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ECA | Founded 1940

Miami PR

Building an Image for Bank of North America


Challenge:

  • A longtime ECA client purchased five failed Savings & Loan institutions and formed a de novo commercial bank.

  • The bank had many obstacles to overcome including the confidence of state and federal regulators.

  • Building market share as an unknown financial institution was difficult as well as competing with well-financed and highly recognizable banks in Dade and Broward counties.

  • Another obstacle faced was that the bank planned only one Dade location with nine in Broward, and one in Palm Beach, which spread marketing dollars thinly over a broad geographic region.

Approach:

  • Educate the media as to the history, strength and social responsibilities of the company.

  • Provide proactive media relations supporting Bank of North America’s messages.

  • Build brand awareness in key markets and saturate promotional campaigns for new and unique products.

  • Profile bank’s capabilities, executives and build market share.

  • Create a positive environment for career opportunities for new and existing employees.

Results:

  • The new bank built market share and assets quickly and expanded from one location to 11.

  • Because of customer accounts, quality and recognition, the bank quickly expanded and became profitable; it was then sold to Bank Atlantic.

  • The firm’s president served on the founding board of directors at Bank of North America for six years, was elected chairperson of the CRA committee and served on the audit committee of the 11-branch bank.

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