Banking For Public Good: Credit Human Launches “Straight Talk” Campaign in New Orleans

Banking For Public Good: Credit Human Launches “Straight Talk” Campaign in New Orleans
NEW ORLEANS (April 24, 2026) – Credit Human, a member-owned, not-for-profit federal credit union, today announced the launch of its “Straight Talk” campaign in New Orleans, calling attention to the impact of big-bank consolidation on local households and the importance of keeping deposits circulating close to home.
Designed specifically for the New Orleans market, the campaign underscores how a member-owned credit union fundamentally differs from large for-profit banks – and how those differences show up in the daily lives of people with broad implications for the community.

“Where you put your money matters, especially in a city like New Orleans where the impact of mergers and acquisitions of local institutions has consequences that manifest over time,” said Steve Hennigan, CEO of Credit Human. “When decision-making about deposits leaves the City, so too does the access to that capital to help fund mortgages, small-business loans and community projects that strengthen individuals and neighborhoods. When deposits leave town, some opportunity leaves with it. As a not-for-profit, cooperative credit union, we exist to improve the financial health of our members and the communities we serve – not to maximize returns for distant shareholders.”

The campaign gives a human voice to this impact and speaks plainly about what is resulting from decades of bank consolidation and relocation of decision-making that has created a significant gap between the missions of big banks and that of more cooperative institutions:

• Shareholder-driven banks, in pursuit of record profits, rely on fees, higher-interest credit cards, and meaningful attention reserved primarily for the more affluent customer.
• Credit Human, a member-owned, not-for-profit credit union reinvests into better rates, fewer fees, and one-on-one guidance in their Financial Health Centers to help members and non-members alike reduce financial stress.

Campaign lines such as “You can’t break the bank. It’s already broken,” “Stop getting bank rolled,” and “Banks live for the bottom line” are paired with a simple counterpoint – there is an alternative where members are owners, access is universal, attention is equal, and where the institution’s mission is to improve members’ financial lives rather than profit from their transactions.
“Whose future does my money support” is one of the questions Hennigan wants this effort to raise – “shareholders far away, or residents of my own community? That is more important to our collective future than many understand.”

“Too many New Orleanians at every socio-economic level from low to lower edge of upper-income are finding themselves living paycheck to paycheck and stuck making high-cost financial decisions–not because they’re irresponsible–but because no one has ever sat down with them to explain and provide access to options,” Hennigan added. “Our commitment is to be part of changing that – by keeping dollars invested locally and by providing the kind of financial guidance that helps people move from constant financial stress to greater stability as a platform for improvement for themselves and generations that follow.”

Local Stories, Local Voices: Campaign Assets
To bring community sentiment to life, the “Straight Talk” campaign pairs real perspectives on banking deserts, difficulty accessing capital and attention, with Credit Human leadership, including CEO Steve Hennigan, going deeper into details on how we got here and what could help more people realize the future they want for themselves and their families. Observations and solutions captured in unvarnished content including:

• A dedicated microsite (http://www.credithumannola.com) featuring voices of the  community, Credit Human members and leaders discussing systemic failures, the importance of local commitment, and what it means to be a member-owned institution.
• Digital display ads (3 Versions) that run across New Orleans’ news and lifestyle sites, reinforcing core thoughts from the campaign.
• Short-form (:15s) videos (11 Versions) in streaming and social environments, using direct-to-camera portraits to highlight the contrast between for-profit-bank practices and Credit Human’s Financial Health model.
• Intent-based search ads in which responsive units identify users in active moments of financial hardship to offer reframing and support.

The work is designed to complement Credit Human’s on-the-ground investment in Financial Health Centers, direct engagement with community groups and non-profits, financial education programming, and one-on-one coaching that help people better understand credit, manage debt, avoid expensive or predatory solutions, and build savings – all with the goal of reducing financial stress meeting individuals where they are at any level of income.

Built in New Orleans, For New Orleans
The campaign was created by Trumpet Advertising and content will roll out across digital and social channels beginning in April 2026 with complementary events and content  from Credit Human members and local partners over the coming months.

About Credit Human Credit Union
Credit Human is dedicated to bringing financial solutions into some of the very New Orleans’ neighborhoods for-profit banks are leaving. With six locations in New Orleans and more planned, Credit Human is committed to empowering communities through sensible products, personalized support – all part of a focus on improving financial health and reducing financial stress. For more information, visit CreditHuman.com.

About Trumpet Advertising
Trumpet Advertising, founded in 1997, is a New Orleans-based branding and advertising agency that helps organizations build believable brands – companies whose products validate their promise. Trumpet partners with clients across sectors, including financial services, healthcare, tourism, education and non-profits, to create strategy-led campaigns that drive results while strengthening the communities they serve. For more information, visit TrumpetAdvertising.com.