Inside: Community outreach, family events, America 250 resources and a timely investing conversation parents are already having.
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Hi there, credit union friends,
Summer always seems to start with such promise: a break from school schedules and daily routines. But as a mom of two Money Mammals of my own, I’ve discovered that our family’s calendar fills up quickly. Lately I’ve found myself moonlighting as a beach trip travel agent, gymnastics camp chauffeur and preschool party planner.
If you similarly wear multiple hats at your institution, then allow me to take a task or two off your plate. Read on for “cool” ideas to engage young members and their families when the temperatures—and activity levels—start to rise.
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It Takes Two: “Banking for a Greater Good” is the mission of Illinois-based Great Lakes Credit Union. To further that mission, this institution has partnered with The Leaders Network to establish a permanent branch location in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood, an area long considered a financial desert.
As part of its outreach efforts, Great Lakes collaborates with our design team to create co-branded Money Mammals pieces for its youngest members. Here’s a look at the credit union’s most recent monthly printable and quarterly newsletter:
These materials do more than entertain. They create ongoing touchpoints with families, encourage branch visits and reinforce money-smart habits in a traditionally underserved community.
Now that’s a partnership making a meaningful impact. 👏
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Mammalpalooza: When Community Choice Credit Union celebrates its annual Money Mammals anniversary, it goes big.
The Iowa-based institution hosts Mammalpalooza, a signature event designed to engage both current and prospective young members. Last year families gathered at a Community Choice UNbanking Center for kid-friendly activities, including a bounce house, face painting, spin art and a giant Money Mammals banner that attendees could color together.
The makings of a masterpiece!
The fun came with money-smart incentives as well. Young UNbankers could enter to win a $250 account deposit, while participants who opened accounts or made deposits received branded slime. (Take it from this mom: Slime is always a hit with the preschool and grade school crowds!)
Community Choice Marketing Manager Bryce Verlinden sums up the philosophy behind Mammalpalooza:
“Providing an experience for your members that is fun and engaging is really what it is all about!”
What a great reminder that the most memorable youth programming often focuses on experiences first and products second.
We’re excited to see what Bryce and his team have planned for this August’s event!
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Cheers to the Red, White and Blue: Joe the Monkey isn’t the only one with a July birthday. (For those of you who are curious, his special day is on the 25th 🥳) This year our country is celebrating a milestone as well: 250 years!
To help your credit union join the festivities, our design team created a collection of patriotic Money Mammals materials. These resources include a printable coloring sheet inspired by the Archibald Willard painting The Spirit of ’76 and images featuring Joe the Monkey and pals as Abraham Lincoln, George Washington and even Uncle Sam. Scroll for a sneak peek!
These pieces are ideal for branch displays, community celebrations and family-focused events throughout the summer. Money Mammals partners who would like to include them in seasonal activations can access them through the program’s marketing support drive. And if your credit union isn’t currently partnered with us but would like to leverage these materials, then simply reply to this email.
Here’s to another 250 years of money smarts!
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The Truth About Trump Accounts: One of the most significant family finance topics this summer is the upcoming launch of the Trump Account, a new investment vehicle designed to help children get an early monetary head start.
In this short clip from The Art of Allowance Podcast, personal finance expert Laura Adams—better known as the Money Girl—explains how this account works and what parents should understand before opening one.
For a deeper dive, stream Laura’s full episode, where she shares practical guidance for introducing kids of all ages to investing.
Well, credit union friends, I hope these ideas help make your summer programming a little easier—and a lot more impactful. This season is one of the most creative for youth and family engagement, so I’d love to hear what you’re planning. Are you launching a new partnership? Hosting a signature event? Testing a creative promotion? Hit “reply” to spill the tea. (Patriotic pun fully intended. 😉) I’m always looking for innovative strategies to feature in future editions of Marketing Manatee Musings.
And until next time, here’s to putting our best fin lit flippers forward!
Erin Prim
Marketing Manatee
