April 3, 2008 – PITTSFIELD - Greylock Federal Credit Union has launched a full service in-house advertising and marketing agency, the Greylock Marketing Group, dedicated to helping credit unions, businesses and not-for-profit organizations meet their communications and marketing objectives.

Greylock President Angelo Stracuzzi said, “Our award-winning marketing department has done so well for our Credit Union we thought our community and other non-competing credit unions should have the opportunity to benefit from their expertise too.”

A subsidiary of Greylock Federal Credit Union, Greylock Marketing Group features a seasoned team of communications professionals with expertise in marketing strategy, creative development, and strategic public relations.

“Every organization has different marketing needs,” said Robert Maxwell, Assistant Vice President and Creative Director of Greylock Marketing Group. “Some clients merely need a little advice to point them in the right direction, others just need help producing ads and others may need us to develop and execute a comprehensive marketing plan. Whatever the need, we have the depth and experience to help them.”

Greylock Senior Vice President John Bissell said, “In addition to developing new campaigns for customers, Greylock Marketing Group can also offer credit unions the use of marketing campaigns which have been successful in Berkshire County. Greylock Federal Credit Union has enjoyed substantial growth in this region based in part on innovative product development and creative marketing campaigns. Credit unions in other markets can benefit from our experience by using off-the-shelf campaigns at very reasonable costs.”

Bissell emphasized that the agency will fill a unique niche. “Small businesses and credit unions often cannot afford large marketing agencies and while there are several excellent agencies in the area, often those may be out of reach for a small business. Our niche will be offering an affordable, a la carte menu of services to these organizations.”

“There is so much more to a successful marketing campaign than creating pretty ads,” Maxwell noted. “Our aim is to provide the marketing tools our clients need to achieve their goals. The agency will be a partner with its customers, maximizing marketing budgets.”

The announcement clarified Greylock’s intentions for a high-profile hire made in 2007 when Joanne Billow left a 25-year career in Pittsfield radio to join Greylock. Maxwell said, “Joanne brings a great skill set and terrific personality to the mix and will be lending her expertise to our new marketing initiatives.”

Greylock Marketing Group has already signed on several local companies, including Hillcrest Educational Centers. Hillcrest will utilize Greylock Marketing Group for a review and strengthening of its marketing initiatives and to begin planning for its 25th anniversary celebration in 2010. Gerard E. Burke, President and CEO at Hillcrest Educational Centers said, “Hillcrest and Greylock are two local organizations with similar philosophies on building strong communities. We have worked together on several projects in the past and look forward to working with them moving forward.”

The advertising agency consists of three primary producers - each with at least 20 years experience in the field. John Bissell’s expertise covers advertising, communications, public relations strategy, industry research, crisis communication, reputation management, business and brand development and strategic planning. John was previously a senior principal of Publicis Dialog, a global advertising, marketing and public relations agency. Creative Director Bob Maxwell has created multiple award-winning ad campaigns in a variety of media and has worked with a wide range of companies, from small two-person shops to Fortune 500 companies. Joanne, with more than 30 years of award-winning broadcast experience, the bulk of it at WUPE and WBEC in Pittsfield, will utilize her copywriting, graphic design, marketing and media training skills. From event planning to E-commerce, from television/radio production to market research, from sales training to crisis preparedness, Greylock Marketing Group has access to many qualified professionals including many within the Greylock organization.

Greylock Marketing Group is a subsidiary of Greylock Federal Credit Union with offices at 150 West Street in Pittsfield. For more information call 413-236-4129 or Greylock Federal Credit Union at 413-236-4000 and online at www.GreylockMarketing.com.

Greylock Federal Credit Union was recently rated the top credit union in the United States for total value returned to Members/Owners according to Callahan & Associates, a national credit union research and consulting firm. Greylock Membership is open to anyone who lives, works, attends school, worships or regularly conducts business in Berkshire County. Greylock Federal is wholly owned by its more than 60,000 members and Greylock offers full-service branches in Pittsfield, Great Barrington, Lee, Adams, North Adams, and Williamstown. More information is available at www.greylock.org.