SUNRISE, Fla. - BrightStar Credit Union has brought its version of Trading Spaces to two lucky South Florida families.

As the lucky winners of the credit union's first ever Switch-A-Room Makeover Contest, sisters Kathy Englert and Patty Steinbuck were able to redecorate rooms in each other's homes in just two days.

The promotion is just one element of the credit union's yearlong 60th anniversary celebration that range from in-branch "birthday" parties and a founders' breakfast to an online history contest. "We brainstormed about what else we could do in terms of generating excitement and media attention and remembered a credit union in California had success with a similar home makeover promotion," said BrightStar CU Vice President of Marketing Sam Chesser. "We talked to them and tweaked the idea to be more along the lines of the popular Trading Spaces show and the response has been amazing."

According to Chesser, it took about two months to develop the promotion and solidify the legal aspects of the contest rules.

Partnering with Craig Konhauzer Designs, which is featured in some of Miami's finest furniture stores and boutiques, to provide the design expertise, furniture and accessories; and Homecrafters of America to supply carpentry supplies, paint, tape, and equipment such as hammers and saws, BrightStar CU launched the three-month contest promotion.

Not just limited to members, but open to the community, contestants filled out questionnaires and provided photos of the room they wanted remodeled. To be eligible the winners' homes had to be in close proximity of one another and the credit union and designers had the final say in the selection process.

"Really the hardest part of this was making sure we were legally okay," said Chesser. "For example we didn't want to have to remodel the room if the winners didn't like it so we had to make sure that contestants understood that once you agree to participate in this any changes to the design after the room switch would be the responsibility of the homeowners."

While they had the expert guidance, the sisters actually did the work themselves, while staying in the neighbor's home throughout the duration of the "switch."

"It was great to have the designers apply their big million dollar decorating ideas within a budget for these two sisters," said Chesser. "They were tickled to death to be a part of a once in a lifetime, fun opportunity worth thousands of dollars and the big reveal was an exciting emotional affair."

An existing partnership with local television station NBC-6 resulted in the airing of BrightStar CU promotion teasers. The credit union also advertised via its Web site, branches, newsletters and statement inserts. The public was also invited to watch the frantic Switch-A-Room fun on its Web site and vote on the best, redesigned room.

Chesser says the campaign's total $15,000 price tag was a bargain considering not only the labor and expertise involved, but also the buzz and free publicity it generated.

"The story was covered in big newspapers like The Miami Herald and Sun-Sentinel and other smaller publications," said Chesser. "There was also a big story on the local news NBC-6 morning show-it's hard to buy that kind of advertising that got our name out to thousands of people in the community. That kind of feel good event fits with what we do-which is help people-so we're thinking about making it an annual event." -mdigiovanni@cutimes.com

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BrightStar CU Offers Community New Twist on Room Makeovers

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