SALT LAKE CITY—To make consumers aware that credit unions play a large role in the community and a big part in members’ everyday lives, the Utah Credit Union Association has introduced “#Life Happens.”
The new social media awareness initiative provides examples of how credit unions serve their members in times of financial need. The league asks members to submit examples on its Facebook page of times when “life happened,” and a credit union stepped in to play an important role.
The effort was introduced Nov. 3, and through Nov. 6 more than 80 people had already shared stories about how their credit union has made a difference for them.
“We are very pleased with that response,” said Stephen Nelson, vice president of credit union support. “There are some great stories posted about how the credit union helped people out when they lost their job, or they needed a car to get to work . . . That is what this campaign is all about—helping people understand that credit unions are standing by to lend a hand.”
Heather Lane Munns posted on the website: “Working for a credit union is what I do! My neighbor was in Iceland on vacation and her card wasn't working. I was able to go in on a Saturday and figure out what was going on so she could enjoy the rest of her vacation. I love being able to help our members!!”
Jennifer Gomez said, “America First has been a life saver for us. They gave us a loan when we needed it desperately to fix up our home and get my husband’s truck fixed. They have gone beyond what we could ever experience in helping out and we are forever grateful.”
Four times in November, the league will randomly choose one of the posts to award the person a $25 gift card.
The campaign will evolve and take different approaches to showing Utah residents how credit unions affect the lives of members. #LifeHappens is the latest phase of the league’s "The Difference You" CU awareness campaign.
“We want to encourage people to use their credit union more,” said Nelson. “And if they are not a member we want to help them understand why they should use a credit union.”
The league chose the #LifeHappens because “it is a fun message that engages everyone, particularly a younger crowd,” explained Nelson, who said the campaign will run indefinitely.
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