PSECU Uses ICU Day to Ask Consumers to Take Back What's Theirs
HARRISBURG, PA - October 20, 2011 - International Credit Union Day has traditionally been the day where credit unions celebrate the numerous benefits they provide to their members and communities they serve. But this year, PSECU decided to do something a little different.
Recognizing the growing movement against the mistreatment by big banks of their customers through fees and deceptive practices, PSECU is using Credit Union Day to kick off a campaign encouraging consumers to join the movement to something better on November 5, now being called Bank Transfer Day. The credit union sent an e-mail and video message from PSECU President Greg Smith to its members, explaining the PSECU difference and encouraging family and friends to move their accounts from large national banks to a credit union.
In addressing PSECU’s involvement, Smith explained, "The anti-consumer practices of the large banks isn't a new thing and their response to recent protections like the CARD Act and the Wall Street Reform Act is just the latest example. Consumers are fed up, and we want to let them know that there are financial institutions out there like credit unions that can provide the same products and services their bank does, but instead of gouging them, we will do it fairly."
To complement the message, PSECU will be employing a comprehensive strategy to get the message out to the general public. Components of the strategy include utilizing social media outlets, print and radio advertisements, a switch kit for consumers wishing to move their accounts, and extended hours on November 5 for the call center and branch locations.
About PSECU
PSECU is a not-for-profit financial institution that provides a full array of convenient, electronically delivered services at no or low cost. Opened in 1934, PSECU is one of the nation's largest credit unions. It serves more than 375,000 members and has over $3 billion in assets. The membership of the said Credit Union will be limited to the employees of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; those employees eligible for membership in the State Employees' Retirement System; those persons receiving a benefit allowance from the State Employees' Retirement System; students and alumni of institutions of the State System of Higher Education; employees eligible for membership in the Public School Employees' Retirement System and persons receiving a benefit allowance from the Public School Employees' Retirement System; employees of local governments organized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; with the prior approval of the Department of Banking, other occupational and associated groups as provided by law; the Select Employee Group (SEG) employer entity; employees of the Credit Union; members of the immediate families or households of the above persons; corporate or other legal entities in this charter; and exclusively for share services, organizations composed principally of the same groups as the Credit Union membership.