A credit card with a rewards program aimed at spurring economicactivity at local retailers and at local travel destinations hasshown strong growth in Michigan.

The 86,000-member, $620 million Michigan First Credit Union offers the Experience MichiganFirst Rewards Visa card which allows members to choose fromMichigan-made products or popular Michigan destinations when theyredeem rewards points.

Michigan First reported that it had opened 1,000 new accountswith the card after it added a rewards program, offered by acompany called RewardsNOW, that allowed it to offer more local rewards.

“In light of the economic times and the pride we're sharing inMichigan's recovery, we thought it would be great to offer aprogram that somehow 'gave back' to the local economy,” said LindaDouglas, vice president of marketing at Michigan First.

The card's rewards include gift cards to popular touristdestinations, favorite restaurants and retail outlets along withcharitable donations to the Special Olympics of Michigan, CARE ofSoutheast Michigan and many others.

The credit union reported that three months after launchingtheir program in April, the new card saw an increase of nearly $1million in new balances in 90 days (compared to a previous averageof approximately 60 accounts per month or 180 on average for threemonths).

“We're shooting for a total of $5 million in new balances byyear's end,” said Douglas.