June 16, 2025
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Royal Credit Union (Royal) was recognized with two Marketing Awards at the annual Minnesota Credit Union Network (MnCUN) ACCELERATE 25 conference this year. These awards acknowledge the outstanding programs credit unions have created to grow brand awareness and market to Members and
non-Members alike.
“Complete Campaign” Award for the 60th Anniversary Campaign
To celebrate Royal’s 60th Anniversary, a complete campaign was created with original photos and consistent messaging across many different media platforms. The strategy was built around telling Royal’s story – one of integrity, compassion, and a steadfast dedication to serving their Members, no matter the challenge. By combining mass marketing with targeted outreach to Royal's existing Members, this campaign emphasized the importance of the relationships built with current and future Members for Royal's success. Follow Royal on Facebook and stay up to date on events and other happenings within the communities they serve.
“Video” Award for the Money Donuts Podcast Video Series
Royal’s Money Donuts podcast launched in November 2020 as an audio-only podcast featuring educational episodes on different aspects of finances, from mobile app usage to tips for avoiding fraud. The objective was to bring financial education to Members and wider communities in a fun and creative way. The Money Donuts podcast is an educational, approachable, and sometimes humorous way to connect with audiences via conversations on all kinds of financial topics. In 2024, the Money Donuts team created 8 full-length video episodes and over 30 teaser videos to promote the full-length episodes. The episodes were released in both audio-only podcast format and as video podcast episodes via Spotify video podcast listings. The Spotify platform also cross-publishes the episodes to many other podcast platforms. The video episodes are also uploaded to Royal’s YouTube channel as the main video hosting site. Check out the Money Donuts Podcast and be sure to follow Money Donuts on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated with episode releases and behind-the-scenes content.
"We are honored to be recognized by the Minnesota Credit Union Network for our marketing efforts," said Melissa Koontz, Royal Credit Union’s Vice President of Marketing & Communications. "Each of these awards reflects our commitment to connecting with our Members in meaningful ways—whether that’s helping them access helpful tips and tricks through our Money Donuts podcast or celebrating the values that have defined Royal for 60 years. These awards are a testament to the creativity and dedication of our team, and to the strong relationships we continue to build with our communities."
“Minnesota credit unions are strengthening the credit union movement by sharing the credit union advantage to more consumers in innovative and engaging ways," said Mara Humphrey, MnCUN President & CEO. "Congratulations to the winners and thank you to all of the credit unions who submitted projects for this competitive award program.”
About Minnesota Credit Union Network
The Minnesota Credit Union Network is the statewide trade association that works to ensure the success, growth, and vitality of Minnesota credit unions. With over $41 billion in assets, Minnesota credit unions are local, trusted financial cooperatives that serve 2.2 million Members at 399 branch locations around the state. As not-for-profit institutions, credit unions give back to the communities they serve. For more information, visit mncun.org.
About Royal Credit Union
Royal Credit Union is a federally insured credit union proudly serving over 300,000 Members in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Royal is driven by a core ideology built on a strong purpose and values. You can open an account or apply for a low-rate loan at Royal Credit Union if you live or work in 26 counties in western Wisconsin or 16 counties in Minnesota. Counties served in Wisconsin include Adams, Ashland, Bayfield, Barron, Buffalo, Burnett, Chippewa, Clark, Douglas, Dunn, Eau Claire, Jackson, Lincoln, Marathon, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Portage, Price, Rusk, Sawyer, St. Croix, Taylor, Trempealeau, Washburn, and Wood. Counties served in Minnesota include Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Goodhue, Hennepin, Isanti, Olmsted, Pine, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, Wabasha, Washington, Winona and Wright. A complete list of Member eligibility requirements is available on the Royal Credit Union website. To learn more about Royal, visit rcu.org or call 800-341-9911.
