 | |||||||||||||||||||||
|
Your organization
|
 |
Mid-December 2006 Happy Holidays from Go Direct
Bank spreads the Go Direct message throughout TexasDirect deposit is the safest, easiest way to get Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments, but millions of Americans still rely on checks. Lawrence Benavides is working hard to change that – at least in his corner of Texas. As the Community Development Officer and Assistant Vice President of First Convenience Bank, Benavides has incorporated Go Direct messaging and materials into each of the bank's 200-plus banking centers. "Go Direct is a tool to help us market direct deposit to our customers," Benavides says. "If this message wasn't out there, our banks would be battling it alone." Killeen, Texas-based First Convenience Bank kicked off its participation in the campaign by printing and distributing Go Direct statement stuffers in a mailing to about 5,000 customers. Go Direct also provided First Convenience with an opportunity to become more involved in the community – the campaign helped match banking centers with several community-based organizations in the area. Benavides led financial literacy seminars, while other bank representatives promoted Go Direct at large events, including the North Texas Crime Commission Scam Jam, Texas Hurricane Housing Forum and the United Way Elder Service Provider Network Expo. "It's a great feeling to know that the message is getting out there," Benavides says. "I encourage people to sign up because direct deposit is faster, safer and more convenient." This past spring, more than 160 First Convenience banking centers competed in the Go Direct Spring into Direct Deposit promotion to switch Social Security and other federal benefit check recipients to direct deposit. Two of its banking centers won. The prizes included a certificate from the U.S. Treasury, as well as free lunch for each banking center and Go Direct-themed prizes. "Our banking centers were really excited to be a part of this program," Benavides said. "Our tellers were saying, 'Wow, this is really working.'" First Convenience Bank uses both the Go Direct Online Enrollment and the Go Direct helpline as quick ways to sign up Social Security recipients on the spot. Benavides says he likes the support, customer service and the minimal amount of time it takes to sign up someone using these tools. He looks forward to becoming even more involved in the campaign in the year ahead. "Go Direct is a great program and has been successful for our bank," Benavides says. "We look forward to continued participation with Go Direct." City Treasurer aims to build stronger community with Go Direct in San FranciscoAs Treasurer for the City and County of San Francisco, José Cisneros is helping the citizens of San Francisco safeguard their money. A firm believer in direct deposit, Treasurer Cisneros has been a steadfast Go Direct supporter, helping generate public awareness about direct deposit and encouraging Bay Area financial institutions to partner with the campaign. In early 2006, the Treasurer teamed up with San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom to issue a Go Direct Month proclamation, and this fall Cisneros backed a month-long California Go Direct Challenge to encourage Californians to switch to direct deposit. "Direct deposit makes life easier and once it is set up, you never have to lift a finger again," Cisneros says. "It benefits everyone." Cisneros says he feels Go Direct closely aligns with the mission of Bank on San Francisco, a program he helped establish to give local families that are dependent on high-cost check-cashers a chance to open starter bank accounts. "Bank on San Francisco and Go Direct are vital programs for our community," Cisneros says. "It all comes down to safety and security, and there isn't anything better for that than direct deposit." Treasurer Cisneros invited Go Direct to join the Bank on San Francisco task force, which led Go Direct to partner with several California financial institutions, including California Savings Bank, Spectrum Federal Credit Union and Mission National Bank. Cisneros believes that a partnership with Go Direct is a great asset to financial institutions. "Go Direct empowers financial institutions, allowing them to better serve their customers and become stronger community partners," Cisneros says. Cleveland detective showcases his dedication to promoting Go DirectIf there's a way to get word about Go Direct to Cleveland-area seniors, Detective Dave Volek of the South Euclid Police Department has probably done it. For Volek, the safety aspect of direct deposit is paramount. He incorporates information about Go Direct into every block watch meeting, and ensures that senior centers, the city hall and the police station are always stocked with Go Direct brochures. Determined to reach as many seniors as possible, Detective Volek also supplies Go Direct flyers to Meals on Wheels programs in three local Cleveland communities. “I have aggressively promoted the Go Direct campaign because I believe it is important,” Detective Volek says. “Go Direct is simple and assures the participants that they will receive their benefit payment, no matter what.” Detective Volek hasn't been shy about promoting Go Direct in the media, either. The day after Thanksgiving – on his day off – Detective Volek graciously participated in a live 10-minute radio interview about Go Direct on WELW-AM, a talk radio station reaching listeners in the Greater Cleveland area. Currently, he is working on placing an opinion piece promoting Go Direct in a local newspaper. For Detective Volek, it's all part of a day's work. “As long as the campaign is going forward, I will promote this campaign,” he says. If you are interested in partnering with Go Direct, call a campaign representative at (952) 346-6055 or visit www.GoDirect.org to learn more. |
|||||||||||||||||||
  | |||||||||||||||||||||
(952) 346-6055
Go Direct owes its success in generating direct deposit conversions to our hard-working partners. During the holiday season, we'd like to thank our partners for a great 2006 and continued success in 2007! In this issue of the Go Direct Partner Update, we'd like to spotlight three standouts among our many wonderful partners.
