iBelong is a statewide effort by Credit unions across Illinois that are pooling their resources to spread the word about credit unions to consumers in our state. That's because many consumers just don't know what they're missing by not belonging to a credit union. And those who already belong, may not realize that the reason they're so happy is because of the credit union difference; it's our not-for-profit, member owned structure that makes us really focus on the needs of our members.

The iBelong campaign is also a beautiful example of the credit union philosophy and spirit. Hundreds of credit unions from across Illinois, many that compete in the same market, have pooled their funds to advertise together. This kind of cooperative spirit is rarely found in other industries.  

You can check out the iBelong TV commercials. The campaign shows credit union members telling their stories of why they love their credit union. At Hawthorne, we're running a giveaway contest where you can win a $100 Visa Gift Card if you tell us your story of why you like Hawthorne. Click here for details.

Illinois partners with Pennsylvania 'iBelong' Campaign

Below is a press release announcing the iBelong campaign that was sent to media outlets statewide:

The Illinois Credit Union League (ICUL) has partnered with the Pennsylvania Credit Union Association's (PCUA) "iBelong" media campaign to increase credit union awareness in Illinois.

The Illinois Statewide Image Awareness Task Force has been meeting since last year to develop a program to increase credit union awareness among Illinois consumers. After reviewing several state campaigns, the task force chose iBelong.

"Pennsylvania developed a top notch campaign that we believe will play well here in Illinois," said ICUL Chairman Carl Sorgatz. "Between the research and all the elements that have been created, we feel this is an initiative our credit unions will get excited about and support."

The task force hopes to eliminate misconceptions about credit unions; increase consumer interest in doing business with credit unions; enhance credit union image among lawmakers; and complement and lay the foundation for individual credit union marketing.

"We can begin to change the way Illinois consumers think about credit unions," said John Bratsakis, ICUL vice chairman and task force chairman.

Hawthorne Credit Union is a member-owned, not-for-profit, financial cooperative serving the financial needs of our members.

As a cooperative organization, Hawthorne exist solely to meet our members' financial needs, not to make a profit off of them. In fact, after expenses are paid and reserves are set aside, credit unions return their "profits" to members in the form of lower loans rates, higher savings rates, and free. On the other hand, for-profit financial institutions primarily exist to generate profits for a relatively small group of stockholders at the expense of their customers.