heritage service group
Mira Zivkovich, a leader in heritage and multicultural marketing, has used her abilities and resources as President and CEO of MZI Global Marketing to promote social responsibility and awareness for various org 558 anizations and multicultural communities. She was awarded the Ellis Island Medal of Honor by the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations (NECO) on Saturday, May 12, 2007.
Each year, NECO serves as umbrella representing over 300 ethnic groups in the U.S. and awards annually the Ellis Island Medal of Honor to 100 outstanding individuals who portray a lifestyle dedicated to the community, exhibit interests for the preservation of cultural groups and who share and contribute through personal and professional achievements toward the overall benefit of society.
Both the United States Senate and House of Representatives have officially passed resolutions recognizing the Ellis Island Medals of Honor, which ranks among this country's most prestigious awards. Each year, Ellis Island Medal of Honor recipients are listed in the Congressional Record, honoring those who have made enduring contributions to our nation and to the world.
The Ellis Island Medal of Honor 2-day event begins with a reception the evening before the official presentation ceremony at the prestigious Metropolitan Club in NYC where the medalists meet each other. The following afternoon, recipients and guests are taken by ferry boat to Ellis Island for the ceremonial event lasting 7 hours. The colossal production worthy of Hollywood, starts with a ceremony in a 16,000 square foot tent, over 250 entertainers, marching bands, performers in full regalia, to honor the medalists. There are lights, camera and plenty of action but nothing matches the patriotic and emotional event which medalist Mira Zivkovich describes as the most memorable moment in her life. Following the tent ceremony, the medalists and over a thousand guests proceed to the Great Hall ballroom where candlelight, elegantly appointed tables, music and dance greet the medalists and their families for the evening's dinner celebration. To top everything, this spectacular ceremony and premier event of the year in New York City, ends with Grucci spectacular fireworks display in backdrop of New York Harbor.
Ms. Zivkovich is also the founder of the Slavic Heritage Coalition, which promotes the contributions of Slavic-Americans to American society, Her knowledge of heritage has helped her to make connections in the business of global marketing and develop marketing based on culture. Studies shows that 40 % of Americans can trace their roots to ancestors who entered United States through Ellis Island and are aware of their heritage roots. This has lead her to develop a proprietary methodology - Ethnosynergism™, which provides insights into the attitudes and behaviors of numerous market segments and connects companies and brands with diverse consumer groups. Ms. Zivkovich stated: "For me, the loss of one's heritage means a loss of identity and who we are as Americans, collectively. I strongly believe that the individual we have become today is a direct result of our history and places from which our elders came. Our past is something to build upon, something to fall back on, something that gives us courage to go forward, and something that makes us solid and stable as rock."
Tremendous appreciation goes to her beloved son, Brian Zivkovich Choudhary, and friends who also understand her commitments to her objectives and declining so many social engagements. Additional recipients of the 2007 Ellis Island Medals of Honor include: Her Excellency Sheikha Haya Rashed Al Khalifa, President of the 61st Session of the United Nations General Assembly; Senator Chuck Hagel; Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., President of the University of Notre Dame; U.S. Congressman Tom Lantos, Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Zivkovich has successfully transferred her leadership experience at her fi 1f40 rm to assist critical social issues. "Our pro bono work allows us to help others and reaffirms our core company values. We believe good business should be meaningful, which is why MZI is committed to improving communities throughout the world," says Mira Zivkovich. She incorporates this philosophy in everything she does by speaking for the voices that cannot be heard and by donating her time and energy to various compelling causes over the years.
Because of her many achievements and her ability to touch communities through her personal and professional achievements, Zivkovich was honored at this year's ceremony on Saturday, May 12, 2007 in New York City. Zivkovich will join the honored ranks of past recipients include six U.S. Presidents -Bill Clinton, George Bush, Ronald Reagan, Jimmy Carter, and Gerald Ford as well as Nobel laureates, entertainers, athletes, entrepreneurs, religious leaders and business executives, such as Bob Hope, Frank Sinatra, Muhammad Ali, Rosa Parks, Elie Wiesel, General Norman Schwarzkopf, Mickey Mantle, Gloria Estefan, Michael Douglas and Siegfried & Roy.
