Marketing

FORUM Credit Union has been helping consumers create their own "financial expression" through its SaveItUp program.

You're 17, you don't have a care in the world. All of a sudden you're given a career, an income, a family, debt and bills to pay.

Twenty-one-year-old Kelly Splonskowski had heard of credit unions but wasn't motivated to become part of one until Members Cooperative Credit Union launched its Community Youth Foundation.

Clearview Federal CU is generating a little good will with the college crowd this fall distributing free "rally towels" to students or fans showing a ticket stub for an athletic event at nearby Robert Morris University of Pittsburgh.

So far, the idea of creating a provocative new name-Wildfire Credit Union-is producing plenty of local and national buzz and a trigger for youthful attention, said managers of the $523 million CU of Saginaw, Mich.

A marketing plan and a strong product line helped Erie Federal Credit Union to experience a 32% increase in business loans in 2008 and earn one of CUNA Mutual Group's Excellence in Lending awards.