UCU Promotes “Where Black Bears Bank” Slogan
ORONO, Maine – In a move that further solidifies what has developed into a legacy partnership, University of Maine Athletics and University Credit Union (UCU) announced today a continuation of their integrated relationship for another three years.
The extended partnership details UCU’s use of the UMaine signature Bearhead logo and UCU’s slogan, “Where Black Bears Bank”. Beginning this fall, UCU will launch a comprehensive, multi-channel marketing platform leveraging the popular slogan.
“Where Black Bears Bank” speaks directly to the core membership of UCU, a member owned financial institution serving the University community. The messaging will appear not only in various UCU digital and print communication but in various signage, videoboards and on-site branch promotion. The extended partnership term allows UCU to obtain additional UMaine Athletics’ rights for a bolstered marketing program.
The renewal also marks the continuation of the UMaine Alumni Association VISA credit card generated by UCU, in partnership with Athletics and the UMaine Alumni Association. The UCU Athletics relationship is managed in its entirety by the university’s athletics multimedia rights holder, Learfield’s Black Bear Sports Properties.
“The foundation of University Credit Union begins with our strong relationship with the University and athletics, and we are thrilled to extend our partnership,” said Matthew Walsh, President/CEO of University Credit Union. “We believe and feel that UCU is ‘Where Black Bears Bank’ and utilizing this slogan in our marketing campaigns allows us to speak directly to our nearly 50 years of proudly serving the UMaine community.”
UCU’s history with the university dates back to 1967, when it began serving UMaine employees from the basement of Coburn Hall. University Credit Union has since maintained a steady relationship with UMaine and currently serves students, employees and alumni from any of the University of Maine System’s seven campuses, along with Maine Maritime Academy. UCU operates across the state with nine branch locations, most of which are on or near a University campus. The extended partnership with UMaine Athletics signifies its constant commitment to support the university’s student-athletes, programming and campus community.
“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with University Credit Union,” said Athletic Director Karlton Creech. “For over 50 years, UCU has been a trusted, substantial supporter of the University of Maine and of our athletics department. We are delighted for their continued support and look forward to our future partnership with such a loyal brand.”
“We’re excited to extend our long-standing partnership with University Credit Union through 2019, and we’re pleased Athletics can be a part of helping the Alumni Credit Card continue to support the UMaine Alumni Association,” said Jason Hoyt, UMaine alum, and manager of business development for Learfield’s local Black Bear Sports Properties team. “It’s been a pleasure for Black Bear Sports Properties to serve UMaine Athletics the last 10 years, and we’re grateful for superior partners like UCU.”
Established on the University of Maine campus in 1967, University Credit Union is an innovative, full-service financial institution focused on actively advancing the financial well-being of its members in every stage of their lives. UCU has nine locations across the state serving the University of Maine System students, alumni, employees and their families. Branches are located in Orono, Bangor, Farmington, Gorham, Portland, and Presque Isle. For more information visit www.ucu.maine.edu.
An industry leader for more than four decades, Learfield has a deep presence in the college athletics landscape nationwide. In addition to the University of Maine, it manages the multimedia and sponsorship rights for 120 collegiate institutions, conferences and arenas, and supports athletic departments at all competitive levels as title sponsor of the prestigious Learfield Directors’ Cup. Learfield also provides its collegiate partners access to professional concessions and ticket sales; licensing and trademark consulting; digital platform expertise; and venue and technology systems through its affiliated companies. For more about Learfield’s history, businesses and career opportunities, visit www.learfieldsports.com.