Mira and MZI Inc want to congratulate all the hundred 2007 Ellis Island medalists:
" I would like to wish you all my heartfelt congratulations for receiving the prestigious 2007 Ellis Island Medal of Honor. I feel extremely proud to have had the opportunity to meet you and share this honor with you. I hope this award has inspired you to greater heights as it has done for me. I also hope you enjoyed your trip to New York and had a comfortable and safe journey to your homes"
Dr. Gregory Adamian, Chancellor; H.E. Sheikha Haya Rashed Al Khalifa, President - 61st Session of the General Assembly; George Altirs, CEO of GMA Accessories, Inc.; Peter Arnell, Founder & Chairman of Arnell Group; Dr. Elias Ayoub, Physician; Dr. Ernest M. Barsamian, Professor of Surgery (Emeritus) at Harvard University; Michelle Bodden, VP Elementary Schools; Eric Braeden, Actor; Edgar Cahn, Founder & CEO of Time Banks USA; Leo Chen, CEO of Spectroniq; Dr. Aram V. Chobanian, President (Emeritus) of Boston University; Jaekun Chung, President of Jay Joshua, Inc.; Mario Ciano, Chairman of Reminger & Reminger Co.;Denis A. Cortese, MD,President & CEO of Mayo Clinic; Hon. Leslie Crocker-Snyder, Partner of Kasowitz, Benson, Torres & Friedman; Victor Phillip Dahdaleh, Owner & Chairman of Dadaco Group of Companies; Nicholas J. Daniello, MD; Dr. Joel Alan DeLisa, Chairman, Dept. Physical Med. of Kessler Medical Rehab. NJMC; Kirti Desai, President of TAK Construction, Inc.; Dr. Akshay Desai, Chairman, President & CEO of Universal Health Care; Michael J. Dowling, President & CEO of North Shore LI Jewish Health System; James J. Dowling, Community Leader; Blaise Durante Deputy Asst. Secretary of US Air Force; Hon. Jacob Eapen, MD, MPH, Alameda County Medical Center; Mory Ejabat, CEO of Zhone Technology; Richard A. Elias, MD, Miami International Cardiology Consultants; Hani Findakly, PhD, Vice Chairman & Director of The Clinton Group, Inc.; Arthur Flegel, Founder & CEO of Flegel's Home Furnishings; Jon Fortgang, CEO of New Hair Technology; Douglas Foshee, President & CEO of El Paso Corporation; Philip Friedman, President & CEO of Computer Generated Solutions; Cynthia R, Garrett, Superintendent of Statue of Liberty National Monument; Obren Gerich, Sr. Vice President of Public Storage, Inc.; Joi Gordon, CEO of Dress for Success Worldwide; Col. R.L. Grabowski,USMC, Commanding Officer of First Marine Corp District; MSGT Nicholas G. Grand, USAF, Mobilization Coordinator of Nat'l Committee for ESGR; Patrick Grant, President & CEO of National Western Stock; Hon. Chuck Hagel, United States Senator; George Hamilton, Actor/ Dancer; William Harrington, Esq., Partner of Bleakley, Platt & Schmidt; Richard Heckmann, Chairman & CEO of K2, Inc.; Col. Jack H. Jacobs, USA (Ret.); Rev. John I. Jenkins, CSC, President of University of Notre Dame; Ik Joong Kang, Artist at Ik Joong Kang Studio; Dr. Sarkis Kechejian, President of K Clinics; Don Keenan, Founder of Keenan's Kids Foundation; Do-Young Kim, Vice President of Speed Management Corp; David E. Kimmel, Jr., Chief of Field Operations of WPIX-TV; Dr. Steven S. Koh, Chairman of Wilshire State Bank; George J. Kostas, President & CEO of Techno Economic Services; Les Kuczynski, Nat'I Exec. Director of Polish American Congress; Joan Kuyper Farver, Chair Emeritus of Pella Corporation; Irene Ladas, Aegean Real Estate; LTC Larry H. Lang, USAF, Commander & Conductor of USAF Band