SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, the largest credit union in California and the largest serving school employees and their families, was honored with two Diamond Awards from the Marketing & Business Development Council of America’s Credit Unions in the prestigious annual marketing competition recognizing the best marketing campaigns in the credit union industry during 2023.

Credit unions, advertising agencies and associations submitted a record 1,451 submissions for the prestigious award. In all, 168 organizations from 44 states including the District of Columbia were selected as winners. The awards were presented at the annual Marketing & Business Development Council Conference’s recognition dinner on March 19 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

According to Wellesley Sommerfeldt, vice president, integrated marketing & digital experience at SchoolsFirst FCU, “Both of the award-winning campaigns demonstrate the creative and innovative approach we take to ensure our marketing supports the Credit Union’s strategic priorities, mission and our Members’ financial well-being.”

“By understanding our school employees and the needs of their families, we can effectively communicate the value SchoolsFirst FCU brings to prospective and current Members, delivering a message that speaks to the solutions we offer that can help our Members thrive through their many life events.”

SchoolsFirst FCU was recognized for its marketing programs in two categories:

·       Digital Advertising: SchoolsFirst FCU’s “Better Than Average” digital advertising campaign focused on Members who had started turning to their credits cards more for everyday expenses, nervously watching their balances go up as interest rates continually rose. It highlighted the Credit Union’s exceptionally competitive credit card rates and helped ease Members’ financial stress with a lower-rate card they could more easily manage.

·       Membership Marketing: SchoolsFirst FCU launched the “Money Smart From the Start” youth Membership highlighted the importance of teaching kids from a young age about money and encouraged parents to open a Membership for their child. Digital ads and series of emails directed Members to a landing page with advice for parents of children of any age. The campaign was also supported with in-branch collateral and a sweepstakes to win a College Saver Share Certificate.

"I am incredibly proud of the marketing team for their hard work and dedication,” said Mark Rapp, senior vice president, strategic marketing, at SchoolsFirst FCU. “Their achievement in winning these prestigious awards is a testament to their creativity, innovation, and commitment to excellence. I am confident they will continue to produce integrated campaigns that connect with our Members and help them thrive."