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NewGround Hits Historic Mark with 1,000th Installation of
Digital Signage for Financial Institutions
St. Louis, MO – NewGround, an international design and implementation firm serving financial institutions, announced today that they have completed their 1,000th installation of digital signage. This historic mark was reached when NewGround installed digital signage for a financial institution in Pottstown, PA, in late November.
“This is a milestone for NewGround. It’s not only a measure of market buy-in, but it also demonstrates the success of NewGround’s approach. One thousand digital sites is a testimony to the quality of NewGround’s product and service,” said Jim Kueneke, NewGround’s Senior Vice President, Retail.
Kueneke also cited NewGround’s 95% renewal rate as proof of the success of the company’s efforts in branch communications programs.
“Each year, ninety-five percent of our clients choose to renew their annual subscription to our service. Increasing our client base has been an outstanding achievement, but our 95% renewal rate is a true vote of confidence from our customers,” said Kueneke.
NewGround pioneered the development of digital signage for retail banking in 1999. In less than 10 years, the company has installed digital signage for financial institutions in over 1,000 branches in the United States.
According to Kueneke, market demand for digital signage can be attributed to the Experience Economy, in which consumers demand a more personable and memorable experience with the businesses they frequent. Financial institutions are focusing more on retail practices and less on banking transactions within the branch environment.
“Reaching customers today requires innovative techniques. Digital signage has allowed financial institutions to promote stronger ties with customers and raise the bar for relationship banking,” said Kueneke.
With a 75% consumer awareness rate, financial institutions have embraced digital signage as a sales tool within the branch environment. According to the Strategy Institute of New York, digital signage receives 10 times the eye contact of print signage. However, Kueneke cautioned that digital signage should not replace traditional print merchandising, but should be used to make it more powerful.
“There is an optimum amount of merchandising messaging for any given retail space. Knowing which media to use and where to use it has been a key to our success,” said Kueneke.
Tucson Old Pueblo Credit Union and NewGround Win
CUNA’s “Best Practice” Award for Branch Design
St. Louis, MO – Tucson Old Pueblo Credit Union and NewGround have won CUNA’s “Best Practice” Award for Branch Design. They were presented with the award at the 11th Annual CUNA OpSS Council Conference, held in Williamsburg, VA, on Thursday, September 18, 2008.
“We are honored to be recognized by the CUNA OpSS Council for our work with Tucson Old Pueblo. Our mission is to continuously innovate and provide breakthrough design. Tucson Old Pueblo is an embodiment of this vision. It is a dynamic, efficient, one-of-a-kind design,” said Kevin Blair, President and CEO of NewGround.
Entries for the design competition were judged on how they “pushed the envelope” and differentiated the look of branches. In addition, judges critiqued the non-traditional elements deployed in the new or remodeled branch to enhance member growth.
When Tucson Old Pueblo Credit Union decided to expand in the Tucson market, they knew they needed a modern space that demonstrated they were part of the Tucson community and committed to providing members with the technology and superior service their members crave. The Credit Union partnered with NewGround, a design and implementation firm based in St. Louis, MO, to bring this vision to life.
“Working with NewGround on this project was very rewarding. They really listened to us from the very beginning when we said we wanted a warm, inviting environment that looks and feels like Tucson. We are thrilled with the end result, as well as the journey that took us there,” said Ellen Yacovone, Vice President of Member Services for Tucson Old Pueblo Credit Union.
Authenticity was an important element in the creation of Tucson Old Pueblo Credit Union’s new branch. The facility reflects the Tucson community with its Southwestern design style. The environment is an important architectural element when it comes to building in the Tucson area. Natural materials such as splayed Stucco walls, a clay-tiled roof, Vigas, and a Kiva fireplace were used to create a space that reflects the heritage and character of Tucson.
The space is also environmentally sound and considerate of the more than 350 days of sunshine Tucson gets a year. Passive solar design was used to cool the facility. Wide-span lattices were used as sunscreens for shading the building. The orientation of the branch brings in natural light, and solar tubes were placed around the skylights to collect energy and give the impression of continuous light from above.
The cultural motif interplays with the contemporary functional components of a financial environment to provide an inviting and engaging atmosphere. An open teller line, cash recyclers and dispensers, digital screens, Internet Station, and Investment Area converge with the Adobe style design to create a unique branch that pushes the envelope of design and speaks directly to the Tucson market.
