DURHAM, NC--(Marketwire - July 6, 2010) - With spiking consumer demand for credit union marketing alternatives to traditional banks, credit unions are stepping out of the shadows and into the public forefront. National marketing communications firm Third Degree Advertising has branched out from its Midwest roots to meet this demand for credit union strategy, opening a Durham-based office to strategically service an East Coast credit union clientele.

"We're seeing a trend gain momentum where credit unions are gaining confidence and defining themselves versus banks," said Third Degree CEO Roy Page. Page said that in addition to smarter credit union marketing, credit unions are becoming more progressive with the development of product offerings such as high-interest checking, business development services, robust online banking and enhanced mortgage lending services.

Third Degree Advertising's creative credit union strategy at work For Page, this stark distinction between banks and credit unions is an advantage when crafting credit union strategy. "At their core, credit unions have a member-driven philosophy," said Page. "We believe in this philosophy, and use our knowledge and experience to help them build their brands and expand their customer base." Ten years of credit union marketing experience transplanted to Raleigh-Durham Oklahoma City-based Third Degree Advertising is the only North Carolina firm with the depth of credit union marketing experience and national presence of its kind.

Through the agency's new Durham branch, the entire East Coast has access to Third Degree's thought leadership, personalized service and practical marketing programs. Financial Literacy Programs: A key part of the Credit Union picture Third Degree's new Durham branch is also home to Banzai, a Third Degree strategic partner. Through the Banzai financial literacy program, credit unions can easily implement a financial literacy program and utilize this credit union strategy tool as a means of growing membership. Banzai is a proven financial literacy tool used in over 600 schools by 1,300 teachers nationwide.

About Third Degree Advertising Third Degree (www.thirddegreeadv.com) is a strategy and marketing company helping credit unions differentiate themselves from banks. By uncovering a client's unique and compelling story and sharing it where it will create motion and emotion, our approach leads to membership expansion and retention, increased product utilization and market share growth beyond the typical SEG market.

For more information contact Roy Page at Roy@ThirdDegreeAdv.com or call 1-888-871-3729.