COLUMBIA, MD (October 26, 2020) — Heading into a uniquely challenging holiday season, the MD|DC Credit Union Association is partnering with the Maryland Comptroller’s Office to support local retailers through Shop Maryland for the Holidays, a program that encourages consumers to spend locally. Participating credit unions are providing special Shop Maryland incentives such as increased rewards or lower rates, in addition to their current credit card offerings.
“Small businesses have been decimated over the course of this pandemic and I’m thrilled that Maryland credit unions are stepping up to promote our annual Shop Maryland for the Holidays campaign and incentivize buying from local retailers,” said Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot. “Holiday sales can dictate whether a business survives and this year more than ever, they’re depending on support from local customers to keep the lights on.”
Credit unions have a long history of helping consumers and communities in times of crisis. Area credit unions provided more than $1 billion in loan relief to over 42,000 consumers and businesses during the first two months of the pandemic. Encouraging people to shop local is one more way credit unions are supporting the communities they serve.
“Credit unions share the same deep commitment to community as local retailers,” said John Bratsakis, President and CEO, MD|DC Credit Union Association. “We recognize that for many Maryland merchants who are struggling, this is a make or break holiday season. As shoppers decide where to spend their hard-earned money, area credit unions are providing incentives to buy local such as increased rewards points and lower rates, in addition to their current credit card offerings. We want to thank the Maryland Comptroller’s Office and area credit unions for collaborating on this initiative to help jumpstart the local economy by supporting the businesses that are the heart and soul of our communities.”
Participating Credit unions include:
• Atlantic Financial Federal Credit Union
“Local businesses are the engine of our economy, and now more than ever, it’s important to support the retail owners who have continued to sustain our local economy and provide services to our communities across the state during the pandemic,” said Dave Sweiderk, President and CEO, SECU Maryland. “As the state’s largest credit union, we are thrilled to work alongside the Maryland Comptroller’s Office and MD|DC Credit Union Association to identify ways to support small businesses, such as doubling credit card points to reward our 260,000 members for purchasing local. This is not only an opportunity to help those who have faced financial hardships, but also to pave the way for long-term economic stability.”
For more information on Shop Maryland for the Holidays visit the Maryland Comptroller’s website.
The MD|DC Credit Union Association is a regional trade association representing credit unions and their 2.2 million members in Maryland and the DC region. The Association provides advocacy, education and business solutions to credit unions which are not-for profit, member owned financial cooperatives.
Michelle Byrnie-Parker
SVP/Chief Public Affairs Officer
