DENVER–A campaign themed “Yes, Denver, We’re Open” has been launched by Westerra Credit Union aimed at helping to bring awareness—and business—to the small locally-owned businesses that have remained open during the COVID-19 crisis.
Westerra CU said the campaign got its launch with random acts of kindness by Westerra Credit Union employees, giving $10 gift cards from local businesses to people using the credit union’s drive-up facilities. It is now a metro-wide campaign to let people know about the businesses they can use now, while helping the business get through the impacts of the pandemic, WCU said.
Westerra’s “Yes, Denver, We’re Open” website allows small, locally-owned businesses to complete a short questionnaire about their business, and Westerra then creates a social media campaign by sharing a post about their business with the credit union’s 125,000 members and social media followers.
“By tagging the business, they can then share it with their followers, amplifying visibility for the business. Westerra is putting its own marketing dollars behind boosting the Facebook posts in the targeted areas where the businesses are located,” the credit union said.
“Yes, Denver, We’re Open” also provides a toolkit for the small business with signs, graphics and social media templates for getting the word out that they are open for business.
‘Heart & Soul’
“Small businesses are the heart and soul of our community,” said Jay Champion, president/CEO of Westerra Credit Union. “They are serving meals to our first-responders, making deliveries to our hospitals, and feeding families to try to preserve some sense of normalcy in these not normal times – all while complying with our Governor’s orders for safety and security, and trying to keep people employed.
“We believe the best thing we can do right now with the marketing dollars we usually spend on our brand, is to spend them on those who are giving back to the people and places we serve,” Championed continued. “As a locally-owned business ourselves, we understand the critical need to be here for our members, our employees, and our community now, through the impacts of COVID-19, and for the future.”
Westerra noted it is also offering relief loans and skip payment options to consumers and businesses, Champion said, including the Paycheck Protection Program through the SBA.
The website can be found at www.denverisopen.com.
CU’s Branded Bags to Become Masks
In Massachusetts, Athol Credit Union reported it did some office cleaning and found unused reusable grocery store bags made of non-woven polypropylene that included its name and logo. It is now donating those bags to LaunchSpace, which will use the material to create N95 medical masks.
Together CU Supplies 1,200 N95 Respirator Masks
In St. Louis, Together Credit Union has delivered 1,200 N95 particulate respirator masks by 3M to the St. Louis Metropolitan Pandemic Taskforce and 100 additional masks to Abbott EMS. The credit union said healthcare workers at BJC HealthCare, SSM Health, and St. Luke’s Hospital, and Abbott ambulance technicians will benefit from the donation.
“Our business continuity team discovered a surplus of N95 masks, which we knew immediately could be a great benefit for medical professionals fighting the COVID-19 virus on the front lines,” said Pier Alsup, chief community engagement and social responsibility officer.
As of April 13, there have been 4,388 confirmed cases and 114 deaths from COVID-19 in Missouri, with St. Louis City and St. Louis County accounting for over half of each.
“St. Louis is the most affected region in Missouri by the COVID-19 pandemic. Together Credit Union is committed to the important role we play in individuals’ lives and the communities we serve, and we are proud to support and thank the medical professionals who risk exposure daily in their vital role caring for patients,” added Alsup.
In addition, Together Credit Union said it has also partnered with the Kindness Meals STL initiative. Led by Park Central Development, Kindness Meals supports emergency center staff and local businesses. Meals are made by local restaurants and delivered to ER front-line teams at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital and Saint Louis University Hospital seven days a week.
Royal CU Supports $40,000 Initiative
In Eau Claire, Wis., Royal Credit Union has announced a $40,000 initiative to support organizations in need as part of its commitment to creating a positive impact in the communities the credit union serves.
The funds are being distributed this week to area community foundations and non-profit organizations to ensure support is given to groups with the greatest needs. Some organizations have developed special COVID-19 response funds, the credit union said.
“Our wish is that these funds will deliver an immediate, positive impact in the communities we serve,” said Brandon Riechers, Royal Credit Union president & CEO. “Royal seeks to be, in the truest sense of the word, partners. As we all continue to adapt and greet the ‘new normal’ let’s hold on to the hope that we will emerge stronger than ever, together.”
Corporate America CU Donates $100,000
In Irondale, Ala., Corporate America Credit Union has committed $100,000 toward a Southeastern Credit Union Foundation (SECUF) initiative aimed at injecting support into communities across the Southeast.
With that donation, Corporate America became the premier donor of SECUF’s #CreditUnionsCareChallenge, which encourages credit unions in Alabama, Florida and Georgia to spend at least $25 per employee at local businesses while carrying out good deeds and following social distancing guidelines.
Corporate America’s donation will help SECUF match every dollar donated by member credit unions up to $25 per employee. Credit unions will then choose a local organization or charity to receive these matched funds as a donation, the League of Southeastern Credit Unions said.
“Corporate America believes strongly in the credit union mission of people helping people – and right now real people in our communities are in need of very real help,” said Corporate America CU CEO Pete Pritts said. “We hope our donation can provide a measure of hope and comfort for those who are struggling during this unprecedented pandemic.”
Click here view a message from Corporate America Credit Union and to learn more about the credit union’s donation.
Westamerica Communications Offering Free ‘Positive Vibes’
In Lake Forest, Calif., Westamerica Communications, a provider of end-to-end marketing services, said it is offering free graphic art files in support of its Positive Vibes initiative.
The “Be Kind, Be Strong, Be Healthy” messaging features five unique art treatments that can be customized and shared by community members.
“There is so much negative imagery that we’re dealing with each and every day as a result of this crisis. We can’t let it affect our humanity and our ultimate love and concern for our fellow citizens,” said Westamerica’s President Doug Grant.
For info, go here.