gulflive.com

 

Jackson County 4-H and Northrop Grumman have teamed up to host a financial management seminar for high school students on Sept. 18 at the Gautier campus of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.

The seminar, "Welcome to the Real World," is set for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Other local sponsors include Singing River Federal Credit Union. This event will give youths an insight to the adult world of juggling an income, family, bills, debt and the work force. It is a fun hands-on, minds-on interactive scenario game that allows students to make decisions about education, employment and spending habits.

In addition to the Real World scenario, students will participate in a series of workshops led by Singing River Federal Credit Union. The Real World activity session begins when students receive "career cards" that list their occupations, their monthly incomes and withholdings. Students are then assigned a family status of married or single and number of dependants. Once the youths have an idea of their financial situation, they're off to make those tough, real-life decisions. The students pass through a series of stations and pay their major monthly bills, making spending choices on clothing, entertainment, groceries, housing, insurance, transportation and utilities. They will use mock checks to pay expenses and track their balances on their bank ledgers.

Volunteers from Northrop Grumman will help make the program a success as they explain the options available to the students at each of the various "life" stations. The students' monthly money management success will depend on their choices, for example, they will have to decide whether to buy either a Hummer or a Honda and to rent or purchase a home. Each of these decisions will be costly and can be reconsidered after the bank account begins to empty out. Wants versus needs becomes the bottom line and is a hard sell for many young people to understand. Choosing to go to the movies before the utilities are paid is not a smart real world option.

The keynote speaker is Sarah Dale Simpkins, a new spokeswoman for Young & Free Mississippi, who comes on behalf of the Credit Unions of Mississippi group. She currently serves as a statewide reporter and advocate for young adults, attending events and creating regular online videos and blogs to keep YoungFreeMississippi.com an information hub for the 25-and-under crowd. The workshop is open to all youths ages 16-18. High school clubs, church youth groups and any college-bound students are encouraged to join.

Space is limited. Students and/or parents should call now to reserve a spot in this fun and dynamic workshop. For more information about the Welcome to the Real World program or to RSVP, call Jackson County 4-H Agent, Evelyn DeAngelo at 228-769-3047or e-mail evelynr@ext.msstate.edu.

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Mississippi TELCO Federal Credit Union Credit Line

Starkville woman wins 48% of votes in Mississippi’s first-ever credit union spokesperson search.

(JACKSON, MS) June 1, 2010 – The search that started April 6 is over, and the top pick for Young & Free Mississippi’s spokesperson is a young woman from Starkville.

Sarah Dale Simpkins, 22, is the winner of the Credit Unions of Mississippi’s ultimate job search and the first Young & Free Mississippi spokesperson.

“I am so impressed with the videos, blogs and posts Sarah made during the spokesperson search. Her background and education make her ideal to be the voice of Mississippi’s 18 to 25 year-olds. We are proud and excited to have her as the first “spokester” for Mississippi credit unions and look forward to meeting the needs of a new generation of members”, said Charles Elliott, MSCUA CEO.

As the spokesperson for Young & Free Mississippi, Sarah becomes a contract employee of MSCUA on behalf of the Credit Unions of Mississippi group. She will serve as a reporter and advocate for her age group, attending events and creating regular online videos and writing blog articles to keep YoungFreeMississippi.com an information hub for the 25-and-under crowd in Mississippi.

“I’m thrilled to be named the Young & Free Mississippi Spokesperson. I have to give credit to my fellow finalists, who were tough competition.” Simpkins said. “I’m looking forward to shedding light on some of the financial issues facing my generation today, to helping my age group save money and plan for the future and to make my year-long term as spokesperson an entertaining journey for all the Young & Free Mississippi website visitors.”

Simpkins won the competition with 48% of the online public voting. Fierce competition came from the other finalists, Aaron Dollar, 25, from Long Beach, and Josh Butler, 24, from Byram. The two runners up will receive iPod Touches or cash equivalent for their hard work in the competition.

