Secure local sponsorship

• Invite local businesses (if not SEG-based) to sponsor a seminar

Find local partners

• Hold a seminar in collaboration with other local credit unions
• Contact the local Cooperative Extension System and show them the seminar kit to promote more educational collaborations between the Extension office and your credit union

Remind members

• Place reminder calls the day before or day of to remind members of the seminar and inform them of what to expect

Make it your own

• Customize the PowerPoint file, poster and handouts with your credit union name and logo

Find the right speakers

• Consider speakers from the credit union, SEGs, Cooperative Extension System or other reliable source in the community. Show them a print version of the speaker notes, which guide the speaker through the presentation, in case they’re unfamiliar with the topic. Reinforce that the seminar is educational—no selling, no promotion of external products or services

Secure local PR

• Get local PR before, during and/or after the seminar. “Local credit union helps members learn how to __________.” Use poster and sample newsletter articles provided.
• Place one of the PowerPoint slides on your Web site to promote the seminar to members. Include logistical details of time, date, place, etc.

Consider the timing

• Plan and host an evening session and offer snacks, pizza/sandwiches and drinks

Promote your credit union products and services

• Distribute packets to seminar attendees—include information about programs/services your credit union offers (i.e. CU HLPR Mortgage program, HomeValueBot)

Provide value-added takeaways

• Offer related ancillary brochures and handouts in addition to those that come with the seminar (see our Member Education Materials by Topic for more information)
• Promote prize giveaways (CU-specific, CUNA’s Budget Blueprint Interactive CD-ROM, etc.)

Consider completion certificates/incentives

• Offer Certificate of Completion (included in kit)
• Consider providing incentive to bring a certain amount of certificates in for a $50 savings bond (or some other special offer)
• Promote home buying seminar series in conjunction with special offers (i.e. $100 off closing costs for attending the seminars)

Follow up with members

• Send an evaluation form (included in kit) to all attendees 3-6 weeks following the program and include information about your products/services
• Use sign-up information to contact members after the seminar to promote your products/services

Educate staff

• Offer personal finance seminars to credit union employees using seminar materials

Provide value-add to SEGs

• Offer work site education to SEGs and other local businesses using seminar materials
• Order additional ancillary materials for use by SEGs/HR/employee assistance programs