of Liberty; Rep. Tom Lantos, U.S. Congressman; Dr. Edwin Pak-Wah Leung, Professor & Chairman of Department of Asian Studies in Seton Hall University; Dr. John M. Levinson; Hon. Guillermo Linares, Commissioner, Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs; Harvey MacKay, Chairman of MacKay Envelope Co.; Patrick J. Martucci, Chairman & CEO of Coreview Capital, LLG; Thomas Mattia, Sr. Vice President of Coca-Cola Company; CPT Gary A. Maynard, USN, Commander of Naval Weapon Station Earle; Mitchell Modell, CEO of Modell's Sporting Goods; Hon. Samuel Mok, Chief Financial Officer of U.S. Dept. of Labor, Todd Morgan, Chairman & Sr. Partner of Belair Investment Advisors; C. Warren Moses, CEO of The Children's Aid Society; Dr. Vance Moss, Urologic Transplant Surgeon of the Mid-Atlantic Multi-Specialty Surgical Group; Dr. Vince Moss, Cardiothoracic Surgeon of the Mid-Atlantic Multi-Specialty Surgical Group; Sharmin Mossavar-Rahmani, Managing Director of Goldman Sachs & Co; Maureen Murphy, Recording Secretary of Sergeants Benevolent Assoc.; Fereydoun Nazem, Founder & Managing Partner of the Nazem & Company; Hon. Liet Nguyen, Magistrate -Commonwealth of Virginia; Col. Tracey E. Nicholson, Commander, Ft. Hamilton; Fr. Michael O'Connell, Rector of Basilica of St. Mary; Dr. Kiran C. Patel, Chairman of Patel Foundation for Global Understanding; Antonio M. Perez, Chairman & CEO of Eastman Kodak Company; Asst. Chief Diana L. Pizzuti, Commanding Officer NYPD of Queens North; L. Rafael Reif, PhD, Provost, Maseeh Prof. of Emerging Tech. - MIT; RADM Stephen W. Rochon, USCG, Commander; James Rogers, Chairman, President & CEO of Duke Energy Corp; Michael Rogers, Exec. Vice President, Corp. Services of MedStar Health; Hon. Carlos A. Romero-Barcelo, former Governor of Puerto Rico; Ali A. Saberioon, President & CEO of Sabco Oil & Gas Corp; Carlos A. Saladrigas, Founder & Chairman of Premier American Bank; Dominick M. Servedio, Chairman & CEO of STV Group, Inc.; Smita N. Shah, President of SPAAN Tech, Inc.; Donald Soffer, Owner of Turnberry Associates; Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, Chairman & CEO of Abraxis Bioscience, Inc.; Toomas M. Sorra, MD, Community Leader; Debra Brown Steinberg, Esq., Partner of Cadwalader,Wickersham & Taft, LLP; Daniel J. Sullivan, President & CEO of FedEx Ground Package System, Inc.; Daniel J. Thomas, DDS, President of Periodontal Specialists, PA; Gerald Turpanjian, President of TF Educational Foundation; Luis A. Valentin, County Prosecutor of Monmouth County; Tai Nin Wang, Vice President of WAC Lighting Co.; Richard J. Wolff, CEO of The Global Consulting Group; Mahvash Yazdi, Sr. V.P. of Business, Integration & CIO of Edison International; Dr. Gazi Zibari, Professor of LSU Health Sciences Center.
Mira Zivkovich and MZI Global Marketing express an hearty appreciation to the board members of National Ethnic Coalition of Organization Foundation. Inc. (NECO) for organizing greatest and the most meaningful event in America- the Ellis Island Medal of Honor:
William Denis Fugazy, Co-Chairmen; Lee A. Lacocca, Co-Chairmen; Nasser J. Kazeminy, Chairman of the Executive Committee; William Denis Fugazy, Jr. Vice Chair; Brian O' Dwyer, Esq, Vice Chair; Maurice A. Buckley, President; Rose d6b marie Taglione, Executive Director; Board of Directors: Helene Irma der Stepanian; Louis Freech; William Denis Fugazy, Jr; John B. Goodman
Thank you ALL!
