News & Announcements

As a credit union marketer, the summer season is all about being at events, places, and spaces – showing up in our communities, and where our members live, work and play. And when you have an opportunity to partner with a local baseball team like the Battle Creek Battle Jacks, it’s more than just ballgame and stadium signage. It becomes an opportunity to connect, celebrate, and bring financial wellness into the heart of the community.

Our partnership with the Battle Jacks wasn’t created to be just another logo on the outfield wall. From day one, we designed it as a multi-faceted sponsorship strategy meant to integrate our brand into the fan experience, both inside and outside the stadium. That meant asking: How can we show up in a way that’s visible, memorable, and genuinely valuable for our community?

Building the Game Plan

We knew visibility was important, so we included stadium signage and announcements alongside streaming commercials, the occasional dual mascot appearances, and co-branded promotions. But visibility alone doesn’t create impact. We wanted to create moments of connection, and that’s where the real fun began.

We sponsor fan events like movie nights to engage with families and the Battle Jacks Book Club to impact youth. We offer exclusive perks for our members—like free popcorn and access to the Homeplate Club, where they can enjoy all-you-can-eat food and front-row seats behind home plate.

And of course, we made sure there were ways for everyone to join the fun, whether they’re credit union members or just cheering from the bleachers. You’ll find our team at select home games—hosting a table where Battle Jacks fans can answer quick questions about money and fraud prevention to win everything from candy to $5 gift cards. It’s fun, low pressure, and sparks real conversations about finances in a setting where people feel relaxed.

Community Tailgate: Our Biggest Summer Event

One of my favorite events each year is the Community Tailgate. This family-friendly event is open to the community and provides an opportunity for attendees to talk with the Battle Jacks players, play a game of cornhole, jump around in a bounce house, get your face painted or dunk a player in the dunk tank. Attendees also have an opportunity to win exclusive merchandise, raffles and ticket giveaways. It’s an event that continues to grow, year after year, and it truly is so much fun!

A Debit Card with Home Run Perks

As a marketer, one of my favorite things is when a product and a promotion align perfectly. That’s exactly what happened with our Battle Jacks instant issue debit card. It’s more than just a piece of plastic—it’s a gateway to some fantastic Battle Jacks perks including early access, discounted merchandise, money off food and beverage, premium seating, and more! Plus, we have added an ATM to MCCU Field, so if you need some extra paper dollars, we have you covered.

Why It Matters

I get to help shape how our brand lives in the world—and this partnership is one of the best examples of what we stand for: people-first, locally focused, and always striving to create value that goes beyond the branch.

When I see a family taking photos with players, or a kid spinning our prize wheel with a giant smile, I know this isn’t just marketing. It’s community-building, and that’s the kind of work that makes me proud to represent MCCU.