About Tucson Old Pueblo Credit Union
Tucson Old Pueblo Credit Union (TOPCU) is a state chartered credit union, regulated by the State of Arizona, and examined jointly by the state and the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), an agency of the U.S. government. With over 18,600 members and $150 million in assets, Tucson Old Pueblo Credit Union is committed to enhancing their service base both financially and technologically to support the emerging realities of today’s financial market, and more specifically the community of Tucson.
NewGround Taps Top Strategic Retail Talent within the Financial Industry
Eduardo Alvarez and Geoff Walters Join NewGround
St. Louis, MO – NewGround, a leading international design and implementation firm serving the financial services industry, announced today the appointment of Eduardo Alvarez as Managing Director of Brand and Retail Strategy and Geoff Walters as Managing Director of National Accounts. The significant experience Alvarez and Walters bring to NewGround will strengthen the company’s solution base in retail design and communications.
“The future of banking lies in providing strategic retail design and communications solutions. These elements drive customer interest, purchasing behavior, loyalty and experience. Eduardo and Geoff’s strong background, reputation and relationships within this market segment will be an asset to NewGround,” said Kevin Blair, President and CEO of NewGround.
The appointment of Alvarez and Walters underscores NewGround’s commitment to providing clients with the best strategy and direction to improve the customer experience and maximize growth and market share.
“I look forward to working with NewGround in developing retail solutions to advance the level of service within the financial industry — an industry that continues to search for ways to enhance the customer and employee experience. NewGround has the drive and innovation to move the financial industry forward,” said Geoff Walters, Managing Director of National Accounts.
“Throughout my many years in the financial industry, I have always admired NewGround’s deep commitment to the success of their clients. It is with great expectations and pride that I join this visionary spirit,” said Eduardo Alvarez, Managing Director, Brand and Retail Strategy.
Eduardo Alvarez, Managing Director, Brand and Retail Strategy
Eduardo will draw upon his wide range of global and financial experience to help clients translate their financial brands in the retail marketplace. Prior to joining NewGround, Eduardo was the Executive Vice President of Strategy and Design for BrandPartners.
Previous to this, Eduardo led business development for WalkerGroup/CNI’s Environmental Branding Group with responsibility for major projects in Asia, Europe and Latin America. During the 1980s, Eduardo was a Vice President with Bank of Boston’s International Division, working in Africa, Europe and Latin America.
Eduardo is a frequent speaker at international financial and service industry conferences and a contributor to retail banking publications. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Modern Languages and Philosophy from Fordham University and a Diplome, Universite de Nancy, France.
Geoff Walters, Managing Director, National Accounts
Geoff joins NewGround with more than 25 years of experience in the financial services consumer product and delivery management sectors. He most recently served as Executive Vice President of Business Development for BrandPartners. Among other significant positions, Geoff managed Fleet Financial Group’s ATM program, developed and implemented branch distribution strategies, and also modeled and employed channel merger integration programs. With his positions at Fleet Financial Group, Bank Boston, and John Hancock, Geoff’s responsibilities included strategic management with profit and loss responsibility and the strategic development and tactical implementation of new programs. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business from Wake Forest University and an M.B.A. from Temple University School of Business.
NewGround Adds Three to Executive Sales Team
John Kennan, Mark Snyder, and Andrew Ward Join NewGround
St. Louis, MO – NewGround, a leading international design and implementation firm serving the financial services industry, announced today the appointment of three new vice presidents. John Kennan, Mark Snyder, and Andrew Ward have joined the NewGround sales team.
“They will be a valuable asset to our seasoned sales team, helping clients successfully plan and execute strategic initiatives to build growth,” said Kevin Blair, President and CEO of NewGround
John Keenan joins NewGround as Division Vice President and is responsible for business development activities in Southern California, Arizona, New Mexico and Southern Nevada. John has spent 15 years as an executive sales professional in the retail industry. His expertise lies in his ability to create client-focused business solutions and initiatives to support revenue growth and increased customer retention for his clients. John attended the University of Minnesota.
As Division Vice President, Mark Snyder will lead business development activities in Texas. Mark has 15 years of experience in developing strategic solutions to help clients enhance their customer experience. He specializes in providing clients with innovative solutions in technology and design that meets and exceeds the customer’s needs, and in turn, accelerates growth and market share for his clients. Mark holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Management from Rice University in Houston, TX.
Andrew Ward, newly appointed Vice President of National Accounts for NewGround’s Retail Division, will lead business development activities for national financial institutions primarily on the East Coast. Andrew brings over 20 years of experience in developing retail solutions that help clients enhance product visibility and sales. Prior to joining NewGround, Andrew served with Big Canoe, BrandPartners, and Retail Planning Associates (RPA). He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from C.W. Post College of Long Island University in New York.
