Hybrid Car Giveaway `Drives' Public Radio Fundraiser; Wescom Credit Union's Car Donation Increases Audience Response to Pledge Drive

    PASADENA, Calif.--May 12, 2003--In the ongoing relationship between two Pasadena-based not-for-profits, Wescom Credit Union has enhanced its partnership with Southern California Public Radio, KPCC 89.3 FM -- and its listeners -- with the donation of a 2003 silver Toyota Prius hybrid vehicle to the station's $1.3 million Spring Pledge Drive.
    "As a fellow not-for-profit, membership organization, Wescom is proud to support KPCC," Darren Williams, president and CEO, said. "KPCC provides a valuable listening experience to people in Southern California, which Wescom is proud to support. We share many of the same values. Public radio is supported by listeners and promotes consumer education and the public interest. This is a philosophy shared at Wescom. We are a member-owned organization that exists solely to provide service to our members.
    "Wescom Credit Union is happy to provide an energy efficient vehicle during these times of high gas prices and environmental concerns."
    During the campaign, Williams will be heard on the station encouraging listeners to support their public radio station and speaking on the similarities that exist between credit union members and public radio supporters.
    "We are honored to have Wescom Credit Union as a strategic partner," Bill Davis, president of Southern California Public Radio, the entity that operates KPCC-FM, said. "We're both non-profit, member-supported organizations that are committed to building stronger communities throughout Southern California.
    "Wescom's innovative approach is exemplified by its sponsorship of KPCC's membership sweepstakes, with the grand prize of a 2003 Toyota Prius.
    "The response from our audience has been tremendous. This simply provides an additional incentive for new listeners to make that first-time donation and for long-time listeners to renew their support without delay.
    "A lot of KPCC listeners have been talking about purchasing an environmentally friendly hybrid car, and this sweepstakes is encouraging them to make their contribution even as they learn about hybrid cars, Wescom's benefits and KPCC's public service."
    Wescom's relationship with KPCC started three years ago when it began underwriting programs on the station. Last year that expanded into supporting the broadcast of "Sound Money." Since then, KPCC personality David Brancaccio, host of the syndicated public radio program, "Marketplace," has been featured in Wescom's ongoing speaker series. Chris Farell of Minnesota Public Radio's "Sound Money" and broadcasted on KPCC will be featured as the first speaker for the 2003 annual speaker series on June 10 at the Westin hotel in Pasadena.
    Anyone making a membership pledge to KPCC between 6:00 a.m. PDST April 1, 2003, and 11:59 p.m. PDST June 30, 2003, is eligible for the "Spring 2003 KPCC & Wescom Credit Union Toyota Prius Giveaway" to take place on July 15, 2003. The winner will take delivery of the car at Wescom's Pasadena-based headquarters.

    Wescom Credit Union is a not-for-profit, financial services cooperative serving more than 200,000 members at 25 branches throughout Southern California. With assets totaling more than $2.4 billion, it is one of the largest credit unions in the country. Members have access to over 15,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide and a wide range of financial services. Membership is open to people living and working in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura counties. Wescom was established in 1934 as a credit union for telecommunications' employees. More information about Wescom is available at 888-4WESCOM or www.wescom.org.
    KPCC 89.3 FM is the flagship station of Southern California Public Radio. It airs all of the signature public radio news and talk programs, along with locally produced news and talk, including AirTalk weekdays from 9-11 a.m., and Talk of the City weekdays from 1-2:30 p.m. KPCC is operated by Southern California Public Radio, and reaches some 345,000 listeners weekly with its award-winning combination of NPR and local news and public affairs programming.
    The 2003 Toyota Prius is a 4-door, 5-passenger family sedan. It is equipped with a standard 1.5-liter, I4, 70-horsepower, hybrid engine that achieves 52-mpg in the city and 45-mpg on the highway. A variable speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.