Two Serbians, Among 100 Recipients, are Awarded the 2007 Ellis Island Medal of Honor
Author Information
Mira Zivkovich
MZI Global Marketing
10 Consumer Trends for Financial Services Providers in 2010 and Beyond – Market Research Reports On Aarkstore Enterprise
Introduction
has highlighted 10 trends that will influence consumers and their attitudes to FS in 2010 and beyond. These trends are varied and wide reaching; some driven by the global economic crisis while others emerge from broader consumer trends motivated by technological developments and changing lifestyles.
Scope
*The report is global in scope, highlighting the broad consumer trends that will influence the attitudes and behaviours of consumers towards FS in 2010
*Extensive secondary sources as well as primary data is used to analyse emerging trends in the context of existing industry strategies
Highlights
The successful banks of 2010 will be those that effectively remove the stain of ‘too big to fail’ from their brand image. This is easier to accomplish for smaller, local banks that can more effectively convey a human face to the consumer.
Consumers are confused by the jargon that accompanies the purchasing of financial products and more than ever seek a clearer understanding of what they are truly signing up for when they commit.
The branches of the future will place more weight on the experiential aspect of the FS services. When a customer invests the time and effort involved in making a personal visit to the bank, the branch experience must justify their trouble.
Reasons to Purchase
*This report provides key insights on how best to position product propositions given the consumer trends emerging in 2010
*Primary and secondary data is used to profile how consumers are reacting as they emerge from the global economic crisis and contemplate the future
*The report provides examples of FS providers already attuned to emerging consumer trends, showcasing best practice
Table of Contents :
“Overview 1
Catalyst 1
Summary 1
Executive Summary 2
10 Trends Identified 2
TREND 1: ‘Too big to fail’ will drive consumers to the personal and the local 2
TREND 2: Simplicity and certainty will drive the product selections of consumers in 2010 2
TREND 3: Renewed focus on ethics, sustainability and social responsibility will permeate both choice of product and choice of institution 3
TREND 4: Consumers in 2010 will rely on the actions and advice of their peers when making financial decisions 3
TREND 5: Customers will look beyond price to find value 3
TREND 6: Trust and heritage will play an increasing role in brand choice 3
TREND 7: Service must be innovative and flawless 3
TREND 8: 2010 will see a return of the long-term perspective in consumers’ FS choices 3
TREND 9: Consumers will drop vanilla products in their search for individualism 3
TREND 10: Consumers diverge in their desires: experiential banking for bespoke issues and efficient pragmatism in their day to day banking 3
Table of Contents 4
Table of figures 5
Table of tables 6
10 CONSUMER TRENDS FOR FS PROVIDERS IN 2010 AND BEYOND 7
Introduction 7
TREND 1: ‘Too big to fail’ will drive consumers to the personal and local 7
‘Move Your Money’ campaign gains social media attention 8
INSIGHT: The collapse of the ‘big bank’ brand will lead to the rise of the local bank 9
2010 will see consumers appreciate smaller local banks and building societies in a bid to deal with someone they feel can better understand them 9
Local banks are still perceived as serving the community, something lacking in the brands of their larger relations 10
INSIGHT: Larger banks can entertain a return to personal banking through treatment tailored to the individual 11
Banks must make better use of customer relationship management tools in order to construct a personal service 11
TREND 2: Simplicity and certainty will drive the product selections of consumers in 2010 12
INSIGHT: Consumers covet stability and, without sufficient trust in the FS community, wish to know more about the products they are purchasing 13
Product presentation has never been more important as consumers are not willing to invest significant time in understanding the prospective offerings 13
Scarcity of information can dissuade the 2010 consumer 15
Consumer and political pressure combine to motivate clear-cut financial instruments and new entrants are already appearing to meet this demand 15
FS providers must focus their literature on the bottom-line product, avoiding smoke and mirrors tactics and instead focusing on results 17
TREND 3: Renewed focus on ethics, sustainability and social responsibility will permeate both choice of product and choice of institution 18
INSIGHT: Consumer demand for ethical FS is looking set to blossom 20
The rallying 2010 consumer looks ready to embrace a more ethical outlook in the recovery 20
