February 2007

Spotlight On: Kelly Calmes,
Fremont Federal Credit Union

Kelly Calmes, Director of Marketing at Fremont Federal Credit Union in Fremont, OH, has teamed up with Dollar Dog to reach out to young people in her credit union’s community for nearly a year. This $112.8 million asset size credit union has 5% of its membership (784 young people) in the Dollar Dog Savings Club. Their Dollar Dog Kid's Club mascot, who loves to make appearances at branches during CU Youth Week and walk in parades, says his favorite event is the countywide Storybook Festival, in March. This 4-hour activity, which draws more than a thousand young people, is organized by the United Way to promote the literacy efforts of several local agencies. Fremont FCU's mascot joins the fun, by handing out bags that contain Dollar Dog account information for the kids and their parents.

This one-person marketing department endeavors to teach financial literacy to young members by providing a cute piggy bank when they join. The kids are encouraged to save their coins and bring them in to be counted and deposited into their Dollar Dog accounts. Kelly wants to grow her credit union’s youth outreach efforts in the future by forming a Youth Marketing Committee to examine ongoing saving incentives as well as focusing on encouraging the young people’s visits to the branches by honoring life celebrations such as birthdays.

Kelly knows that by supporting youth marketing activities at her credit union, she is developing a life-long relationship with members. The Dollar Dog program is a “first touch” for meeting the financial needs of children and their parents in her community.

Last Year’s Storybook Festival

	Marketing Partners is considering the option of adding a larger, 12-inch version of the plush Dollar Dog toy. If interested, please email Janice Scanlon with your name, credit union, and phone number.

To order more Dollar Dog supplies call
1-888-641-1215.

Let Us Know What You Think!
We have been getting some great feedback with your requests for new Dollar Dog features. If you have any ideas or requests for fun additions to the Dollar Dog Kids Club, let us know.

Tell Us What You're Doing!
If you have any Dollar Dog stories to tell, please send them here or call us at 1-888-641-1215. Your event may be the next topic in Paw Prints!

Let us know how you intend to incorporate the Dollar Dog program into your festivities during National Credit Union Youth Week, April 22-28, 2007.

Sharing, the Credit Union way.