One credit union found a new twist way to stand out in the crowd. This year before the shopping rush of Black Friday, Catholic Vantage Financial started announcing their own Black Wednesday specials – credit union style!
The credit union which serves the Catholic community has a reputation for doing things in the best interest of their members and according to Director of Marketing, Emma Teller, “We are always looking for ways to add a little fun to our promotions.” So when the credit union’s CEO, Peter Bagazinski asked what could be done to create a Black Wednesday event, she came up with a plan that would set them apart in the marketplace. “The retail community does a great job building anticipation for shopping deals and we wanted to take the opportunity to help our members save money when they are doing their holiday shopping. Our Black Wednesday event evolved around ways to help them to do just that.”
First, the credit union used social media, utilizing facebook, twitter and email marketing to get the word out. Early tallies show results of nearly one million dollars in new loans, (mostly car loans) and a bulk of that came in within the first 3 hours of the Black Wednesday event. Doors of the credit union opened early that day at 7:00 a.m. so that members could take advantage of Door Buster specials including a 60 month car loan rate of just .99% APR. Car loan rates increased every hour after that. Special rates for Holiday Loans and VISA Cards were also offered. CEO, Peter Bagazinski says he is pleased with the results and would like to see another event next year.
In addition to loan specials, members could purchase VISA Gift cards at no-fee and enjoy refreshments in the lobby. Plus the first 100 members received special Shoppers Survival Pack filled with coupons from shops and eateries, mall maps, credit union coupons, freebies and treats. Working with local chambers of commerce, downtown development groups and business owners meant more even more savings in the shopper’s black bag. The credit union’s Black Wednesday website page also provided links to Black Friday ads and shopping apps on their website to help shoppers prepare for their purchases.
Catholic Vantage Financial is Michigan’s leading and most well respected Catholic Credit Union. Since 1953, they have been serving the Catholic community as a member-owned, not-for-profit financial institution that their members can trust. As a full-service financial institution, they have built a reputation of strength, stability and convenience by offering members financial soundness, unmatched concern for their financial future and competitive products and services. They are investing in innovative financial programs designed to serve members needs and the needs of Catholics throughout our communities. For more information and to find out how you can join, call 734.432.0212 or visit www.mycvf.org.