Press Release - March 15, 2010
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Jan Dailey, SVP, Marketing Manager
972-391-6191, jan.dailey@tnbcard.com
Kristine Tanzillo, Dux Public Relations
903-865-1078, kristine@duxpr.com

TNB Card Services Works with CUs to Implement
Successful Cross Selling Card Programs

In-branch Strategies Drive Credit Card Account Growth

Dallas, March 15, 2010 - Because credit card accounts have become a relationship product, the branch has become a highly effective sales channel for credit union card products. TNB Card Services, the electronic payments processor for credit unions, works with credit unions of all sizes to help develop and implement effective cross selling strategies. Two client examples show how moderate size credit unions that invest in employee training and cross-sell their card products within the branch can see rapid growth in the number of new card accounts acquired.

For Harris County Federal Credit Union of Houston, an investment in employee training coupled with an in-branch promotion in mid-2009 paid off by boosting its new card accounts 383 percent over the same time period a year earlier.

Working with TNB, the $100 million credit union created an internal campaign to encourage employees to proactively reach out to members, rewarding employees with $5 for every approved card application. At the end of the promotion period, one employee, was also rewarded with paid time off for generating the most approved applications.

Harris County drew its members' attention to the card product within the branch with TNB's One Hot Summer Promotion, which included everything the credit union needed to create a friendly atmosphere for members. The credit union turned the branch into a summer playground where members were offered fresh lemonade from a lemonade stand, hot buttered popcorn, games of miniature golf and ring toss, and more.

"Training and the TNB promotion made a significant difference in growing our card accounts," said Vicki Squires, executive vice president, Harris County Federal Credit Union. "Branch employees initiated meaningful conversations with members about the benefits of an HCFCU credit card, successfully tapping into our existing member base."

She added, "The promotion was entertaining and fun for employees and members. It took minimal effort to manage and delivered a significant return. The branch is definitely an effective vehicle to acquire new cardholders."

For the $27 million Space City Credit Union of Houston, its MasterCard Madness internal campaign was designed to challenge its staff to double their monthly average of new card accounts.

"The CARD Act has presented so many opportunities," said Nikki Moore, vice president operations Space City Credit Union. "We didn't want to be left out of the game, so we have made cards a priority and trained our staff accordingly to give them the confidence they need to sell the card to members."

Through training and a cash incentive of $10 per application, within 30 days employees brought in nearly six times as many new card accounts as the typical monthly average.

"Selling a card product doesn't have to be complicated. Once our employees understood the value of our card, it was easy for them to sell it to members," said Moore.

"With the effective training and promotional tools we provide our clients, they are having great success using their branches as a strategic sales channel for acquiring new cardholders," said Mark Fenner, senior vice president, TNB Card Services. "Credit unions that get employees engaged in selling their card are seeing a significant increase in the number of new card accounts, usage and balances."

About Harris County Federal Credit Union
Serving the employees of Harris County, Harris County Federal Credit Union has 16,000 members and assets of $100 million. The credit union provides checking and savings accounts, Visa/MasterCard credit and debit cards, as well as an array of personal loan products. The credit union is online at www.hcfcu.com.

About Space City Credit Union
Chartered in 1965 in Houston, Texas, Space City CU serves employees and family members of more than 100 companies, including Stewart & Stevenson, General Electric, McCall Group, and Rex Supply. The credit union has assets of $27 million and more than 5,000 members. Visit the credit union online at www.spacecitycu.com.

About TNB Card Services
TNB Card Services, owned and directed by credit unions since 1976, provides electronic payments processing for credit unions nationwide. TNB delivers exceptional processing services for credit, debit, and ATM transactions and provides portfolio consulting and marketing programs that increase card usage and grow card programs. TNB enhances member loyalty through credit union-branded card products and services, including card personalization products and loyalty solutions. For more information about TNB, go to www.tnbcard.com or call Mark Fenner at 800-422-0733 ext. 6655.