The $620 million Michigan First Credit Union of Lathrop Villageis enjoying a burst of new card business – 700 applications a month– from a rewards program stressing statewide tourism and patronageof local businesses.

The Experience Michigan First Rewards Visa program launched inApril and has boosted outstandings by $1 million, an unexpectedjump on what officials described as heretofore “stagnant” balancesover the last 10 years.

“We are shooting for $5 million more by year end,” said LindaDouglas, vice president of marketing at the suburban Detroit credit union. Until the start of the rewardsventure, card balances was at around $16 million,

The campaign has apparently been successful, said Douglas, bytapping into public support for a popular tourism TV blitzbroadcast nationwide and pushed by the state over the past twoyears.

Individuals that use the Experience Michigan First Rewards Visaearn 1.5 bonus points for local purchases and build up rewards points toward statewide and national travel, shoppingand attractions or to make donations to local charities, the creditunion said.

“When we sat down to create a rewards credit card, we knew wewanted to encourage supporting Michigan. We love this state andknow consumers want to show off their passion and pride,” saidMichael Poulos, president/CEO.

The state, he said, “is making a comeback because of localinstitutions and local leaders we're partnering with as part ofExperience Michigan First.”

Card users can “continue to buy local and be rewarded for it,”Poulos added. The card has no annual fee, no balance transfer feeand a low rate, the credit union said. The rewards program adds onepoint for every dollar and 1.5 points for spending in Michigan.

The card campaign showcases a number of statewide attractionsincluding the Mackinac Bridge and Grand Hotel, Henry Ford Museumand Detroit Zoo and Michigan Adventure Park.

Cardholders can also donate their rewards toward 20 differentlocal charities, the credit union said.