FALCON HEIGHTS, MN (August 25, 2021) — SPIRE Credit Union recently received seven MAC awards from the Marketing Association of Credit Unions (MAC). Credit unions from across the United States submitted entries for 22 MAC award categories. The panel of judges was made up of professionals in the marketing, advertising, media, and social media industries both within and outside of the financial industry.
SPIRE Credit Union’s Annual Meeting and Member Appreciation Day is a one-of-a-kind event, going well beyond what is required from a regulatory perspective. Members who attend are informed about the economy and what’s happening at SPIRE and given hope by illustrating how SPIRE is committed to being partners in life with its members. In 2020, the event took place in February and featured performances by Circus Juventas, a non-profit circus performing arts school in St. Paul.
Seeing that financial wellness education was even more important in 2020, SPIRE partnered with the Twin Cities ABC affiliate KSTP-TV and their local talk show Twin Cities Live (TCL). Seven five-minute segments were produced featuring SPIRE President/CEO Dan Stoltz addressing topics related to gaining control of one’s personal finances. Watch segments
In 2019, SPIRE began the implementation of the largest technology project in its 87-year history – upgrading the existing online and mobile banking to a new robust digital banking platform. Regular email messaging began months before go-live providing information on the change, highlighting features, and preparing members to log in for the first time. Open rates for these emails were twice as high as regular emails and SPIRE saw a 45% increase in digital banking users after its launch.
As SPIRE prepared for the merger of Electrus Federal Credit Union, a new division and brand were created, Electrus – A Division of SPIRE Credit Union. Using EFCU’s original logo as inspiration, a new logo and branding were designed. A branded microsite was created to communicate important action items to Electrus members about the upcoming conversion. The new brand was also used on marketing materials, signage, promotional products, business cards, checks, and debit and credit cards.
SPIRE introduced a new mascot in 2020, Cash the Dog. Their kid’s savings accounts were then rebranded to feature Cash. Puppy Pal accounts were created and parents were sent an invitation from Cash to join him making saving fun. Puppy Pal account holders receive a plush Cash the Dog bank and an illustrated book, Saving Cash: Can Danny Prove He’s Responsible Enough to Rescue a Puppy? A digital version of the book was also created featuring SPIRE President/CEO Dan Stoltz reading along. Read along with Dan
“This is an astounding achievement by our marketing team,” stated SPIRE President/CEO Dan Stoltz, “Their efforts reinforce our brand recognition in the marketplace highlighting how we are driven by Midwestern values.”
Image Enhancement/Public Relations Gold MAC Award: SPIRE Annual Meeting and Member Appreciation Day
Financial Education Silver MAC Award: SPIRE-Twin Cities Live “Money Makeover” Series
Electronic Marketing & Product Development Bronze MAC Awards: SPIRE Digital Banking Email Campaign
Market Segment Program & Website Design Bronze MAC Awards: Electrus A Division of SPIRE Landing Page & Microsite
Rebrand/Brand Evolution Bronze MAC Award: SPIRE Puppy Pal Accounts
From L to R: Zach Schultz (Digital Marketing Representative), Maria Daley (Marketing Representative), Taylor Kilgore (Graphic Designer), Lisa Lehman (VP of Marketing & Business Development), Casey Carlson (SVP/CMO), Brian Thomas May (Digital Marketing Manager). Photo credit: SPIRE Credit Union.
A full-service financial institution, proudly serving Minnesota and Wisconsin residents since 1934. SPIRE is committed to providing smart products, great rates and excellent service with a goal to improve the financial lives for both personal and business members. SPIRE has 22 branches throughout Minnesota. To learn more about SPIRE, please visit www.myspire.com. SPIRE News | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn
Maria Daley
Community Marketing Specialist, SPIRE Credit Union
651.641.2169 | 888.34.SPIRE x2169 | mdaley@myspire.com
