Dow Credit Union and STARS Team Up to Celebrate Financial Awareness Day with Free Rides and Financial Education

Midland, Michigan – Dow Credit Union is partnering with Saginaw Transit Authority Regional Services (STARS) to host Money on the Move—a dynamic financial wellness event offering free bus rides and hands-on financial education in celebration of National Financial Awareness Day.

“Our goal is to make financial education both accessible and actionable for everyone in our community,” said Alayna Gant, Director of Marketing and Community Relations at Dow Credit Union. “By teaming up with STARS and bringing our event to their riders, we’re removing barriers—whether it’s transportation or financial knowledge—so residents can get where they need to go and take meaningful steps toward building their financial confidence.”

Money on the Move will take place on Thursday, August 14, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the STARS Plaza, located at 615 Johnson St., Saginaw, Michigan. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with Dow Credit Union financial experts at interactive stations covering topics such as budgeting, credit scores, lending, and the benefits of checking and savings accounts. Free resources—including a financial literacy booklet, giveaways, and a chance to win special prizes—will also be available to attendees.

As part of the celebration, all STARS’ riders across Saginaw County will enjoy complimentary bus service throughout the day, making it easier for individuals and families to participate and access essential financial tools.

“At Dow Credit Union, we believe financial well-being starts with access—access to knowledge, resources, and even transportation,” said Michael Goad, President and CEO of Dow Credit Union. “By offering free bus service during this event, we’re helping eliminate barriers so people can connect with the tools they need to build financial stability. It’s through partnerships like this—with STARS and our community—that we can make a lasting impact and empower more people to thrive.”

STARS vehicles travel an impressive 1.5 million miles each year, connecting over 3,300 riders daily to work, medical appointments, shopping, and school. Their LIFT service plays a crucial role in the community, providing essential transportation for more than 48,000 seniors and individuals with disabilities annually.

“At STARS, we believe that access is opportunity,” said Amy Bidwell, Executive Director of Saginaw Transit Authority Regional Services. “Whether it’s a ride to a job interview, a doctor’s appointment, or an event like this one, transportation connects people to the resources they need to thrive. Partnering with Dow Credit Union on Financial Awareness Day allows us to extend that access even further—helping our riders take meaningful steps toward greater financial independence and stability.”

Elton Brooks, Dow Credit Union’s Chief Retail and Lending Officer and a 2024 graduate of Leadership Saginaw, has been actively working to expand financial resource access throughout the community. “Our mission is to be Multipliers for Good,” said Brooks. “When we help people, that help ripples across communities. Financial education is one of the most powerful ways we can empower individuals and families—it multiplies in ways we could never predict, reaching across cultures, generations, and neighborhoods.