BayPort CU in Newport News, Va., took to the skies and the streets over the Fourth of July holiday, getting out the "Ditch Your Bank" message. After a few weeks of Internet, radio, TV and movie theater ads, the campaign hit high gear with 22 volunteers pumping $20 worth of free gas for 150 non-members at a Hampton Roads gas station. That was followed up by a banner plane getting the message out to thousands enjoying the sun and surf on the area's Virginia beaches.
A determined, and very pleased, Christina Currin of Newport News showed up at this Hampton Roads convenience store at 3:30 in the morning to be first in line for free gas on July the Fourth.
Among the 22 BayPort CU volunteers pumping gas for prospective members that morning was Jim Mears, the credit union's executive vice president of operations.
Here's what the letters look like on the ground before the banner is pulled aloft for all the world to see.
And here's the pilot and his plane, Ray Stevens and a Piper Pawnee, flying for Aerial Services out of Norfolk. BayPort marketing director Monte Crowl says the "banner was dramatic" and that the campaign will continue indefinitely.
