Community Outreach: SECU

SECU, the largest state-chartered credit union in Maryland, chose Weiss PR initially to develop its strategic communications plan and then to handle its community outreach initiatives.

The Problem

With a strong commitment to community involvement, SECU was contributing to a wide range of non-profits throughout Maryland. Because there were so many requests for donations, however, SECU recognized that its contributions were having little real impact. Further, it was receiving minimal recognition for the donations it was making.

Our Solution/Results

Recognizing that SECU’s community outreach effort was spread too thin, Weiss PR recommended that the credit union focus exclusively on a cause that had a direct relationship to its overall mission – financial literacy. The firm then worked with SECU to assure the causes to which it contribute had a financial literacy dimension and that the donations were significant enough to attract the interest of local media.

“We have worked with Weiss PR on a number of public relations projects, and they have always been a pleasure to work with. They take the time to listen and really understand your business and your goals. They are focused, committed, and high energy.”

Peggy Young, Vice President of Marketing, SECU Credit Union
Linthicum, Maryland

By securing coverage for its contribution in local media, SECU could reinforce its positioning as an organization focused on financial literacy while garnering public recognition for “giving back” to the community. Weiss PR also assisted SECU in creating its own SECU State Scholarship Program, which provided college scholarships to state employees who are members of SECU and their immediate family members.

For more information on SECU, please visit their website at www.secumd.org.