Young & Free Mississippi is an award-winning youth program that offers the 25-and-under crowd:

• Useful information to assist young people in managing their finances independently
• A voice for members through a hired spokesperson
• A head start in the form of the Free2B Account—a free checking account with great features!
• A dedicate website where the spokesperson creates fun and entertaining blog posts and videos with helpful advice and financial tips.

Vicksburg News

Meet Sarah Dale Simpkins, the official 2010 spokesperson for Young & Free Mississippi and the voice of the 25 and under generation for the Mississippi Credit Union Association. Sarah expects to graduate from Mississippi State University with a bachelor’s degree in communications at the end of the summer. She can help You can meet her on Facebook or Twitter by following the the link to the Young & Free Mississippi fan page. Her mission is to provide financial services for the 25-and-under crowd by creating an innovative space where Mississippi's Young & Free can actively share thoughts and ideas. Got gripes with your financial institution? Let her know!

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The Sun Herald | By Nicole Dow

The Credit Unions of Mississippi has given the 25-and-under crowd a voice, and her name is Sarah Dale Simpkins.

The Mississippi Credit Union Association licensed with a program called Young And Free and named its 2010 spokesperson last month after holding a statewide contest.
The average age of a credit union customer is 46 or 47, said Cheryl Oggs, vice president of the Mississippi Credit Union Association. She said that only 4 percent of 18- to 25-year-olds actually belonged to a credit union.

“We wanted to take it to the next level and market to Generation Y,” Oggs said.

By signing up with the program, Mississippi became the sixth Young and Free region in North America. Young and Free is a program by Currency Marketing, which first launched in 2009 in Alberta, Canada, to attract the next generation of credit union members.

The Mississippi Credit Union Association advertised the spokesperson job in April through social media sites, online job postings, college newsletters and the 21 participating credit unions throughout the state.
About 23 individuals ages 18 to 25 applied for the position, which includes perks such as a $30,000 salary, a MacBook Pro laptop computer, an iPhone, an HD Canon digital video camera, and a 2010 Honda Fit Sport to drive around in for a year.

Simpkins said she found out about the contest in a very fitting way — via Facebook.

“It looked like a really awesome opportunity,” she said.

Simpkins, a 22-year-old Mississippi State University student from Gulfport, will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in communications at the end of the summer. The Gulfport High graduate’s studies are concentrated in broadcasting and journalism, and she was looking into getting a broadcasting assistantship or going to graduate school before she was awarded her position.

“I can’t imagine doing anything else,” Simpkins said, a month and a half into the job.
The top three finalists were chosen by a team from the Young and Free program and the credit union association. The voting for the winner was open to the online community. The finalists produced online videos to garner votes.

Simpkins said she was excited and surprised to be chosen as a finalist and be named the 2010 spokesperson.

“I’ve done pageants for the past three years. I felt like I’d won a pageant,” she said.

These days Simpkins spends her time posting daily blogs and updating her Facebook and Twitter pages, addressing the financial concerns of her generation. She films and posts a weekly video and travels around the state to speak to young people and attend various events.

“You never know what a typical day will be like,” she said. “It’s different day to day.”

Simpkins said her job is very flexible and that she can work from anywhere. She said she gets to engage with her peers about all types of aspects of financial freedom and relevant money matters, not just the programs the credit unions are offering.

“This job gives me so much creative freedom,” she said. “The league of credit unions have been very supportive.”

In August, Simpkins said she will be on the Coast to celebrate Keesler Federal Credit Union opening its first high school branch at Biloxi High School. She will be back in Biloxi in September to talk to the students directly. She is also scheduled to attend an event for high school seniors at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College in September co-hosted by Singing River Federal Credit Union.

Prior to becoming the Young and Free spokesperson, Simpkins said her financial institution was a bank.

“I really did not know much about credit unions,” she said.

Now, she has an account with Statewide Federal Credit Union and is learning things about money and finances that she said she never would have learned if it weren’t for her position.

Participating credit unions throughout the state are now offering a Free2B account for 18- to 25-year-olds with features such as free checking, free debit, free direct deposit, and an Oops! refund service, which provides some financial forgiveness for overdrafts.

