Planters Bank News
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Planters Bank ‘Go Savings’ Program First in Market; Ideal for Young Savers
November 16, 2009
CLARKSVILLE, TN -- After World War II, American households routinely saved 10 percent of their income. Today, reports boasting that household savings are up to the three-four percent range make headlines in new sources across the county.
“The credit craze of recent decades has ended, but with finances still tight and consumer confidence still low, people are looking for convenient and painless ways to save,” says Planters Bank President and CEO Elizabeth McCoy. Convenience is one of the reasons Planters introduced what it’s named a “Go Savings” account in November.
The first account of its kind from a community bank in the Clarksville-Hopkinsville market, Go Savings automatically transfers one dollar on every point-of-sale, or signature-based, purchase with a Planters Bank check card.
“We’ve found that this product particularly appeals to young professionals and families with young children because they rely almost totally on their check cards for purchases, it’s automatic, and there’s no minimum balance to open the account,” says McCoy.
Those are the attributes that sold Dr. Harry and Dalia Markham, owners of Pet Calls Mobile Veterinary Clinic, Inc., and parents of two young children ages five and 20 months.
“We really love the concept of this account,” says Dalia. “With business and personal expenses, it’s hard to save. We use our check cards everywhere, so this way, saving for the children is just one less thing we have to think about – it’s done automatically.”
The Markham’s expect to save an extra $400-$500 per year that can go toward college, a car, or whatever the children need when they’re older.
“This extra dollar each time is such a small amount that we don’t miss it,” she says. “But, it accumulates so fast and it will really sum up over time. It’s one fantastic way to save.”
Planters Names Dickerson to Clarksville Marketing Post
November 12, 2009
CLARKSVILLE, TN -- Planters Bank announces the addition of Michelle Dickerson as marketing director for its Clarksville market.
“Michelle’s wealth of experience in branding and communications, coupled with her knowledge of both our Hopkinsville and Clarksville markets, will be a tremendous asset to the bank,” said President and CEO Elizabeth McCoy. “We’re thrilled to have her join our team.”
Dickerson has more than 20 years of experience in marketing, communications and public relations, including an eight-year stint as VP of Marketing Communications for the Clarksville-Montgomery County Economic Development Council. She most recently served as brand director for the Hopkinsville-Christian County Chamber of Commerce.
A native Clarksvillian, Dickerson graduated magna cum laude from Belmont University. She is an active member of Hilldale Baptist Church. She is married to Dan Dickerson of Nashsville, and has one son.
Planters Bank Named Finalist in ABA Financial Marketing Awards
September 15, 2009
SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Planters Bank’s “All About You” brand campaign was recently named runner-up in the American Bankers Association (ABA) 2009 Financial Marketing Awards. The campaign, developed by BLF Marketing, successfully positioned Planters as the “fun bank” without compromising its reputation of strength and stability in its markets. The ABA Marketing Network formally recognized the nation's best bank advertising and marketing campaigns on September 14, during the organization's annual conference in San Antonio.
"This campaign helped Planters Bank stand out in a crowded marketplace, while defining and refining our bank's identity and brand promise," said Elizabeth McCoy, president and CEO. "The new look captures the energy and enthusiasm that we want our customers to experience when they bank with us."
The campaign began as a way to convey the sense of optimism that the bank’s management team felt at a time when other banks were beginning to struggle. The black silhouettes and the “All About You!” theme allowed customers and prospects to envision themselves experiencing a fresh approach to community banking. Planters Bank experienced a record year of growth and earnings in 2008. Assets increased by 15 percent to a year-end total of $420 million.
“The success of this campaign can be attributed to a number of factors: a solid, experienced management team with a clear vision of the bank’s future; a brand refresh that clearly conveyed their vision; and timing, as it was launched at a time when Planters was poised for growth as some of their competitors began to struggle,” said David Hoke partner with BLF and account executive for Planters Bank. “We are thankful to have the opportunity to work with such a focused and forward-thinking team.”
The 2009 ABA Financial Marketing Awards competition recognized 47 finalists in six categories. Each category was judged by a panel of financial services marketers and advertising professionals from around the country. More than 400 entries were evaluated for strengths in originality, strategy and execution, objectives met and asset size.
