Second Phase of Partnership Campaign to Begin

The Federal Reserve Banks of St. Louis, Chicago and Kansas City, and Mid-America Payment Exchange (MPX) have begun phase two, "Direct Payment: A Winning Proposition!" of the Automated Payments Partnership marketing campaign. Financial institutions across the Eighth District have been invited to join us in promoting direct payment, or automated bill payment, throughout the Partnership's nine-state territory.

By joining the Partnership, you can order free marketing materials to help your institution promote direct payment to customers. You also will have access to information that assists you in planning your own promotional campaigns. All financial institution partners soon will receive kits that contain a Direct Payment Marketing Guide, a quantity of customer statement stuffers, teller tents and A Consumer's Guide to Direct Payment.

Becoming a partner also helps you help your customers. Our partner's corporate customers will be provided with either a Guide to Implementing Direct Payment or Tips for Increasing Direct Payment, depending on their direct payment use. These publications explain the corporate and customer benefits of direct payment, as well as give detailed information on how to begin using or increase usage of direct payments.

In addition to bankers, utility and service company representatives have been asked to partner with us in promoting direct payment to consumers. All corporate partners will be provided with kits containing marketing guides and quantities of the free promotional materials that are available so they can conduct direct payment marketing campaigns this spring.

Promotions by companies and financial institutions, along with radio and news releases, will kick off the consumer phase of the campaign in April. Companies can leverage their campaign with ours and take advantage of the increased awareness of automated payments during this time.

If you would like to join us in promoting direct payment, please call Carrie Andert in St. Louis at (314) 444-8946.