Press

Ascentra Credit Union earns six Diamond Awards for Excellence in Marketing and Public Relations

BETTENDORF, IA (March 31, 2014) – Ascentra Credit Union was recently honored with a total of six Diamond Awards, which recognize outstanding marketing and business development achievements in the credit union industry.

The awards were presented by the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) Marketing and Business Development Council at the council’s annual conference held March 12-15 in Orlando, Fla. Awards are given in multiple categories ranging from advertising to community events and beyond.

“Many people have told us how much they love our marketing. Last year we implemented a fresh new approach to our marketing and we have done bigger campaigns and projects that have really tested us,” Ascentra Credit Union President and CEO Dale Owen said. “It’s great to know that people respond well to your message but it’s a beautiful thing to also be recognized at the national level by our industry.”

Ascentra Credit Union earned three prestigious Category’s Best awards that include credit unions of all asset sizes. Ascentra received top honors in the following categories:

Brand Awareness: Ascentra’s overall 2013 brand awareness campaign.
Community/Public Relations One-Time Event: Events leading up to the grand opening of the new branch in Bettendorf and dedication of the building to their late CEO Paul Lensmeyer.
Television (single and series): Ascentra’s television advertising campaign.

The credit union was the winner in their asset size class in the following categories:

Community/PR-Ongoing Event: Steppin’ Up Program and Pay it Forward partnership with WQAD News 8.
Point of Sale Display and Retail Merchandising: ZIP – My Online Services campaign.
Complete Campaign: 10 & Done! Mortgage Freedom Loan campaign.

“The Diamond Award competition is the most prestigious competition for excellence in marketing and business development in the credit union industry,” said Michelle Hunter, Chair of the CUNA Marketing & Business Development Council, and SVP of Marketing & Development at Credit Union of Southern California. “Credit unions that receive these awards should be extremely proud of their accomplishments and know that their work represents the very best examples of creativity, innovation, relevance, and execution. The Diamond Awards are not easily earned and the CUNA Marketing & Business Development Council is proud to honor those who are deserving of this recognition.”

Under the direction of VP of Marketing & Public Relations Jennifer Naeve, Ascentra’s marketing department has evolved to expand beyond their office space to reach members and future members with lively and energetic new attitude that connects with the people of the areas it serves.

“We have great support from our management team, staff and board of directors,” VP of Marketing and Public Relations Jennifer Naeve said. “It just shows what can be accomplished when we are all aligned; I really have an amazing team and am very proud of our efforts.”

About us
Founded in 1950, Ascentra Credit Union, is Iowa’s premier credit union with more than $340 million in assets and 10 branches serving the communities of Bettendorf, Clinton, Davenport, Le Claire, Muscatine, Iowa and Moline, Ill. Learn more about Ascentra Credit Union at ascentra.org. Follow Ascentra on Facebook and on Twitter @ascentra.