“I wish there would have been something similar to this back when I started college,” Simpkins said.

Simpkins enjoys taking the information she learns and packaging it to her generation in a fun and innovative way. The job also gives her experience in her field of broadcasting, journalism and communications.

“It’s like a dream job for me,” she said. “It’s going to be a fun year.”

+ Original article

MSU Department of Communication

Communication major Sarah Dale Simpkins was recognized recently as one of the top three contestants to determine who would be the first-ever "spokester" for Young & Free Mississippi representing credit unions throughout the state. Many of her university and personal supporters voted for her, and that was appreciated very much. Sarah Dale won this competition and will now serve in the one-year paid position traveling throughout the state and also coordinating various types of innovative media about credit unions, including videos, blogs, other channels focused on 25-and-under audiences.

Sarah Dale was recognized last week at a surprise ceremony on the MSU campus in the Grisham Room attended by dozens of Mississippi Credit Union Association representatives and a few university supporters who were all sworn to extreme secrecy. Please go to the links below to see videos and photos of the event and other related information about Sarah Dale. It is easy to tell she was honestly very surprised and excited about this great opportunity. We continue to be very proud of our excellent students!

+ Original Article



+ Original post

CUNA News Now

JACKSON, Miss. (6/7/10)--Sarah Dale Simpkins, 22, of Starkdale, Miss., has been chosen as the first Young & Free Mississippi spokesperson by Credit Unions of Mississippi. As spokesperson for the state's 18 to 25 year olds, Simpkins becomes a contract employee of the Mississippi Credit Union Association (MSCUA). She will serve as a reporter and advocate for her age group, attending events and creating regular online videos and writing blogs to keep YoungFreeMississippi.com an information hub for the 25-and-younger set. "I am so impressed with the videos, blogs and posts Sarah made during the spokesperson search," said Charles Elliott, MSCUA CEO. Simpkins won the competition with 48% of the online public voting. Other finalists were Aaron Dollar, 25, of Long Beach, and Josh Butler, 24, of Byram. They will receive iPod Touches or cash for their work during the competition...

+ Original article

abc6.com

Twenty-three applicants have been narrowed to three, and now embark on social media Campaigns to win enough votes and become Mississippi's first-ever Young & Free Spokesperson!

+ Original article

CUNA News Now

JACKSON, Miss. (5/12/10)--In addition to a $30,000 one-year contract, a MacBook Pro notebook computer, an HD Canon digital video camera and an iPhone, the person hired as the Young & Free Mississippi spokesperson will have the use of a 2010 Honda Fit Sport for the term as spokesperson.

"We want this person to easily get around and connect with the 25-and-under age group throughout our state," said Charles Elliott, CEO of the Mississippi Credit Union Association (MSCUA).

"This is critical to finding out how our credit unions can serve them better," he said. "And to show our potential applicants we're serious, we're supplying them with the use of a new vehicle. There will be no doubt on the road or at events who this person is, and the fact that Young & Free Mississippi is for them."

The spokesperson will be reimbursed for all related vehicle expenses monthly and be expected to keep the vehicle in good running condition. The vehicle will be used to travel to communities throughout Mississippi, college campuses and youth-related events to spread the word about the Free2B Account, a youth account free for youth 25 and under. Also it will be used to learn what Mississippi youth need from their financial institution and to educate youth about Mississippi credit unions.

"We want to hear from youth," Elliott said. "We want to learn the best way to put the most needed products and services in their hands."

The program offers the 25-and-under set:

• Information to assist in managing their finances independently;
• A voice for members through a hired spokesperson;
• A head start in the form of a free checking account with features called Free2B;
• A dedicated website where the spokesperson creates fun and entertaining blog posts and videos with helpful advice and financial tips.

+ Original article

WTOK.com | Newscenter11

CUNA News Now

The Mississippi Credit Union Association (MSCUA) and Currency Marketing are partnering to offer the Young & Free program in Mississippi, which will pick a young spokesperson for the state's credit unions.

