The $2.7 billion Redstone Federal Credit Union, a firm advocateof an industry push stressing member value beyond simply rate andconvenience, is going to d?but a joint online venture this springwith an Alabama dining club offering card discounts to members.

The marketing tie-in with the Heritage Dining Club of Huntsvilleallows CU members to receive $25 monthly discounts "as another wayway to demonstrate there is real value in belonging to this creditunion," explained Joseph Newberry, president/CEO

Details on the partnership are being worked out this week, saidNewberry but the popular dining club may be using the credit unionWeb site to promote themselves in a vendor linkup which could be awave of the future for expanding CU retail ties.

The Heritage setup, he said, is an outgrowth of the partnershipRedstone has with the local YMCA in which northern Alabama YMCAsubscribers of health and fitness facilities get lower rates ifthey show their Redstone ATM or debit card.

"You can advertise all you want about safety and soundness but Ithink we have to look in other directions to show that being acredit union member has real worth," said Newberry. "Linking upwith this supper club is one way we can approach reaching newmarkets."

The Heritage venture is slated to start in May or June, headded.