24-year old beats out nine other candidates to lead conversation on financial literacy for the 18-25 crowd in South Florida
MIRAMAR, FL (June 10, 2013) After a unique, two-month long search on-line, Tropical Financial has found its first young “Spokester” to connect with peers about financial issues that are unique to them. The not-for-profit financial institution based in Miramar, has selected 24-year old Alysha Klein, a graduate student and television production assistant from Coral Springs. Klein was one of 10 South Floridians who applied for this “dream job”.
“We had a lot of solid candidates, but Alysha stood out among the crowd,” said Rich Helber, CEO of Tropical Financial. “She is a bright young woman who has great communications skills and ideas. We are confident she will do an excellent job in reaching other young adults who are transitioning off the family payroll and learning how to become financially independent.”
The Tropical Financial marketing team set up a special event at corporate headquarters on Friday, June 7, to surprise Klein with the news. Her family and friends showed up as photographers and videographers captured the special moment.
People interested in the “Spokester” job had the month of April to submit a 60 second video and blog item that were posted on www.YoungFreeFlorida.com. The public was then invited to vote for their favorite, which resulted in a Top 10 list of finalists. The finalists then took part in a “Show Your Stuff Meet Up”, a group gathering where each had to demonstrate his or her skills through a series of interviews and challenges. About a week later, Klein emerged as the clear favorite and was selected winner by the credit union. She was surprised with the news a few days later.
“I was so excited when I found out I had won,” said Klein, who happened to be a Tropical Financial member before applying. “I look forward to sharing my ideas on budgeting, saving and building credit, as well as learning from others who are in the same stage of life I am in. I also look forward to showing my peers why credit unions have their best interest in mind compared to big banks. It’s going to be a great journey and I can’t wait to get started.”
Klein will engage other young adults through a variety of social media channels and through personal appearances. She will create blogs and videos on financial topics that will be posted to www.YoungFreeFlorida.com which will become a hub for the under-25 crowd seeking financial independence.
“People from my generation don’t necessarily trust traditional marketing messages to make important money choices,” said Klein. “We tend to rely on each other for that kind of information. And the place we are having these conversations and building relationships is on-line through social media.”
Klein will have the job for at least one year, which includes a full-time salary and benefits. She will be given a MacBook Pro notebook and HD video camera and an iPhone. In addition, she will be assigned a Scion car to drive, wrapped with the Young Free Florida branding.
Photo caption: 24-year old Alysha Klein of Coral Springs shows excitement upon learning the news that she was selected as Tropical Financial’s first ever Young & Free Florida Spokester, as credit union CEO Rich Helber looks on.
Alysha’s YouTube Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t41LsFOBod8&feature=youtu.be
About Tropical Financial Credit Union
Tropical Financial Credit Union is a non-profit financial institution whose deposits are federally insured. The $555 million institution serves South Florida with nine branches. People who live or work in South Florida’s three counties can join the credit union, which was founded in 1935. For more information on Tropical Financial, visit www.TropicalFCU.com.
About Young & Free Florida
Young & Free Florida, powered by Tropical Financial Credit Union, is a unique web and social media based program aimed at helping the 25 and under crowd manage and grow their finances. Their new Spokesperson will use the site’s blog, videos, social media and community appearances to share insight into the best ways to handle financial issues and encourage readers to take advantage of Tropical Financial’s MyKindOf accounts, tailored specifically to their needs. Learn more at www.YoungFreeFlorida.com.