LA HABRA, Calif., June 7, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- When American First Credit Union wanted to remind the food and drug store employees it has served since 1952 that it is always "there for you," it went to supermarket produce and seafood aisles for inspiration.
"Our marketing agency came up with a fun way to deliver a serious message," said Ryan Zilker, AVP of Marketing. "Aubrey & Associates of Anaheim, CA created a series of colorful food-oriented ads, and suggested placing them in a grocery industry publication."
One ad pictured an ear of corn with the headline, "Now that we have your ear," while another showed a box of strawberries promising "Berry good service." The third ad featured an edible crustacean and asked, "Banks make you crabby?"
The credit union's media consultant, Market and Sales Logic, Inc., was able to negotiate a substantial discount on the ad insertion rates, resulting in a savings of nearly 50%.
Zilker explained that the food and drug industry is in a constant state of flux. None of the stores the credit union originally served exist today, having disappeared due to mergers, acquisitions and liquidations. "Other big changes are occurring again, including the sale of Albertsons markets and Sav-on drugstores. Our goal was to remind members that whatever happens, American First Credit Union remains committed to them, and that no one serves them better."
American First Credit Union is a member-owned financial institution that serves everyone who lives, works or worships in Orange County, Corona and Chino Hills. As a full-service financial cooperative established in 1952, it has over $700 million in assets and serves more than 75,000 members. The credit union has six convenient Orange County branches, located in La Habra, Buena Park, Mission Viejo, Placentia, Orange and Tustin.