Upstate, SC -- June 24, 2008 -- What do CommunitySouth Bank & Trust, Michelin tires and Energizer batteries have in common? Mascots who characterize the personality of their brand.
CommunitySouth Bank & Trust, the fastest growing bank in South Carolina according to South Carolina’s Fastest-Growing Companies 2007, has unveiled “Chip the Cookie JarTM,” who loves sharing his freshly-baked cookies and encouraging kids to save their pennies.
A big plush, blue (not to mention cute) cookie jar, Chip the Cookie JarTM was created in 2007 by the Bank’s marketing department to further develop the “CommunitySouth -- Banking Unusual” initiative and help personalize the Bank’s identity in the Upstate.
“We wanted a mascot that would be fun and playful, but a little bit different, that would appeal equally to children and adults,” said Barbra Anderson, CommunitySouth’s Senior Vice President and Marketing Director. “When we first developed the Chip concept, we knew it would fit perfectly. Just like our tagline ‘Banking Unusual,’ Chip captures the essence of our company and further differentiates us from the competition.”
Chip the Cookie JarTM also helps promote one of the Bank’s differentiators -- Free Refreshment Centers in all CommunitySouth branches where customers are treated to freshly baked cookies, coffee, soft drinks and bottled water. The cookies are baked throughout the day right in the Bank’s lobbies so customers are greeted with the aroma of fresh cookies as they enter the branch.
Another of CommunitySouth’s differentiators is its free business courier service. Operated from Chrysler PT Cruisers better known as “cookie mobiles,” the cars are wrapped with photos of large chocolate chip cookies to match the bank’s branding campaign. Also branded with cookie imagery are the Bank’s ATMs, bringing attention to CommunitySouth’s free nationwide ATM service for customers.
“Banking Unusual is about doing unusual things like serving freshly-baked cookies and offering nationwide free ATMs and a free business courier service,” said C. Allan Ducker III, CommunitySouth’s Chief Executive Officer. “Our employees make coming into the Bank less of a chore for our customers, and Chip just fits right in. We’re looking forward to sending him out into the communities we serve to help spread the message about CommunitySouth.”
The Bank has applied for an official trademark and copyright for Chip the Cookie JarTM and has plans to further develop the character. He’s already begun attending Bank events, community parades, and visited with thousands of children in local schools and daycare centers. Chip also teaches children the importance of saving early in life. His Cookie Jar Savings Club already has more than 100 members.
The Cookie Jar Savings Club is designed for children ages 0-12. Cookie Jar Savings Club Accounts are only $5 to open, earn interest, and feature no monthly fees and no minimum balance requirements. The accounts are designed to make saving fun for children, and each new member receives a Chip Savings Club Starter Kit with a personalized membership card, pencil bag, Chip stickers, and starter deposit and withdrawal tickets. With each in-branch deposit, children receive prizes and, of course, free cookies. Chip coloring books are also available, and, coming soon, Chip Savings Club members opening accounts with $200 or more will receive a free plush Chip the Cookie JarTM toy bank!
“From the Michelin Man to the Energizer Bunny, mascots have always worked well in building recognition and fan loyalty for companies,” said Anderson. “You can’t hug a logo. Companies don’t have personality. But our mascot Chip personifies who we are at CommunitySouth -- fun and friendly, plus free cookies!”
Chip the Cookie JarTM is available for appearances at community events and local schools to discuss the importance of saving money. If you would like to schedule a visit from Chip, contact your nearest CommunitySouth office or call the Bank toll-free at 866-421-CSBT.
About CommunitySouth Bank & Trust:
CommunitySouth Bank & Trust (OTCBB: CBSO) commenced operations in the Upstate of South Carolina on January 18, 2005. After completing what was at the time the largest initial public offering ever to fund a South Carolina-based bank, the Company capitalized with $30 million and has since grown assets to over $382 million. CommunitySouth was recently named the 11th fastest growing company in South Carolina, according to South Carolina‘s Fastest-Growing Companies 2007 competition.
CommunitySouth is headquartered in Easley, South Carolina and currently operates full-service offices in Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson, Greer, Mauldin, and Easley. The Company also operates full-service investment, insurance and mortgage divisions.
CommunitySouth offers a complete line of banking products and services, including commercial, consumer and mortgage loans, personal and business checking and savings accounts, free online banking and bill pay, nationwide free ATMs, free business courier service, remote deposit service, courtesy overdraft coverage, and more.
For additional information, call 864-306-2540, toll-free at 866-421-CSBT, or visit www.communitysouthbankandtrust.com.
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Certain statements in this news release contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, such as statements relating to future profitability, growth, plans and expectations, and are thus prospective. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors, such as a downturn in the economy, greater than expected non-interest expenses or excessive loan losses, which could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. For a more detailed description of factors that could cause such differences, please see our filings with the SEC.
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