Banks respond to recession with unique offers, education to aid customers.

The following are three examples of how bank marketers are responding to the recession:

VIST Financial Corp., Wyomissing, Pa. has offered low-interest mortgages to qualified homebuyers who purchase new homes with local home builders who are clients of VIST. The initiative, which is intended to stimulate the regional economy, will be offered through the company's mortgage division, VIST Mortgage. The bank has committed up to $40 million to offer 30-year fixed-rate mortgages at 3.99 percent APR to creditworthy borrowers purchasing primary residences.

Bank of the West, San Francisco, offered an incentive to encourage customers to spend in their neighborhoods. Through June 19, the bank gave $100 through a statement credit to each individual who opened a new checking account with money new to the bank and direct deposit of at least $250.

Umpqua Bank, Roseburg, Ore., is showcasing real-life examples of people changing their financial futures. The campaign, which combines radio and online advertising along with community-based events and an interactive microsite, follows three savings "heroes" through their journeys to reach individual savings goals. The goals, budgets, successes and challenges of each "hero" will be self-documented on www.savehardspendsmart.com.

Additionally, the bank's new "Save Hard Spend Smart" initiative invites the public to participate in changing their savings and spending habits by providing free financial planning resources and forums to interact with the bank and its savings "heroes" online.