WARREN, Ohio —Credit unions continue to announce partnerships with sports programs and athletes.
In Ohio, 7 17 Credit Union said it is joining with Kent State University Athletics to become its official credit union and banking partner.
“7 17 Credit Union’s roots run deep in Kent and this partnership is a sort of homecoming for us,” 7 17 President and CEO John Demmler said in a statement. “7 17 Credit Union is the successor credit union to Kent State Credit Union and we could not be more thrilled to expand upon our promise of delivering the best financial products and services to the students, faculty, and staff of Kent State University and the broader community. For us, this is as hometown as it gets.”
In addition to joint marketing and branding between Kent State and 7 17 Credit Union, the partnership will involve collaborative engagement with Kent State athletic events and broader community outreach.
Kent State University Athletics sponsors 19 NCAA Division I programs competes as a NCAA Division I FBS level.
A Brown Signs With a Cardinal
In Mentor, Ohio, Cardinal Credit Union, which is the official credit union of the Cleveland Browns, said it has entered into a partnership with four-time Pro Bowler Nick Chubb, running back for the Cleveland Browns, for the 2024-25 football season.
“During this time, Chubb will partner with Cardinal to foster activities benefiting the Northeastern Ohio community served by Cardinal,” the credit union said in a statement. “His primary area of focus will be to support the launch of the Lil’ Brownies Savings program that provides financial education to elementary and middle aged school children via the exclusive Brownie the Elf VISA debit card.”
Cardinal CU added the program includes a free savings account with a debit card that allows for parental controls, parental allowances, payment for grades, and budgeting along with other youth financial education tools.
“We are so excited to collaborate with Nick for the upcoming Browns football season,” Cardinal CU CEO Christine Blake said in a statement. “We value greatly our partnership with the Browns and especially our ability to deliver unique benefits to our members and the communities we serve. Having Nick on board with us will help us to reach more people as Cardinal extends its educational program to our members and their entire families.”
Team Scores, Rate Scores
In Detroit, Community Financial Credit Union said it has partnered with the NFL’s Detroit Lions to introduce the “One Pride CD.”
The certificates start at $100 for a 12-month term with a 2.00% APY, and that rate grows by 0.25% APY every time the Lions score the first touchdown in any regular or postseason game, the CU said.
The offer applies to all games in which the Lions play, with the exception of the Super Bowl should the team make it.
The Super Bowl, if the Lions make it, would be excluded.