We are in the process of changing our Bank Name and creating a new image.

I am in need of a Marketing Company to assist with these process. Any suggestions ??

On a company to assist, no. But from experience I'd say you have many perspectives to consider. Here are some random thoughts.

* Ensure your customers know the name change isn't an ownership change.
* Review your forms for changes.
* Review all software programs that print your name on documents.
* Ensure that all vendors (including attorneys, title companies, etc.) know of the name change and date and act accordingly on all documents sent to you and produced for you. (Don't leave out your regulators.)

Thanks for the response. We contracted with a company to assist us with the "Branding and Naming" piece however we need someone to help us develop the print media and web media.

Some of the form changes may be approached in different ways, depending on whether your name change is a legal name change (changed on charter) or simply the adoption of a tradestyle (dba).

I had to go through the same process in renaming a bank a few years ago and used two companies. Both companies specialize in banks and credit unions.

Engle & Murphy
Kevin Murphy
562 983-7270
www.englemurphy.com

or
PSB Marketing Supersource
in Irvine or Lake Forest California
Sorry I dont have their contact information

Engle Murphy is more of a full service company, where PSB provides shell materials that can be customized for your bank.

Good Luck it is alot of work!

Needless to say, you should pick a name for which you can register an exact domain name. ournewname.com may not be available and you don't want to confuse your customers any more than absolutely necessary.

A couple of other points:

1. Don't pick a name that is similar to another institution's name as that may confuse your clients and the public. The other institution will look closely at your name to see if it violates any of its trademarks/service marks.

2. If you are using a dba name but not changing your formal name, be aware that you need to be careful in how you advertise so as not to create the false impression to your clients that they are dealing with more than one institution and get extra FDIC insurance coverage. The regulators have addressed this issue in the past.

On a side note - don't do it. It's a sure sign that you are going to get bought within the next six months. Can anyone say Amegy??

Andy, thank you for mentioning the vendor. I'm out here today looking for information about name changes because I've had two clients this week notify us (sort of) of what they are doing. One has given us plenty of notice, the other has only given us a couple of weeks.

We need time to go through all of our systems and touch every piece of code from statements, front end, ATM receipts, billing, etc. plus all of our internal contact information, call tracking systems, accounting, and what not.

I'm trying to put together a checklist of all the pieces that need to be changed for our clients so they'll have a reference on the nuts and bolts of the process.

Back to why I'm here. Is there a legal process an institution must go through to change their name and if so, what are the notification requirements to their customers? As a service bureau I can see us assisting in the process and wanted to here what the folks at BOL had to say.

I know I don't come around much now that I've crossed over to the other side, but as always, I appreciate any help you can provide.