Mississippi, with 21 credit unions participating, joins Alberta, Canada; Texas; South Carolina; Alabama; and Tennessee to become the sixth Young & Free region in North America.

Young & Free helps credit unions reach young adults through social media. The goal of Young & Free Mississippi is to help credit unions connect with young adults and help the association understand how it can serve the under-25 Mississippi crowd, said Charles Elliott, MSCUA CEO.

Young & Free provides an individual aged 18 to 25 with an opportunity to become a spokesperson for Mississippi credit unions. The program aims to educate young adults about money. The individual will receive a full-time contract with an annual salary, a laptop computer, an iPhone and a video camera. The job includes traveling, attending and speaking at events throughout the state, and posting daily blog entries and weekly video blogs on the Young & Free Mississippi website.

"We launched Young & Free Mississippi because we felt strongly that young people were not being well-served by large faceless financial institutions," said the Young & Free Mississippi website. "Young people in Mississippi didn't have a voice when it came to getting what they needed financially."

Mississippi credit unions encourage youth to visit the website, add comments to the blog, submit events to the calendar and ask questions. Every interaction on the site earns visitors entries into monthly prize drawings. Participating credit unions also will offer the Free2B Account, a line of free products and services for members age 18 to 25. The account offers free checking, debit and direct deposit.

Interested 18 to 25-year-olds can submit a 60-second YouTube video, write a blog post and complete an application at YoungFreeMississippi.com by May 10. Applicants will be narrowed to three finalists, and site visitors will vote for the finalist starting May 14.

+ Original article

PR-CANADA.NET

Currency Marketing and the Mississippi Credit Union Association (MSCUA), representing 21 participating credit unions have partnered to roll out the successful Young & Free program in Mississippi. Mississippi joins Alberta, Texas, South Carolina, Alabama and Tennessee to become the sixth Young & Free region in North America.

+ Original article

MS DIGITAL DAILY | posted by Denton Gibbes

Some Internet savy high school graduate could win a $30,000 year-long contract to be the cool, hip, in-touch spokesperson of the the Mississippi Credit Union Association (MSCUA).

+ Original article

WBBV-FM

Mutual CU radio spot on River 101.3 FM

+ Visit River 101.3 FM

TMCnet

Currency Marketing and the Mississippi Credit Union Association (MSCUA), representing 21 participating credit unions have partnered to roll out the successful Young & Free program in Mississippi. Mississippi joins Alberta, Texas, South Carolina, Alabama and Tennessee to become the sixth Young & Free region in North America.

+ Original article

DMN FORUMS

Currency Marketing and the Mississippi Credit Union Association (MSCUA), representing 21 participating credit unions have partnered to roll out the successful Young & Free program in Mississippi. Mississippi joins Alberta, Texas, South Carolina, Alabama and Tennessee to become the sixth Young & Free region in North America.

+ Original article

IT News Online

Currency Marketing helps the Credit Unions of Mississippi -- through the Mississippi Credit Union Association (Jackson, MS) -- unveil YoungFreeMississippi.com, a new social media program created to find the voice of Mississippi's 25-and-under crowd.

+ Original article

bizjournals

Currency Marketing helps the Credit Unions of Mississippi -- through the Mississippi Credit Union Association (Jackson, MS) -- unveil YoungFreeMississippi.com, a new social media program created to find the voice of Mississippi's 25-and-under crowd.

+ Original article

Earth Times

Currency Marketing and the Mississippi Credit Union Association (MSCUA), representing 21 participating credit unions have partnered to roll out the successful Young & Free program in Mississippi. Mississippi joins Alberta, Texas, South Carolina, Alabama and Tennessee to become the sixth Young & Free region in North America.

+ Original article

PR Newswire

Currency Marketing helps the Credit Unions of Mississippi -- through the Mississippi Credit Union Association (Jackson, MS) -- unveil YoungFreeMississippi.com, a new social media program created to find the voice of Mississippi's 25-and-under crowd.

+ Original article