NILES, Ohio – A long-term partnership between 717 Credit Union and the Mahoning Valley Scrappers baseball team is a home run for both organizations and the entire community, officials said at a press event at Eastwood Field on Tuesday.
“As opening day nears, there’s a special kind of energy that takes over the Valley,” John Demmler, president and CEO of 717, told guests during a news conference. “Baseball season is back, and 717 is proud to be a part of it.”
Demmler announced that 717 is now the official credit union and banking partner of the Scrappers.
“It’s not just about a sponsorship or about putting a logo out on the field,” he said. “It’s about shared values. Together, we’re building something that empowers people and supports the community we so deeply care about.”
As part of the partnership, 717 will offer giveaways and special savings opportunities for guests at the ballpark with a year-round focus on financial wellness.
Last year, for example, the credit union sponsored a financial wellness day at the park in which it purchased all the tickets and then gave them away at no cost to the community. More than 8,000 attended, a new record for the ballpark.
717 will once again host the event, appropriately scheduled for July 17, Demmler said. Tickets will be available exclusively through the Scrappers box office beginning Monday, May 12. Members of 717 Credit Union can receive premium seating by presenting proof of membership at the box office, such as a debit or credit card or an account statement.
Last year, 717 sponsored the largest fireworks display in Eastwood Field’s history after the game. This year, the credit union plans to present the first drone show at a Scrappers game. Free hot dogs and soft drinks will again be provided for game attendees.
Demmler said this season will include many other events and opportunities for fans across the community.
“We wanted to take it a step further and create a longer and much more lasting partnership with the Mahoning Valley Scrappers,” he said.
A new initiative this year is an opportunity for those who attend a winning home Scrappers game to receive a discount at 717, Demmler said. Patrons need only to present a ticket stub from a winning Scrappers game to be eligible. More information on the discounts is forthcoming, he added.
For 717’s youngest members, the credit union has revamped its 717 Dollar Dog Club, which will offer special incentives, including free tickets to Scrappers home games for new and existing account holders.
Also, Demmler introduced a new Mahoning Valley Scrappers credit card to use at the ballpark or elsewhere. The card is part of the larger 717 CU Affinity Partners initiative to directly support local organizations, he said.
With each swipe and purchase, 717 will donate 7.17 cents to the Scrappers for special programming such as youth outreach and ballpark improvements, Demmler said. Cardholders will see benefits like a $25 gift card if they apply within 30 days, pricing incentives and more.
In addition to giving back to local organizations, the 717 Credit Union affinity cards come with some of the lowest rates in the country, Demmler said. The new card offers a low 7.17% introductory rate for all purchases and balance transfers for the first three months. Fans can apply for the MV Scrappers credit card by clicking HERE.
“This is a tangible way to give back to our communities with everyday purchases and illustrates how banking local can send ripples of positive change throughout our community, with the simplicity of every swipe,” Demmler said.
Jordan Taylor, executive vice president of HWS Baseball, said 717 has been a partner since the team first took the field in 1999, and that partnership was expanded last year. “Both organizations are very community driven, and we really worked together on ways to see how we can enhance that through financial literacy programs and partnerships that will be developed,” he said.
Taylor said the ballpark has undergone some renovations over the winter in preparation for opening day June 4. The Scrappers play in the MLB Draft League. “We’re expected to have an initial roster here soon, and we’re looking forward to seeing the players we have in June.”
Pictured at top: From left, Dorian Smith, senior vice president of business development at 717 Credit Union; Jordan Taylor, executive vice president of HWS Baseball; and John Demmler, president and CEO of 717, join Scrappers mascots at Eastwood Field on Tuesday.