16 THE NAFCU JOURNAL NOVEMBER–DECEMBER 2022 Practical Giveaways are Important “We are where the students are, meeting them before school begins at welcome and orientation events, at sports events and on the social media platforms they use,” said Ford. Credit union staff also show up at coffee shops and smoothie stores. Pop-up events promoted on UMCU’s social media invite students to specific locations where they find credit union staff with educational information and giveaways. “They can use QR codes from our social media for t-shirts and other items, in fact, we hosted a free smoothie day at one location that is popular with students.” Ford pointed out that it’s important to be flexible with offerings—especially giveaways—based on student feedback or type of event. For example, with ice hockey, gloves are a fan favorite in the ice arena but on a sunny football Saturday, sunglasses are welcomed, she said. “Our university-branded sweatshirt is given with each new account, and the students love them. We see students wearing them to classes, sporting events and around town.” At Duke University Federal Credit Union (DUFCU), giveaways are chosen for practicality, said Jennifer Sider, MBA, director of marketing. “We’ve found that college-student-aged members are not interested in decorative items, but want practical items,” she said. “Our most popular giveaways are pens, water bottles, adhesive hooks to use in dorm rooms and key chains with rubber basketballs—a very popular Duke item.” “ We are where the students are, meeting them before school begins at welcome and orientation events, at sports events and on the social media platforms they use. ” TIFFANY FORD, PRESIDENT & CEO, UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN CREDIT UNION
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