Buzz Points Selected by Great Lakes Credit Union to Offer Shop Local Loyalty and Rewards Program

SYLVANIA, Ohio, Sept. 23, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Buzz Points, a leader in connecting local businesses, community financial institutions and consumers through rewards, today announced that Great Lakes Credit Union, a financial institution headquartered in Sylvania, Ohio serving members throughout Sylvania, Toledo and Perrysburg, has selected the Buzz Points merchant-funded loyalty program for its members. Buzz Points is free and allows credit union members to earn rewards while supporting the local economy by using their debit cards for everyday shopping.  

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"In our area of the "rust belt" that has suffered from the loss of manufacturing jobs, it is vital to find new opportunities that support local businesses and enhance the economic viability of the entire region," said David Seeger, President and CEO of Great Lakes Credit Union. "Unlike any other loyalty program on the market, Buzz Points delivers concrete incentives and rewards to our members for shopping locally and also provides our local independent businesses with the market insights and targeted marketing techniques they need to compete with national chains that have access to sophisticated data analytics and customer segmentation tools. On top of the business benefits, members can donate their points to local non-profits of their choice should they decide to give back to the community through Buzz Points."

Buzz Points is the only merchant-funded rewards platform that works with community financial institutions and local businesses to engage mutual customers. Credit union members can earn points by using their debit cards whenever they shop, but they earn more points for local shopping and the most points for shopping with local businesses enrolled in the program. Buzz Points creates additional revenue for financial institutions and gives local businesses a turnkey marketing solution that provides the data analysis and targeted marketing technologies they need to expand their market reach, attract new business and increase the loyalty of existing customers while also helping to offset the higher interchange fees that small businesses are often burdened with.

"Great Lakes Credit Union has grown from a small credit union with only 247 members in 1940 to a full service credit union offering a broad range of financial products and services, including internet banking and mobile applications to thousands of members across northwestern Ohio," said Jay Valanju, CEO of Buzz Points. "Buzz Points has a track record of significantly increasing the spend at local merchants and will support Great Lakes' philosophy of providing innovative and affordable financial services to its members while being involved in the communities it serves."

Credit union members enrolled in the free program earn points automatically through debit card purchases that can be redeemed easily for gift cards, cash cards and donations to local non-profits using the Buzz Points web interface or mobile app. A continually expanding network of 30,000+ local businesses nationwide allows cardholders to shop locally, accrue points and redeem rewards wherever they are.

About Buzz Points, Inc.
Buzz Points, Inc. is the creator of the Buzz Points loyalty product suite, which connects consumers, local merchants and community financial institutions through social media engagement, targeted marketing and rewards. The Buzz Points Program enables credit unions and community banks to generate greater non-interest income, increase transactions, reduce account attrition, drive new loans and attract new customers. The Buzz Points Merchant Program provides additional revenue to financial institutions, increases existing consumer loyalty and supports local businesses by increasing their market reach and attracting new customers. For more information, visit www.buzzpoints.com.

Media Contact:
Susan Guerra
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SOURCE Buzz Points, Inc.