COLUMBIA, Md.–In conjunction with the Maryland Comptroller’s Office’s “Shop Maryland and Save for the Holidays” initiative, participating credit unions in Maryland and D.C. will be offering their members an added incentive to shop local this holiday season.
The credit unions are offering increased reward points on credit cards and other incentives to encourage members to patronize local businesses that are still recovering from the pandemic.
During a kick-off event at SECU’s Berwyn Heights branch, Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot joined with representatives of the MD|DC Credit Union Association, credit union representatives and other elected officials to announce the new promotion.
"Small businesses have struggled to recover from the pandemic and I'm so pleased that area credit unions continue to step up to promote our annual Shop Maryland and Save for the Holidays campaign and incentivize buying from local retailers," said Maryland Comptroller Franchot. "This is a great opportunity for consumers to save and provides a much-needed jolt for small businesses. It is a win for everyone."
‘Deep Commitment’
Added John Bratsakis, president/CEO, MD|DC Credit Union Association, “Credit unions share the same deep commitment to community as local retailers. As shoppers decide where to spend their hard-earned money, area credit unions are providing incentives to buy local, such as increased rewards points and lower rates, in addition to their current credit card offerings. We want to thank the Maryland Comptroller’s Office and area credit unions for collaborating on this initiative to help jumpstart the local economy by supporting the businesses that are the heart and soul of our communities.”
Participating Credit Unions
Credit unions participating in the holiday initiative include:
- APG FCU
- Baltimore County Employees Federal Credit Union
- Destinations Credit Union
- DOLFCU
- Educational Systems Federal Credit Union
- First Financial Federal Credit Union
- Five Star Federal Credit Union
- Freedom Federal Credit Union
- GPO Federal Credit Union
- Johns Hopkins Federal Credit Union
- Market USA Federal Credit Union
- MECU Credit Union
- Nymeo Federal Credit Union
- SECU
‘Essential’ to the Community
“Shopping local is one of the most impactful ways we can leverage our collective buying power to keep our neighbors employed and help small businesses continue to thrive,” said Becky Smith, EVP, chief strategy & marketing officer, SECU. “They are essential to our local community and support a more sustainable way to consume. These businesses impact our local identity, encourage innovation, and offer patrons a personal, warm, experience.”
In partnership with the Maryland Comptroller’s Office and local retailers, credit unions in Maryland will be hosting regional events to support Shop Maryland & Save for the Holidays, according to the MDDCCUA.
Among the upcoming events:
October 28 | MECU Credit Union, Baltimore
“MECU Credit Union, serving the community for 85 years, is proud to participate in the Shop Maryland and Save for the Holidays campaign,” said John Hamilton, President and CEO, MECU Credit Union. “This initiative perfectly aligns with our goal to help our members save money and support our local community. It’s never been more important to keep our economy growing and strong.”
November 2 | Nymeo FCU, Frederick
“Local businesses and retailers are the lifeblood of our communities, providing vital economic activity, employment opportunities, and investment back to nonprofits and charities,” said Victoria Johnston, President and CEO of Nymeo Federal Credit Union. “As a community-based credit union in Frederick and Montgomery County, Md., we realize first-hand that local shopping not only fuels the economic engine, but also creates a positive, welcoming, and unique cultural environment. Nymeo is proud to be a part of this initiative to boost our local economy and support small businesses during this holiday season.”
November 29 | Freedom FCU, Bel Air
“It is essential now for Maryland businesses to take a lead in supporting the growth and recovery efforts of other Maryland businesses,” said Carmen David Mirabile, SVP of Marketing for Freedom Federal Credit Union. “By providing robust incentives and rewards to consumers to focus their purchasing power on local businesses during the critical holiday shopping season is one way we can do our part to see Maryland continue to recover. Participating credit unions in the Shop Maryland and Save for the Holidays initiative have made it their mission to do whatever we can to support our shared communities, businesses, and their employees.”