Getting Important Government Officials to Show Up at Your Credit Union Event Is
Easier than You Might Think

Fred Brown, Northeast Family Federal Credit Union
February 5, 2008 | COMMENTS

When I first asked what to do for ICU-Day, the staff at the Northeast Family Federal Credit Union (Manchester, Connecticut) said, “Well, last year we had refreshments and balloons.” I asked if they minded if we did a bit more than last year. A lackluster “okay” followed.

Coming from a marketing background, I knew the more we did, the more we showed, the more over-the-top we went, the more publicity we would garner. That being said, I also had a budget of $200.00! I knew we had to invite some heavy hitters and if we were going to do that, and I wanted to make sure we got the biggest bang for the buck.

Connecticut State Senate President Pro-Tempore Donald E. Williams, Jr. (D) and Kirby Kangaroo.

My first choice for guests? Political leaders, because they can help shape and guide the credit union revolution. So I started calling and reaching out to all the prominent local and state officials in the cities/towns where we had offices. My philosophy has always been, “You don't get what you don't ask for.” So I picked a day and asked all of them to attend—even if it was for just 15 minutes, it would be an excellent opportunity to get a quick tour, talk to our president/CEO, and take a picture or two.

My own schedule wasn't helping—I was attending a credit union conference at The Mohegan Sun Casino and had to break away to finish up details for ICU-Day. The day of the event, I had to attend a morning session at the conference and then left early to get back for the invited guests.

We were joined by mayors, first selectmen, state Representatives and Congressmen, and the State Senate President Pro-Tempore. Those weren't the only invited guests—Kirby Kangaroo even showed up and got photos with everyone.

We had an ICU-Day themed cake, with the 2007 logo (courtesy of June Clark), as well as other refreshments, balloons, and giveaways. I had interviews from several newspapers, which were stretched out over several weeks. It also didn't hurt that I was able to show a picture of Kirby Kangaroo, posing with State Senate President Pro-Tempore Don Williams.

My “secret” for this successful event? All I did was ask. Decide who you want, and then ask them. I sent handwritten invitations and then followed up like crazy. You know political people—I was in almost daily contact with aids and assistants and handlers. I finally got the okay from several of them and we were off. After the event, I also sent handwritten thank-you notes, as well as a credit union gift.

Fred Brown is member development manager for Northeast Family Federal Credit Union in Manchester, Connecticut. Contact Fred at 860-646-8870 or Fred@nefamily.coop.