EUCLID, Ohio -- Members can never really know how they'll be appreciated each year by Eaton Family Credit Union.
The credit union's annual member appreciation days are typically planned around a theme, said Fred Siegel, business development manager. This past June, it had a baseball-inspired event complete with hot dogs, Cracker Jacks, and ticket giveaways to the Cleveland Indians and Lake County Captain baseball games. Members and nonmembers were also treated to a visit from Orbit, the mascot for the Akron Aeros, a minor league team. The kids got a kick out of Orbit, who posed for photos and signed baseball cards. Support was also provided by credit union partners including MotorCars Honda/Toyota, the Lake County Captains and the New Sun News. Enterprise Car sales attended as well, offering snacks and desserts.
"We get a good turnout," Siegel said. "It's just a great time for the community to come out."
One of Eaton Family CU's SEGs, the Euclid Fire Department, joined in the fun by bringing over the fire engine for the kids to tour.
Generally, the $27 million credit union's member appreciation days are a community-wide event with fairly large turnouts, Siegel said. The events are held the Friday before the July 4 weekend because branch traffic is always heavy that day. Last year, members were thanked at a beach-inspired event that took its cues from a nearby, now-closed theme park. It seemed fitting given that the credit union is within walking distance from Lake Erie. A traveling roller coaster was brought in for everyone to ride. Local vendors provided popcorn balls and other beach inspired snacks.
"These events are just a nice way for us to thank the community," Siegel said.
Founded in 1937 as Dual Ratio Federal Credit Union to serve employees of the Eaton Axle Plant, it has since expanded membership to the entire city of Euclid and now serves more than 7,500 members. --msamaad@cutimes.com
