The Minnesota Credit Union Network Marketing Awards acknowledges the outstanding programs credit unions have created to grow brand awareness and market to members and nonmembers alike.
There is no cost to submit entries for Minnesota Credit Union Network-affiliated credit unions and submissions are open through 11:59 p.m. Central Standard Time on Tuesday, October 15, 2024. Winners will be announced by mid-December 2024.
Visit the Submission Portal to get started (login and registration is required). Contact MnCUN Director of Communications Julia Miller with questions.
There is no cost to submit entries for Minnesota Credit Union Network-affiliated credit unions and submissions are open through 11:59 p.m. Central Standard Time on Tuesday, October 15, 2024. Winners will be announced by mid-December 2024.
Visit the Submission Portal to get started (login and registration is required). Contact MnCUN Director of Communications Julia Miller with questions.
Entry Categories:
- Complete Campaign
- Design
- Digital Advertising
- Engagement & Outreach
- Video
- More than $1 billion
- $500 million to $1 billion
- $250 million to $500 million
- $100 million to $250 million
- Less than $100 million
Complete Campaign - Types of media include the following, but are not limited to direct mail, point-of-sale, print ads, digital marketing, broadcast, and newsletters. Judges will consider the number of media used in each campaign. If submitting radio, television, or audio-visuals, upload a copy of each script. Submitted projects should include goals of the ads and metrics and a budget where applicable.Videos should be uploaded to a host site (YouTube or Vimeo for example) and a link to the video should be included in the application.
Design - Using design to effectively communicate the credit union's brand and achieve desired campaign objectives and goals. Examples may include a combination of digital and print items, tag lines, logos, promotional items, advertisements, or any visual or audio representation of the organization’s brand identity.
Digital Advertising - Social media campaigns, email marketing, omnichannel marketing, SMS marketing, in-stream video ads, OTT, search ads, native ads, and geofencing are examples for this category. Submitted projects should include goals of the ads and metrics and a budget where applicable
Engagement and Outreach - The goal of the award category is to recognize success in outreach projects that seek to garner genuine engagement among the credit union community (internal and external). Projects could include community impact and outreach projects (raising funds for charity, educational activities, or volunteer efforts), internal employee engagement and organic social media engagement.
Video - Entry may be one of several video options produced by or for the credit union: venue to highlight staff or member stories, how to instructional content, financial education, brand awareness. Videos should be uploaded to a host site (YouTube or Vimeo for example) and a link to the video should be included in the application.
Judging Criteria
Applications will be evaluated by judges based on the following criteria. Each section is weighted equally with a maximum of 20 points.
Strategy and Results: What was the strategy and objective(s) behind the entry? Did the entry produce the expected results, given the credit union’s position in the marketplace and competitive factors?
Creativity: How did the creative concept position its offer to its target audience? Is the overall concept consistent with the stated strategy and objectives? Does the design and creativity enhance the idea and message to connect and communicate clearly?
Design and Production: How effective are the entry's design elements (typography, art, color, white space, quality of printing); or in the case of electronic, the entry's use of talent, visuals and sound and reproduction
Quality: Does the design and creativity enhance the idea and make it better? Is attention paid to the “fit and finish” of the final product? Is the quality of the printing, lighting, recording and reproduction polished?
Copy and Communication: Is the writing effective in helping sell the idea and producing the results? Are products clearly stated or obscured?
Strategy and Results: What was the strategy and objective(s) behind the entry? Did the entry produce the expected results, given the credit union’s position in the marketplace and competitive factors?
Creativity: How did the creative concept position its offer to its target audience? Is the overall concept consistent with the stated strategy and objectives? Does the design and creativity enhance the idea and message to connect and communicate clearly?
Design and Production: How effective are the entry's design elements (typography, art, color, white space, quality of printing); or in the case of electronic, the entry's use of talent, visuals and sound and reproduction
Quality: Does the design and creativity enhance the idea and make it better? Is attention paid to the “fit and finish” of the final product? Is the quality of the printing, lighting, recording and reproduction polished?
Copy and Communication: Is the writing effective in helping sell the idea and producing the results? Are products clearly stated or obscured?
Frequently Asked Questions
How many applications may my credit union submit?
Credit unions may submit 1 entry into each of the 6 submission categories. However, a single project can only be entered into a maximum of two categories.
What time period should my submission be from?
Material included in applications should be from campaigns active in the last 12 months.
My submission includes audio or video, how should I include this asset?
Audio or video files should be uploaded to a web host, Vimeo or YouTube for example, and a link to the resource should be included in the application. If the asset is private, please include a password.
I submitted an asset to one category; do I need to submit it again for a different category?
Yes. Judges will look at each application separately and will not cross reference materials submitted to separate applications. A single project can only be entered into a maximum of two categories.
I missed the deadline; can I submit my application late?
Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Central Standard Time on Tuesday, October 15, 2024. No late applications will be accepted.
When will winners be notified?
Winners will be notified in December 2023.
Who should I contact with additional questions?
Contact Minnesota Credit Union Network Director of Communications Julia Miller by email.
Credit unions may submit 1 entry into each of the 6 submission categories. However, a single project can only be entered into a maximum of two categories.
What time period should my submission be from?
Material included in applications should be from campaigns active in the last 12 months.
My submission includes audio or video, how should I include this asset?
Audio or video files should be uploaded to a web host, Vimeo or YouTube for example, and a link to the resource should be included in the application. If the asset is private, please include a password.
I submitted an asset to one category; do I need to submit it again for a different category?
Yes. Judges will look at each application separately and will not cross reference materials submitted to separate applications. A single project can only be entered into a maximum of two categories.
I missed the deadline; can I submit my application late?
Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Central Standard Time on Tuesday, October 15, 2024. No late applications will be accepted.
When will winners be notified?
Winners will be notified in December 2023.
Who should I contact with additional questions?
Contact Minnesota Credit Union Network Director of Communications Julia Miller by email.
