Filene Research Institute’s Young Adult Project

By Joyce Moed, Reporter

MADISON, Wis.–Filene Research Institute’s Young Adult Project has a new leader.

Benjamin Rogers, an independent consultant based in Philadelphia, will serve as the project’s principal investigator. In this role, Rogers, who has served as the editor of the CEO Report for the past two years, will be responsible for managing the overall project and ensuring that project deliverables are reached under the general direction of Filene’s chief research officer.

The 18-month project’s goal is to persuade the credit-union industry to become more relevant to the young-adult demographic. This will be done by educating the credit-union market on opportunities in the young-adult market; project marketing and promotion; identifying appropriate geographic regions for project work; developing and testing various business models; and assisting state leagues and other credit union’s organizations with implementation of young adult programs.

“We are really starting at the beginning,” Rogers said, “trying to put together products that will attract younger members, and creating environments that will attract younger employees. We’re really just getting started.”

One way the project will accomplish its goals, Rogers said, is by launching a site that will talk about the issues of young-adult market every day. Rogers expects the site to be live later this month.

“You will be able to find it through Filene’s website,” he said.

The project officially began on Oct. 8 and is planned to end on April 6, 2009. An extension until Oct. 9, 2009 may be permissible based on the mutual agreement of Filene and Rogers.

Rogers said that although it’s no secret credit unions struggle with attracting young members and employees, he is confident it can be accomplished through communication.

“Credit unions have a good story to tell, both to members and employees,” he said.