ST. PAUL, Minn. – Royal Credit Union (Royal) was recognized with two Marketing Awards at the annual Minnesota Credit Union Network (MnCUN) ACCELERATE 25 conference.
The awards acknowledge the outstanding programs credit unions have created to grow brand awareness and market to members and non-members alike.
“Complete Campaign” Award for the 60th Anniversary Campaign
To celebrate Royal’s 60th Anniversary, a complete campaign was created with original photos and consistent messaging across many different media platforms. The credit union said the strategy was built around telling Royal’s story – one of integrity, compassion, and a steadfast dedication to serving their Members, no matter the challenge. By combining mass marketing with targeted outreach to Royal’s existing Members, this campaign emphasized the importance of the relationships built with current and future Members for Royal’s success. Follow Royal on Facebook and stay up to date on events and other happenings within the communities they serve.
“Video” Award for the Money Donuts Podcast Video Series
Royal’s Money Donuts podcast launched in November 2020 as an audio-only podcast featuring educational episodes on different aspects of finances, from mobile app usage to tips for avoiding fraud. The objective was to bring financial education to Members and wider communities in a fun and creative way.
“The Money Donuts podcast is an educational, approachable, and sometimes humorous way to connect with audiences via conversations on all kinds of financial topics,” RCU said. “In 2024, the Money Donuts team created eight full-length video episodes and over 30 teaser videos to promote the full-length episodes. The episodes were released in both audio-only podcast format and as video podcast episodes via Spotify video podcast listings.”
The Spotify platform also cross-publishes the episodes to many other podcast platforms. The video episodes are also uploaded to Royal’s YouTube channel as the main video hosting site.
“We are honored to be recognized by the Minnesota Credit Union Network for our marketing efforts,” Melissa Koontz, Royal Credit Union’s VP-marketing & communications, said in a statement. “Each of these awards reflects our commitment to connecting with our members in meaningful ways—whether that’s helping them access helpful tips and tricks through our Money Donuts podcast or celebrating the values that have defined Royal for 60 years. These awards are a testament to the creativity and dedication of our team, and to the strong relationships we continue to build with our communities.”
“Minnesota credit unions are strengthening the credit union movement by sharing the credit union advantage to more consumers in innovative and engaging ways,” Mara Humphrey, MnCUN president & CEO, said in a statement. “Congratulations to the winners and thank you to all of the credit unions who submitted projects for this competitive award program.”