NEWARK, N.J., Sept. 15, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- With their ability to turn obstacles into opportunities, Special Olympics athletes are an inspiration to millions of people around the globe -- including John Siracusa, who credits them with helping him win his fight against life-threatening illness. Now the New Jersey entrepreneur and founder of #BankSocial, the only conference dedicated to helping the banking industry use social media to rebuild positive connections within their communities, is giving back to these Special Olympics athletes: Siracusa has pledged a percentage of proceeds from #BankSocial to Special Olympics New Jersey.
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"Nothing great in life is easy, but Special Olympics athletes show us how to accomplish great things with heart and sheer determination," Siracusa said. "I'm honored to be affiliated with them. In one of the darkest times of my life, Special Olympics athletes served as an inspiration to keep fighting, and it's time to give back."
One year ago, doctors discovered two tumors in Siracusa's brain that required emergency surgery, after he suffered from a bout of pneumonia. The tumors brought upon many debilitating ailments for Siracusa, and he was left immobile - unable to walk and care for himself on his own. He endured a long and difficult recovery, but by the time his condition improved, Siracusa was sure of his purpose: to help people and businesses make deep and lasting connections, specifically in the post-crash retail banking industry. To that end, Siracusa created #BankSocial, the conference that helps banks and credit unions effectively use social media to focus not just on compliance, but on people. Slated for April 7th and 8th, 2016 in Newark, #BankSocial was created by banking and social marketing experts to bring the two worlds together in a way that makes sense to banks and helps to build the consumer trust that was shattered in the recession.
"I hope the partnership between #BankSocial and Special Olympics New Jersey teaches our audience that anything is possible, especially building a powerful social media brand," said Siracusa. "Banks and credit unions really represent the final frontier in social media. #BankSocial is designed to put social media to use for the retail banking industry in a way that is authentic and benefits both banker and consumer."
As a way to thank the organization whose work ultimately helped lift his spirits during the fight of his life and showed the father of two that even the most devastating setbacks can be overcome, Siracusa will donate a percentage of the profits from #BankSocial to Special Olympics New Jersey.
"We are pleased to be chosen as the beneficiary of the upcoming 2016 #BankSocial Conference", said Heather Andersen, President & CEO of Special Olympics New Jersey. "We look forward to the opportunity to showcase the talent and determination of our athletes through the power of social media leading up to and during the conference. Each one of our 25,000 athletes across New Jersey has their own story of how participating in sport has helped to empower them on and off the playing fields."
About #BankSocial
#BankSocial is more than a conference: It's a movement. #BankSocial will launch the retail banking industry into the future by teaching banks and credit unions of all sizes nationwide how to use social media to communicate powerfully, effectively, and authentically. Registration is open now for the April 2016 #BankSocial event. Learn more at http://banksocialmediaconference.com.
Contact:
John Siracusa
#BankSocial
201-941-1458 ext. 709
Email
http://banksocialmediaconference.com
About Special Olympics New Jersey
Special Olympics New Jersey provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in 24 Olympic-type sports for more than 25,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities, completely free of charge, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. Visit www.sonj.org for more information.
Special Olympics New Jersey Contact:
Carrie Gildea
Director of Marketing & Communications
(609) 896-8000, ext. 297
Email
www.sonj.org
SOURCE #BankSocial
Related Links
http://banksocialmediaconference.com
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