T&C FCU Uses Aimbridge Indirect Lending To Expand Product Offerings; Better Member Service and More Effective Marketing Keeps Members Coming Back

DENVER--Jan. 2, 20065, 2006--The need for better member service and more effective marketing were two of the elements driving T&C FCU of Bloomfield Hill, MI, in its search to form a partnership with an indirect lending provider. After examining several programs, the provider they chose was Aimbridge Indirect Lending, a division of Aimbridge Lending. Aimbridge offers a financing channel that connects credit unions with an auto dealer network to provide members with competitive loans.

"Our vehicle lending program was at a plateau and it needed to grow," said Lon Bone, vice president of marketing at T&C FCU. "We needed some help from the outside, and we realized Aimbridge has exactly the kind of expertise to help get the indirect lending business moving. That's why we chose them," he said.

Aimbridge Indirect Lending is designed to make lending convenient for credit union members and to ensure they can obtain the most aggressive rates available. The company has established solid relationships with more than 2000 dealers throughout the United States. Through Ambridge's extensive dealer network, credit unions can provide one-stop shopping for members, making it possible to obtain timely loan decisioning from their credit union. Aimbridge maintains the dealer relationship for the credit unions and works with them to determine credit criteria and a balanced loan portfolio.

For Bone, capturing new members and providing them with immediate service was important. "People can join the credit union and get their loan right at the dealership. They don't have to come in. I think that is a big plus," he said. "More than 50 percent of our vehicle lending is done through the indirect program."

The indirect program is also more convenient for members. "One of our goals is to give our members more personal time, and that is exactly what this program does because members don't have to come to the credit union to fill out the papers and then run the check back to the dealership. If we can add some personal time to people's lives that is a success," said Bone.

The indirect program also helps T&C FCU more effectively market other credit union products. Bone explained: "Any loan that is executed within three miles of any of our branches will be assigned to that particular branch. A letter will be sent to the member and some telemarketing will be done trying to get them to use some of our other lending products. Then, when they visit the branch, we try to interest them in our checking or direct deposit programs. About 20 percent of people we reach in this fashion will take another product or loan."

The indirect program also has an upside for the dealerships because the customer can sign up with the credit union sooner rather than later. "When a person is in the mood to buy a car, you don't want them to leave the dealership before they do," said Bone.

Ann Schmitt, chief operating officer of Aimbridge, said: "We are glad that T&C FCU has realized growth in membership and an increase in revenue through the sales of ancillary products via their use of the Aimbridge program. We are happy to partner with them to improve member satisfaction and expand the scope of their product offerings."

"It has been a great relationship, a great program, and we just hope that it will be here for many years to come," said Bone.

About Aimbridge

Founded in 1984, Aimbridge markets financial products, such as auto loans and insurance products through partnerships with credit unions. The company helps its partners attract members and deepen their relationships by providing members with more reasons to do business with their credit unions.

Aimbridge Lending is comprised of three divisions, including Aimbridge Indirect Lending, Aimbridge Financial Services and Aimbridge Disposition Services. The company is headquartered in Denver and has remote offices throughout the United States.

For additional information, visit www.aimbridge.com.