http://tampabay.bizjournals.com/tampabay/stories/2006/10/23/daily9.html?jst=b_ln_hl

Tampa Bay Business Journal - 2:45 PM EDT Monday

Sarasota Coastal Credit Union is ramping up its marketing efforts.

The financial institution is launching a major branding and marketing communications initiative to compete with the escalating marketing efforts of the growing banking presence in the area, a release said.

As part of the effort, SCCU has a consulting contract to Sisti & Others Inc., based in Sarasota. The firm is a spin-off of a major, New Jersey advertising agency. Sara and Michael Sisti formed the agency in 1992 as a virtual marketing agency, its Web site says.

The agency will direct SCCU's corporate branding and marketing communications campaigns.

No financial terms were disclosed.

The credit union is taking proactive steps to expand its base of membership and offer banking services to the small business community as well as residents in Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties, the release said.

Michael A. Sisti, principal of Sisti & Others, will lead the project with responsibility for all advertising, public relations, direct mail, Web site development, collateral literature and other materials. The disciplines will be wrapped around a new branding strategy to create awareness and enhance the brand of this long-established credit union, the credit union said. Part of the effort will include seminars to all employees on their role in delivering a positive brand experience.