Austin & Williams Agency Wins Top Award For Brand Identity At 2016 CUNA Diamond Marketing Awards

HAUPPAUGE, N.Y. - April 7, 2016 - PRLog -- Advertising and digital marketing agency Austin & Williams (Hauppauge, NY) recently received top honors for its rebranding campaign on behalf of longtime client Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union (HVFCU).  The agency earned a 2016 Diamond Award at what is considered the most prestigious annual credit union industry competition, presented by the CUNA Councils, a professional development organization directed by more than 300 credit union professionals.

"The Diamond Awards are particularly gratifying because they represent credit union leaders from across the United States reviewing the work of their peers in the credit union community," observed Austin & Williams CEO and Chief Creative Officer Rick Chiorando.  "Over 1,100 entries were submitted in this year's competition and our campaign for HVFCU, 'There's a Reason People Bank Here,' won for Brand Identity.   We are honored that our work received this national recognition."

According to Chiorando, HVFCU, a $4.1 billion not-for-profit financial institution, was seeking to rebrand itself to better reflect its growing relationship with consumers and businesses in its upstate New York markets.  The brand's new identity launched in May 2015 and was the cornerstone of a cross-channel marketing and advertising campaign throughout HVFCU's branch network in Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, and Ulster Counties, New York.

"Our goals were to build awareness of HVFCU's new identity, deepen its relationship with consumer and business members and prospects, and educate prospects on the benefits of membership," Chiorando explained.  "We modernized the credit union's image and broadened its appeal through an ambitious campaign that included developing a new logo, tagline, and ad campaign.  Overall results were impressive and quantifiable.  During the campaign period, top of mind recall for HVFCU increased two percent; deposits and loans grew 4.10 percent and 2.39 percent, respectively; and new member growth increased 1.09 percent.  It was the perfect marriage of creative excellence and outstanding results - a goal we strive for at Austin & Williams in everything we do."

The media strategy for the HVFCU campaign comprised broadcast, print, outdoor, and digital marketing and was developed in the communities served by HVFCU.  The rebranding was also supported through merchandising and collateral materials, including signage, brochures, logo-wear, and branded promotional items.

Austin & Williams has built a strong concentration in financial services marketing and advertising, helping credit unions, community banks, and regional commercial banks capture market share and enjoy campaign ROIs that top 70 percent.   For more information, visit austin-williams.com (http://www.austin-williams.com/).

About Austin & Williams
Austin & Williams is an outcomes-driven financial marketing agency headquartered in Hauppauge, Long Island, NY, that provides clients with branding, advertising and digital marketing ideas that inspire action.  For more information, visit austin-williams.com (http://www.austin-williams.com/).