The economically important BRIC markets look to be receptive to ethical financial services opportunities while Western reservations begin to change 20
Interest among high net worth individuals is starting to build but providers must increase awareness and trust 21
Consumers will not accept ‘green-washed’ financial services and will react negatively to a policy facade 22
INSIGHT: Consumers are looking for social empathy from their bank 22
Public perception minefield: JPMorgan versus Goldman Sachs 24
TREND 4: Consumers in 2010 will rely on the actions and advice of their peers when making financial decisions 24
INSIGHT: Digital networks are now bigger than physical ones, and this will continue to impact attitudes towards information in 2010 25
INSIGHT: FS providers will realize the truth about the value of social media 26
Social media will emerge as a trend rather than a fad in 2010 27
Social media will facilitate peer-to-peer recommendations and boost sales through viral marketing 28
INSIGHT: Consumers will look to their peer group for reassurance that they are making the right move 28
Peer emulation can offer fearful consumers, uncertain of which move to make, a well-trodden path 29
TREND 5: Customers will look beyond price to find value 31
INSIGHT: Price is only one small part of the proposition: security, quality, brand loyalty and service must each be respected 32
INSIGHT: FS providers must find the ‘value sweet spot’ in order to entice the 2010 consumer 33
TREND 6: Trust and heritage will play an increasing role in brand choice 33
INSIGHT: FS brand image was damaged in 2009 as customers lost faith in the FS institution 34
INSIGHT: The importance of branding in FS should not be underestimated and will only intensify in 2010 35
Cross-selling is essential to reaping the rewards of successful branding 35
INSIGHT: Messages generating reassurance will be embraced by a consumer seeking certainty 36
FS providers must emphasize their longevity and heritage to rebuild trust, while showing that they have learnt the lessons of the crisis 36
TREND 7: Service must be innovative and flawless 38
INSIGHT: Financial services must provide the same core services but in a better way 39
Clunky systems must be updated to streamline services 39
INSIGHT: Banks have to distinguish themselves through consistently excellent delivery and problem solving, including technology-led enhancements 40
Mobile banking will begin to take off in 2010 as banks refine their systems to fit better with smartphone services 40
Other technologies will also gain momentum in 2010 as more providers develop the delivery of their offerings 41
TREND 8: 2010 will see a return of the long-term perspective in consumers’ FS choices 41
INSIGHT: Financial and emotional factors caused consumers’ myopia to intensify during the crisis 42
INSIGHT: As pressures begin to ease, consumers in 2010 will once again look to the bigger picture 43
Many consumers will have drained their savings in order to survive the crisis and are concerned about the longer-term implications 43
Consumers are therefore more aware of the implications of poor saving habits and once they have found their feet can rebuild with a longer-term goal in mind. 43
Longer-term financial services schemes will come under more scrutiny as a consequence of a post-crisis perspective 43
BRIC consumers will want to take advantage of their freshly established economic leadership and ensure they are prepared to meet the challenges of the longer term. 44
TREND 9: Consumers will drop vanilla products in their search for individualism 44
INSIGHT: Personalization in FS acts as an opportunity for consumers to streamline and refine their FS package 45
Consumers see products geared to their specific needs as a priority, allowing them a ‘no frills’ approach 45
INSIGHT: Providers see personalization as a cost but it could be an opportunity for providers to be able to extract more wallet share 46
Greater individualism is already being reflected in FS rewards packages 46
TREND 10: Consumers diverge in their desires: experiential banking for bespoke issues and efficient pragmatism in their day to day banking 47
INSIGHT: The 2010 consumer is looking for an effective system to manage their finances with little fuss 48
Online banking systems must provide functionality from the outset 49
If online platforms do not meet standards then consumers have other options in the form of personal financial management systems 50
INSIGHT: Consumers will desire more from the banking experience when they head in-branch, both from the branch experience and the higher-order services on offer 51
The branch environment itself must elevate the experiential element of banking 51
2010 entrants must seize the opportunity to adopt the branches of the future today 53
THE 10 TRENDS GOING FORWARD 54
Big bank fears are
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