Through an ongoing partnership with the State Employees Association of North Carolina (SEANC), State Employees' Credit Union (SECU) has just begun its 2012 seasonal discount theme park ticket program.

It will run through Sept 28. This season, members can purchase tickets to the following parks through any of SECU's 241 statewide branches: Busch Gardens, Carowinds, Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park, Kings Dominion, Myrtle Waves, NASCAR Speedpark, Pavilion Nostalgia Park and Wet'nWild Emerald Pointe.

SECU began its theme park ticket program with SEANC more than 10 years ago, with SEANC handling price negotiations with the parks and SECU serving as the statewide distribution network. Proceeds from the consignment ticket program help SEANC fund its efforts to improve the lives of North Carolina's state employees.

"The discount theme park ticket program is a longtime member favorite at SECU," said Leigh Brady, SECU senior vice president of education services. "2011 was a record year, with nearly 100,000 tickets sold totaling more than $3.2 million.

"Sales continue to increase year after year, confirming the good value these tickets offer to local attractions. As fuel costs continue to escalate, many members are opting for one- or two-day trips to area parks as a more affordable alternative to expensive destinations. SECU is happy to offer this valued program in partnership with SEANC, and we look forward to serving many members through the 2012 program."