ST PAUL, MN — Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union and Gopher Athletics have signed a multi-year marketing agreement, the credit union announced today.
Through this partnership, Affinity Plus will sponsor signage beginning this fall at four University of Minnesota venues. Signage will be on display in the Williams, Ridder and Mariucci Arenas, and at the Sports Pavilion. Signage will generate awareness of Affinity Plus during the following sporting events:
• Gopher Women’s and Gopher Men’s Basketball;
• Gopher Women’s and Gopher Men’s Hockey;
• Gopher Volleyball;
• Gopher Wrestling;
• Gopher Women’s and Gopher Men’s Gymnastics.
ENHANCING A LONG-STANDING PARTNERSHIP
The sponsorship signifies a deepening of relationships between Affinity Plus and the University of Minnesota, said Dave Larson, Affinity Plus president/CEO. He noted the new signage will showcase how – like the University of Minnesota – Affinity Plus and credit unions are part of the fabric of Minnesota life.
“The University of Minnesota is widely known for its academics, research and outreach. Nearly everyone in Minnesota has a ‘U’ story, or has been impacted by the University in some way,” Larson said.
“Similarly, Affinity Plus also has statewide reach, and we’re proud to work with more than 185,000 members – at every stage of their lives – to meet their financial goals,” he said. “Because of that, we think we’re a natural partner to share the stage with Gopher Athletics.”
Greg Gerlach, general manager for Learfield’s Gopher Sports Properties, the university’s exclusive, athletics multimedia rights holder, said they look forward to a beneficial partnership.
“We take immense pride in bringing into the Gopher Athletics’ corporate partner family companies like Affinity Plus that are reputable and make sense for our campus community,” Gerlach said.
PRODUCTS, SERVICES AND FINANCIAL EDUCATION
Affinity Plus has served University of Minnesota faculty and staff for decades. The credit union’s second branch location – when Affinity Plus still was known as State Capital Credit Union – was in the Dinkytown neighborhood.
In May 2000 the branch relocated to University Avenue, just steps from the University of Minnesota campus. In 2010, University of Minnesota – Twin Cities students became eligible for membership.
“Serving the university community is part of our mission,” Larson said. “We often help students open their first checking and savings accounts. We work with them on education and technology loans. We help them get their first auto loans. We support community health and wellness efforts, including our University branch drive-through bike lane. And along with all that, the Affinity Plus Foundation offers annual scholarships.”
AFFINITY PLUS ACROSS MINNESOTA
Affinity Plus has four additional branches on Minnesota State College and Universities (MNSCU) campuses, including:
• Bemidji State University
• Minnesota State University-Mankato
• Minnesota State University-Moorhead
• Cloud State University
Affinity Plus branches also are located in several Minnesota communities with University of Minnesota and MNSCU schools.