All Entries must use the 2010 Official Lone Star Awards Entry Form

Annual Reports

• Your entry can cover 2008 or 2009 as long as your report is published during the qualifying time period.
• Report can be paper, CD or electronic.
• Please submit one sample or printed reproduction.

Brochures

• Membership packets, brochures or booklets intended to introduce potential or existing members to the credit union and its services.
• Please submit one sample.

Business & SEG Development  (Results Required)*

• Focuses on acquiring new SEGs, increasing penetration within current SEGs, or developing business relationships within local field of membership.
• Business development items may include member packets, promotions, videos and more. Please submit one sample of all printed material. 
• Photographs, newspaper clippings and other media coverage, and explanation of the ¬program, specialty items, etc. may be included.
• Entries should show all activities related to projects or programs.
• Up to five summary pages, plus support documents may be included.

Card Designs 

• Examples include credit, debit, Smart, or ATM card designs
• Card designs must have been created exclusively for your credit union and ¬distributed for the first time during the qualifying time period.
• Please submit one sample or a full-color reproduction.
• Only one set of awards will be given for credit unions of all asset sizes.

Complete Campaigns  (Results Required)*

• At least three different forms of media must be used (such as direct mail, point-of-sale, newspaper, and newsletter). The judges will ¬consider the number of media used.
• Radio, television and audio-visuals must be on audio cassette, DVD or 1/2” VHS videocassette. Please include a printed script(s) of the spot(s).
• For identification purposes, please attach a list of the campaign pieces you send with a brief description of each.
• Please submit one copy of each print piece, one of each electronic piece and one of oversized pieces, such as lobby stand-ups, banners or other displays measuring more than three feet. Photos of oversized pieces are acceptable.
• Must be a campaign used in qualifying time frame.

Direct Mail Single or Series  (Results Required)*]

• No membership brochures or calendars.
• May be a single or a series of related pieces.
• Include one sample of all items mailed in each mailing.

Internal Marketing

• Show the scope and purpose of the internal program.
• May include employee promotions, intranet, training events and more. An entry may relate to a single event or be a campaign.
• Photographs, internal newsletters, information flyers and other specialty items, etc. may be included.
• Up to five summary pages, including supporting documents should be included.
• Binder is acceptable.
• Only one set of awards will be given for credit unions of all asset sizes.

Logos

• Logos must have been created exclusively for your credit union and distributed for the first time during the qualifying time period.
• Please submit a variety of samples showing and explaining different application of the logo.
• Include an example of previous logo, if applicable.
• Must have been distributed for the first time during the qualifying time period.

Miscellaneous   (Results Required)*

• Materials not appropriate for other categories.
• Co-op and CUSO marketing entries may include a single piece or a combination of marketing materials. Entries must be original work created for a specific purpose and for a specific group of credit unions that shared the costs of development. Any combination of participating credit unions may enter; all related entries will be considered together during the judging. Results from all participating credit unions should be shown, if possible. If an entry receives an award, all credit unions submitting results will be recognized. However, trophies will be prepared only for credit unions that pay an entry fee. (Additional awards may be purchased for a fee.) 
• Only one set of awards will be given for credit unions of all asset sizes.

Newsletters

• Please submit one sample of three consecutive issues.
• Electronic newsletters may be entered.
• Staff newsletter are acceptable

Outdoor Advertising

• Buses, billboards, ATM wraps, CU vehicles, etc.
• Photographs, newspaper clippings and other media coverage, an explanation of the program, etc. may be included. Photos of oversized pieces are acceptable.

Print Advertising

• Newspapers, magazines, statement inserts, calendars etc. 
• Please submit one tear sheet or sample of printed materials.

Public Relations/Community Involvement   (Results Required)*

• May include scholarships, community involvement and more. An entry may relate to a single activity or multiple activities. 
• Photographs, newspaper clippings and other media coverage, specialty items, etc. may be included.
• Up to five summary pages, including supporting documents.
• Binder is acceptable.

Social Media – NEW   (Results Required)*

• Any use of any social media platform, blogs, forum, group site, the internet, or micro site that engages members to communicate about your credit union and/or the credit union movement. 
• Must include average number of comments received, time spent on site, use of links, etc.
• Only one set of awards will be given for credit unions of all asset sizes.

Special Events  (Results Required)*

• May include annual meetings, grand openings, anniversary promotions, fund raising, member appreciation and more. An entry may relate to a single event or be an image building or identity campaign.
• Photographs, newspaper clippings and other media coverage, specialty items, etc. may be included.
• Up to five summary pages, including supporting documents.
• Binder is acceptable.

Radio/Television Advertising

• May include television, radio, videos and more. 
• Radio, television and audio-visuals must be on audio cassette, DVD, CD or 1/2” VHS videocassette. 
• A printed script(s) of the spot(s) is required. Submit only one copy of each entry. Label each cassette or DVD clearly with credit union name and name of entry. 
• Please submit one sample of printed materials.

Retail Merchandising/Branding

• May include tent cards, lobby posters or duratrans. This encompasses the total branch sales environment including kiosks, ATMs, self-service displays, etc.
• An entry may relate to a single event, part of a campaign or may be educational in nature.
• Overall branching strategy designed to enhance member awareness of credit union services. 
• Photographs of the environment will be accepted and should be a minimum of 8" x 10" and in color.
• Please submit one sample.

Website, Electronic & e-mail Marketing 

• Entry may be any use of the this can be CU website, CU intranet, CU mobile site, email marketing, text message marketing, electronic reader boards and/or lobby boards. 
• Entry should relate to a specific promotion focusing on growth or retention.
• If a redesign, must include pictures and information form the former site.
• Binder is acceptable.

Youth/Senior Marketing  (Results Required)*

• Entries will be judged on how well credit union benefits were matched with the group’s needs.
• Entries should show activities related to projects or programs.
• Photographs, newspaper clippings and other media coverage, and explanation of the program, specialty items, etc. may be included.   
• Up to five summary pages, plus support documents, may be included.

 *In Categories where results are required an Entry will be disqualified if results are not present.