Michigan First Chooses Elizabeth Fielder as Next Young & Free Michigan “Spokester”
By: Amanda Braniecki
Dearborn resident to bring money smarts to 17-25 year-olds in metro Detroit
LATHRUP VILLAGE, Mich. – May 9, 2014 –At a surprise event last night in Dearborn, Michigan First Credit Union announced Elizabeth “Ebeth” Fielder as the 2014-2015 spokesperson for Young & Free Michigan, an initiative aimed at spreading a positive financial message to young adults ages 17-25 in metro Detroit. President/CEO Michael Poulos made the announcement.
A Dearborn resident, Fielder will be the voice of Michigan First for her peers in southeast Michigan for an entire year, serving as a full-time employee responsible for writing daily blog posts, creating weekly videos, attending a variety of local events and participating in multiple media opportunities. The credit union launched the Young & Free Michigan program in 2011 and Fielder will be its fourth Spokester.
“Founded by educators, Michigan First Credit Union is constantly working to share smart financial tips to the next generation of consumers in a way that will stick with them throughout their lives,” Poulos said. “We are excited to welcome Ebeth as our new Young & Free Michigan Spokester. Her friendly, witty and outgoing personality will be a significant asset to connect high school and college students with valuable financial information.”
This year, Young & Free Michigan Spokester applicants were required to submit an initial essay and video. The search was narrowed down to 10 who attended Michigan First’s Show Us Your Stuff Meet-Up event. At the event, each applicant participated in a series of challenges—including mock media interviews, managing a Michigan First exhibit booth and improvising a skit—to evaluate their ability to carry out the role as the next Spokester. The finalists from the event were required to draft a blog post on financial responsibility and film a video entry, before a panel of judges selected the winner.
In addition to the Spokester position, Fielder won an Apple MacBook Pro, an HD video camera and a smart phone to use on the job. She also gets to drive the Young & Free Michigan car for the year, along with paid gas and insurance. The remaining 9 finalists each received a $100 gift card and Young & Free Michigan branded gifts.
Fielder replaces outgoing Young & Free Michigan Spokester Vicky Goldwater, who will continue her education at Macomb Community College.
To download the photo of Ebeth Fielder, please click on the image below.
About Michigan First Credit Union
Founded in 1926 by a small group of Detroit teachers, Lathrup Village-based Michigan First Credit Union (MichiganFirst.com) has grown into a nearly $700 million financial institution serving more than 95,000 individuals and local businesses in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. An industry leader in consumer-focused technology and dedicated customer service, the credit union is also a significant supporter of local financial education, community and charitable organizations. Largely through the efforts of the Michigan First Foundation, the credit union will donate more than $150,000 to local nonprofits and scholarships this year. For the latest news, and events, follow Michigan First on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/MichiganFirstCU or “Like” Michigan First on Facebook www.Facebook.com/MichiganFirstCreditUnion.
About Young & Free Michigan
Young & Free Michigan, powered by Michigan First Credit Union, is an ongoing effort to help the 17-to-25 crowd get money smart, save money, and win free stuff all while providing useful information about their finances. Spokesperson Ebeth Fielder uses the site’s blog, videos and frequent community appearances to share insight into the best ways to handle financial issues and encourage young adults to take advantage of Michigan First’s First Gear account, tailored specifically to their needs. Learn more at www.YoungFreeMichigan.com.
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