Kitsap Credit Union multi award winner at 2022 CUNA Diamond Awards
Taking home 3 prestigious awards
BREMERTON, WASH. (March 22, 2022) — Kitsap Credit Union is proud to share they have been awarded three prestigious 2022 Credit Union National Association (CUNA) Diamond Awards. The esteemed annual credit union industry recognition, the CUNA Diamond Awards rewards excellence, and outstanding results in credit union marketing. Kitsap Credit Union was bestowed the awards for Annual Report, Brand Awareness, and Financial Education.
“It is such an honor for our organization to be recognized with not 1 but 3 Diamond Awards, one of the highest national distinctions for credit unions,” said Shawn Gilfedder, CEO Kitsap Credit Union. “If we have proven anything over the last few years, it’s that our committed team at Kitsap Credit Union can come together and achieve great things.”
Despite yet another year of challenges and pivots brought about by the global pandemic, the staff at Kitsap Credit Union continued to work together and accomplished major achievements in marketing that assisted in delivering growth to their members and tools to better the lives of their community.
“These particular awards mean so much to us because they represent our commitment to excellence and bringing value to our members and the community,” said Gilfedder.
Each year the Annual Report is one of the most vital communications the credit union provides its members. As a member owned financial cooperative, the members of the Kitsap Credit Union are an essential part of their team. Therefore, the credit union knows how important it is for members to feel connected to what has been accomplished as well as the direction the organization is moving toward. Last year, Kitsap Credit Union matched their new Annual Meeting by revamping their annual report from a print version to digital. In a time with so much change, it was crucial that the familiar voice of Kitsap Credit Union translated through the new format. The credit union was able to deliver a message where their members felt they were being directly addressed in a welcoming manner; the same one they have been accustomed to when it comes to Kitsap Credit Union.
Unfortunately, alienation is one of the biggest problems people face today in every part of the world, including the areas which Kitsap Credit Union serves. Understanding this issue, when it came to building brand awareness, Kitsap Credit Union communicated the greatest asset it had to offer – a place to belong. While most institutions compete in a product arena, the credit union chose to connect with potential members through trust, care, and relationship – which is at the center of what it means to belong. The “You Belong Here” branding campaign shared the credit union’s story that no matter where you are in your journey, you can belong here and that you are not just a customer. You belong to a credit union, Kitsap Credit Union. Reassurance that you are a part of something bigger and not alone is a comfort people are always in need of.
For over 88 years Kitsap Credit Union’s mission has been to improve the lives of its members and for those community members in need. To address the growing financial needs of the youth, young adults, and adults within their community, Kitsap Credit Union developed a KCU Financial Wellness Program which implements three leading financial education curriculums: It’s A Money Thing for young adults, a High School Program, and the Achieve Adult Program.
The goal of the Kitsap Credit Union financial education programs is to reach as many students and adults as possible with practical financial skills and comprehension to help them confidently navigate their financial lives.
With small businesses being at the core of Kitsap Credit Union’s local economy, the financial education program introduced small business modules to their Financial Wellness Adult Program to better serve these members of the community and provide them tools to financially thrive.
“I am grateful for our Kitsap Credit Union team and the great work they accomplish together for our members and the community,” said Gilfedder. “And I am very proud of the loyalty and dedication they have for each other during the process.”
“On behalf of the entire organization, I thank CUNA for acknowledging and celebrating our team’s accomplishments,” said Gilfedder.
To schedule an interview with Kitsap Credit Union CEO Shawn Gilfedder, please contact Melisa
Tropeano at melisa@mtlcommunications.com or 201.572.1808.
About Kitsap Credit Union
At Kitsap Credit Union, we believe in powering life’s opportunities. We’re deeply committed to our members’ financial wellbeing and the prosperity and quality of life in the communities where we live and serve. As a not-for-profit, member-owned financial cooperative, we put peoples’ needs first. Sure, we offer all the convenient ways to access, transfer, and borrow funds, but our success is built on trust-based relationships and personalized service. There’s no “us” and “them” here. We’re all members. Learn more at kitsapcu.org.
