Encouraged by last year's success surrounding a statewide eventto support small businesses, Michigan credit unions are preppingfor another “cashmob.”

The second annual CU Lunch Local will kick off Oct. 15, according to Michigan Business Connection LLC, a commercial lending CUSO,and Michigan CU Capital, an entity that provides channels forcredit unions to serve their members' small business lendingneeds.

Last year, more than 51 credit unions cash-mobbed localbusinesses by patronizing their products and services, both firmssaid.

To prepare for the event, the $92 million NuPath CommunityCredit Union in Wyandotte, Mich., has approached a local restaurantnear its branches to work with the owner to provide co-brandedcoupons for its employees. The restaurant will then bill the creditunion office for the number of coupons redeemed.

“With two branches on opposite sides of the state, it's aperfect opportunity to get our name out in the community,” saidKathy White, president/CEO of NuPath. “While our staff is lunching,they have ample opportunity to discuss our credit union with therestaurant employees along with other patrons.”

The timing of CU Lunch Local could not have been better asNuPath is scheduled to start offering business services in thefourth quarter this year.

“Both of our branches are located near lovely downtown areasthat we promote on a regular basis,” White said. “It's a perfectopportunity for us to support a local restaurant versus a largechain.”

The $139 million Public Service Credit Union in Romulus, Mich., is also gearingup for the statewide effort. Since the event coincides withInternational Credit Union Day, Rob Mercier, vice president ofgrowth and development, suggested having lunches along that themeat local businesses.

Patrons have many international eateries to choose from in thearea including restaurants that feature Italian, Middle Eastern,Chinese, Mexican and Thai cuisine, Mercier said. Each day PublicService CU will have a different ethic luncheon brought in for itsstaff.

“When we do special events like this, it allows us to do what wedo best and that is relationship- driven marketing,” Mercier said.“It gives us an opportunity to go out and share our story andsupport a handful of local business owners.”

Public Service CU said it has offered commercial accounts andbusiness lending since 2008 with its commercial lending portfoliosurpassing the $11 million mark.

Susan Wyupta, chief financial officer and senior vice president,said the credit union's business members frequently share how muchthey appreciate Public Service CU's higher deposit rates, lowerloan rates, and lower fees.

Credit unions can stay up to date on CU Lunch Local on theevent's Facebookpage.