The T&O Group Wins Kinecta Federal Credit Union Account

RVINE, Calif.--The T&O Group, a leading Southern California advertising, interactive and public relations agency has been hired as Agency of Record for Kinecta Federal Credit Union, the 10th largest credit union in the United States.

With headquarters in Manhattan Beach, Calif., Kinecta is a full-service financial institution serving more than 230,000 members nationwide with assets exceeding $2.8 billion. It was founded in 1940 as Hughes Aircraft Employees Federal Credit Union, and changed its name to Kinecta Federal Credit Union in July 2001.

"Following an intensive agency search, we decided that T&O had the best combination of strategic insight and creative firepower. Throughout the process we were impressed with their people and their enthusiasm. We believe the chemistry between our companies is very strong," said Teresa Freeborn, senior vice president, marketing and communications of Kinecta.

"They have a great product and a commitment to marketing excellence," said Steve O'Leary, chairman of The T&O Group. "They get it. We are looking forward to a terrific partnership."

The advertising will take a multi-pronged approach including print, radio, direct marketing and online activities. The campaigns will focus on the Credit Union's existing membership as well as establish the Kinecta brand to a wider audience.

About The T&O Group

Specializing in consumer, high-tech and e-business marketing communications, The T&O Group is one of Orange County's largest entrepreneurial, owner-operated agencies. With more than 50 employees and 2001 billings of $60 million, the company provides an integrated approach to marketing and communications programs.

Major clients include In-N-Out Burger, National Association of REALTORS(R), Fantastic Sams, Pioneer New Media Technologies, Sempra Energy, Phillips 66 Co., and UNIGLOBE Travel.

Expanding its global capabilities, The T&O Group is the Southern California shareholder of Worldwide Partners Inc., the world's largest strategic business network of multi-local entrepreneurial, owner-operated marketing and communications firms. For additional information, contact The T&O Group at 949/833-8006, or on the Internet at http://www.theTandOgroup.com.

What are people saying about mortgages today:

Rates on 30-year mortgages edged down last week to a seven-month low. Mortgage-giant Freddie Mac reported Thursday that 30-year, fixed-rate mortgages fell to 6.3 percent, down slightly from 6.31 percent two weeks ago. It put rates at the lowest level since they were at 6.24 percent the first week of March.

Bank of Hawaii, Central Pacific Bank, Territorial Savings Bank and Wells Fargo Home Mortgages all cut their 30-year mortgage rates to 5.75 percent this week.

Most people think of a mortgage as a means to an end. After all, you buy a house, not a home loan. But a mortgage is much more than the path to homeownership. It is a financial instrument that must be managed, just like any other financial investment.