NewGround Wins Award Of Distinction From Modular Building Institute
For Harleysville National Bank Project
St. Louis, MO –NewGround was honored by the Modular Building Institute (MBI) with an Award of Distinction for its work on the Harleysville National Bank Project at the 2008 MBI Convention.
As the only industry contest of its kind, MBI’s Awards of Distinction reviews commercial modular building entries submitted by MBI member companies. Entries were judged in the areas of architectural excellence, technical innovation, cost effectiveness, energy efficiency and the length of time to complete.
NewGround won an Honorable Mention trophy for their work on Harleysville National Bank, in East Norriton, PA. Speed to market was a priority for the financial institution. Equally important was creating a customer-centric banking facility that differentiated Harleysville in the marketplace, and provided their customers with a dynamic banking experience.
Harleysville National Bank used NewGround’s Accelerated Development program to enter the market quickly. Modular building structures were delivered to the construction site and embellished to create the facility. NewGround then employed a modern retail design application within the building, utilizing elements like modern furnishings, digital signage and product and service kiosks to create a contemporary and inviting retail space.
“We are honored to be recognized by the Modular Building Institute for our work with Harleysville National Bank in creating this dynamic retail environment, proving once again that modular building can be time and cost effective while taking advantage of the latest techniques in retail design,” said Joe Ijjas, Vice President of Accelerated Development, NewGround.
About MBI
Founded in 1983, the Modular Building Institute is the only, international, non-profit trade association serving non-residential modular construction. Its regular membership includes wholesale manufacturers, direct manufacturers, and dealers of commercial modular building components, services, and financing to the industry. It is MBI’s mission to grow the industry and its capabilities by encouraging innovation, quality, and professionalism through communication, education, and recognition. MBI also administers an educational foundation. For more information, visit modular.org.
About Harleysville
Harleysville National Bank is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Harleysville National Corporation with total assets of $3.9 billion. Investment Management and Trust Services are provided through Millennium Wealth Management, a division of HNB with assets under management in excess of $2.2 billion. Individuals, families and businesses can apply for banking, trust and investment services at any of the over 40 HNB offices throughout eastern PA, by calling 1-888-HNB-2100 or visiting www.harleysvillebank.com.
NewGround Releases White Paper on Introducing RFID Technology into the Branch Environment
St. Louis, MO – NewGround, a full-service design and implementation company, has released a White Paper on RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology and how to begin to introduce it into the branch retail environment. NewGround says RFID is the latest innovation to advance and improve Points of Experience for financial service customers.
“Society’s shift to an Experience Economy creates a need for a more personal connection between the consumer and service provider. Emerging technologies like RFID offer great potential to further develop and heighten these relationships,” says Jim Kueneke, NewGround’s Senior Vice President of Retail.
The White Paper reviews how financial institutions have begun to develop and apply RFID technology within their retail space, and examines how this technology brings forth a higher quality of sales and service in the financial industry.
“RFID technology has the capability to allow the financial industry to customize the banking experience to be so completely in tune with the individual’s needs that it could transform the banking process as we know it today,” says Kueneke.
To request a free copy of the White Paper, call NewGround at 1.888.613.0001 ext. 453, or email kansell@newground.com.
NewGround Names Kevin Blair Chief Executive Officer
St. Louis, MO – NewGround, a full-service design and implementation company, today announced Ted Golitz, Chairman of NewGround’s Board of Directors, has appointed current President and Chief Operating Officer Kevin Blair as NewGround’s Chief Executive Officer. Blair replaces Ted Golitz, who has relinquished his position as CEO and will continue to serve as Chairman of the Board.
“Under Kevin’s management, NewGround has become the industry leader in developing integrated strategic retail delivery solutions for financial institutions. His strategic vision for the company has accelerated the growth of NewGround, and created opportunities for strategic alliances that have helped us expand in both U.S. and International markets. Kevin’s promotion to CEO is a step forward in solidifying the long-term direction of NewGround’s position in the industry,” said Ted Golitz, Board Chairman.
Blair’s promotion reflects NewGround’s strategy to ensure a planned succession of the company’s senior leadership.
“As we approach our 100th anniversary of the company, I believe it’s the right time to transition my CEO responsibilities, although I will stay actively involved with NewGround as Chairman of the Board,” said Golitz. “I am confident NewGround will have many years of success under Kevin’s guidance.”
In addition to assuming the role of CEO, Blair will remain President of NewGround.
