Strategic PR positions credit union as go-to expert for top-tier financial media

With over $19 billion in assets and more than 1.1 million members, Golden 1 is one of the nation’s largest credit unions and is dedicated to promoting financial literacy and inclusion in California. The institution prides itself on empowering its members with the tools and resources to achieve financial well-being.

Challenge

Despite its impressive mission and reach, the client faced a persistent challenge with media visibility. Its previous PR agency struggled to secure placements that highlighted the company’s expertise in personal finance, leaving it overshadowed by larger financial institutions. 

This lack of media presence was a barrier to achieving the client’s core mission of empowering members and promoting financial literacy. Without a platform to share its insights and resources, the client risked losing relevance in a rapidly evolving financial landscape.

With countless financial institutions battling for attention, the client needed a strategic public relations partner to cut through the noise, insert it into top-tier personal finance coverage and amplify its voice as a thought leader in the financial education space.

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Strategy

Bospar developed a targeted, data-driven public relations strategy to elevate the client’s profile and position it as a go-to expert for personal finance advice. The approach revolved around three key pillars: rapid media response, tailored messaging and multi-channel engagement.

Our team of PR experts worked seamlessly with the client to navigate internal approval processes, a common challenge for credit unions due to strict compliance requirements. By building flexibility into our workflows and anticipating potential delays, we ensured the client’s commentary was delivered to reporters on time and without sacrificing quality or accuracy.

Bospar actively tracked personal finance stories across major publications like Business Insider, WSJ MarketWatch, Fox, American Banker and NerdWalle. We also crafted custom messaging that aligned with reporters’ angles and weaved in the client’s mission of advancing financial well-being in California with its unique ability to serve underrepresented communities, which helped differentiate the client from traditional banks. Melissa Lambarena at NerdWallet featured the client in tips on ways credit cards can offer a break on back-to-school purchases. Sophia Acevedo at Business Insider included the client in a review of leading banking institutions. This speed and responsiveness positioned the client as a reliable source for timely and impactful insights with its target media outlets. 

Securing placements in national outlets such as Bankrate was essential for building widespread credibility and reach. But Bospar recognized the importance of engaging local audiences to reinforce the client’s strong community ties in California. This dual approach amplified the client’s visibility on a national scale and positioned it as a trusted, accessible resource within its home state. Coverage in local media, such as Sacramento Observer and Sacramento Bee, reinforced its commitment to inclusion in California, aligning perfectly with its mission to serve the community.

When the client donated $50,000 to a public high school to bolster student programs and resources, Bospar also ensured that this meaningful contribution gained visibility. Our media outreach efforts secured a video segment on Fox40 showcasing the client’s dedication to fostering educational opportunities and financial literacy within California.

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Campaign Results

31 Total Placements
402 ,145,359 Total UVM

Success

Bospar’s campaign redefined what was possible for the client. The campaign marked a turning point for the client, transitioning the credit union from an underrepresented voice to a thought leader in personal finance. By pairing rapid response with tailored messaging, Bospar secured top-tier placements in outlets that shaped the national financial conversation.

Aaron Klein from the WSJ MarketWatch featured the client in a story about credit unions investing in stadium naming rights, positioning it as a leader in leveraging bold marketing moves to amplify its brand and strengthen community ties.

American Banker ranked the client among the 20 credit unions with the largest credit card loan portfolios, spotlighting its financial expertise and leadership in serving members’ credit needs.

Bospar’s proactive approach and ability to craft impactful narratives proved transformative, cementing the client’s position as a trusted resource in personal finance.

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