Business Services' new TEAMmarketing campaign is providing credit unions with affordable promotional materials. "Our goal in developing this program has been to offer those credit unions with a limited or low marketing budget affordable and complete turnkey campaigns and solutions," said CUNA Mutual Business Services Marketing/ Communications Consultant Kevin Speth. According to Speth, members do not take full advantage of the wide array of services and products credit unions offer and promotions are vital to raising awareness. From checking accounts and loans to credit cards and technology, credit unions can customize the prepackaged creatively designed promotional campaigns to suit their needs. TEAMmarketing's reasonable prices are the result of producing all graphics, artwork and printing in-house and forming a co-op of thousands of credit unions. A partnership with California based printing and design marketing agency PSB, helps TEAMmarketing offer credit unions a cooperative buying opportunity so the cost of materials, which include inserts, brochures, banners, posters and return mailers are kept low. In addition to copywriting and professional design standardization, the program includes color proofs, giveaways, radio spots and Web banner designs. According to Speth, the batch order processing limits expenses without compromising quality. With just a phone call or a visit online, credit unions have access to eight possible campaigns throughout the year. Four weeks prior to each campaign deadline date a commitment packet is sent so the credit union can choose a design for the upcoming promotion. Once the selection is made and proofs are reviewed, TEAMmarketing handles all aspects of mailing the materials to members by its in-house bulk mail service. "Having options is the key," said Speth. "Joining the program does not require a year long commitment. Credit unions have the choice of ordering as many campaign promotions as necessary to suit their needs." For more information credit unions can call (800) 356-9655 ext. 4063 or visit the Web site at www.teammarketing.org. -mbourjolly@cutimes.com