“I am honored to assume the leadership of NewGround and look forward to continuing Ted’s legacy and NewGround’s tradition as an industry innovator in creating dynamic solutions for financial institutions,” said Kevin Blair, President and CEO of NewGround.
Kevin Blair Background
As President and COO, Blair has directed and managed the business development, branding, consulting, design and build divisions of NewGround. With over twenty years of experience in the delivery of strategic facility solutions, he has led NewGround to become the largest design and implementation firm serving the financial services industry. Blair spearheaded the transformation of six independently operated companies to create the single dynamic organization NewGround is today.
His vision for the development of NewGround’s “Integrated Service Delivery” has advanced NewGround as one of the foremost experts in creating total facility solutions. This concept combines branding, strategic positioning, innovative design and construction services with strategic consulting, site selection, retail media and culture programs to create Experience Retail environments.
Enterprise Car Sales Partners with NewGround To Create Digital Signage Graphics Program for Credit Unions
St. Louis, MO – Enterprise Car Sales, which specializes in working with credit unions of all sizes to increase auto loan volume, is partnering with NewGround, a full-service design and implementation company, to promote member interest in special used car values through a digital signage graphics program for credit unions.
Available to credit unions nationwide, the digital content includes high-tech animated images and information developed by NewGround exclusively for Enterprise Car Sales to promote special used car values. The images are designed to attract the attention of members while they are doing business inside the credit union and aid employees in cross-selling. According to studies conducted by NewGround, on average, 75 percent of members recall seeing content shown on digital signage inside a branch.
“Digital signage is highly effective in its ability to attract attention and spur interest in promotions in products and services,” said Jim Kueneke, Senior Vice President of NewGround’s Retail Division. “Our partnership with Enterprise Car Sales ensures credit union employees will have a successful sales tool to provide members with the latest information on used car values.”
American Airlines Federal Credit Union, a client of both Enterprise Car Sales and NewGround, has been using digital signage since 2002 and currently has LCD screens in 36 of its 42 locations nationwide. Pedro Noda, eMarketing Manager and Web Master for American Airlines FCU, says Enterprise’s partnership with NewGround will be beneficial to the credit union.
“Digital signage is an effective and cost efficient communications tool,” said Pedro Noda, eMarketing Manager and Web Master for American Airlines FCU. “When Enterprise announces a sales event at a local branch, we can easily produce a customized screen and scrolling messages at the bottom of the screen at that branch to alert members about the special values that will be offered.”
About Enterprise Car Sales (www.enterprisecarsales.com):
Enterprise Car Sales is a division of Enterprise Rent-A-Car, the largest rental car company in North America. With headquarters in St. Louis and more than 175 locations across the U.S., Enterprise Car Sales offers more than 120 makes and models of high quality, late-model used vehicles priced below Kelley Blue Book. Every vehicle undergoes a 109-point inspection by an ASE-certified technician and is backed by a seven-day repurchase policy if a customer should change their mind about the purchase. For more information about Enterprise Car Sales, visit the company’s Web site at www.enterprisecarsales.com.
FCUL Service Group and NewGround Forge Alliance To Offer Florida Credit Unions Design and Implementation Services
Tallahassee, FL —Florida credit unions will have access to a myriad of growth services, including brand, consult, design, retail, build and culture through a partnership between FCUL Service Group, Inc., the wholly-owned subsidiary of the Florida Credit Union League (FCUL), and NewGround.
NewGround, a full-service design and implementation company, offers credit unions strategic insight and solutions to develop and deliver a more powerful member experience. The firm has been serving financial institutions exclusively for nearly a century.
“By partnering with NewGround we are adding valuable experience to our strategic resource base and providing our members with a trusted source for innovative ideas and design to help grow their brand and market share,“ says Marvin Garland, COO/CFO of the Florida Credit Union League and FCUL Service Group.
“This strategic alliance combines the strengths and resources of both NewGround and the Florida Credit Union League to deliver dynamic solutions that help credit unions grow and build success in the increasingly competitive Florida market,” says Kevin Blair, President and COO of NewGround.
For more information on the NewGround/FCUL partnership, contact Liz Aperauch at 800.342.1266, ext. 1142 or liza@fcul.org.
About FCUL
The Florida Credit Union is a Tallahassee, Florida-based statewide trade association offering a myriad of services focused on meeting the current and future needs of Florida’s credit unions. Membership dues-supported services include education and training, political action, compliance support, information and more. The League also provides access to a variety of financial services-related products through their wholly-owned subsidiary the FCUL Service Group, Inc.
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