Doing good inside and outside of the credit union

Cornerstone League recognizes member credit unions’ news about their growth, expansion, and community endeavors to exemplify the “people helping people” philosophy.

Education First FCU opens sleek new branch in Lumberton

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Beaumont, Texas-based Education First Federal Credit Union hosted a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for its newest branch in Lumberton. The 7,200 square foot branch is conveniently located at 199 S. LHS Drive, on the corner of FM 421 and Highway 69.

The Lumberton branch is a highly anticipated addition to the community and includes a modern design and interactive teller machines (ITMs) that allow members to independently conduct an expanded range of banking transactions like loan payments, account transfers, and more, or opt for the remote assistance of a live member service representative via video. Two ITMs are located inside the branch and three additional drive-up ITMs are located outside the branch. After hours, the ITMs can be used as a traditional ATM for deposits and withdrawals.

Members can also consult with in-branch employees who serve as universal bankers. This model of staffing allows a single employee to comprehensively assist a member with all their needs. These employees are specially trained and equipped to handle a wide range of banking tasks and can manage sensitive financial customer requests from beginning to end.

“Our Lumberton branch was built with convenience top-of-mind, based on feedback from our membership,” said Kevin Conn, president and CEO. “Our members told us that they wanted a way to streamline their tasks and reduce transaction time. ITMs are a perfect model for this as members can self-serve, yet still interact with live tellers at any time during business hours.”

Wealth Management and Mortgage services are also available at the Lumberton branch.

Included within the design for the building is an employee training room that will also serve as a community meeting room. Education First FCU cares deeply about its community and members and wanted to create an area within the branch that would accommodate community groups and organizations and groups that lack meeting space of their own. The space can operate fully independent of the branch itself, making it the perfect addition for the Lumberton community.

Oklahoma Central Foundation sponsors reality fairs for classrooms, nonprofits, and community

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The Oklahoma Central Foundation is sponsoring BALANCEDLife Reality Fairs in the Tulsa area. The reality fairs are aimed to help classrooms, nonprofits, and business partners expand the financial health of their students, community, and employees. The Foundation serves to help members of Oklahoma Central Credit Union and members of the community become financially empowered, supporting the credit union philosophy of “people helping people.”

Reality fairs are budget-based simulations for the classroom or other groups. Each participant receives a scenario that includes aspects of adult life including occupations and incomes. Participants will navigate adulthood by making choices on housing, transportation, food, clothing, and other expenses.

The BALANCEDLife Reality Fair aligns with the national financial literacy standards set around decision making, earning an income, saving, and buying goods and services.

In partnership with Oklahoma Central Credit Union employees, the Foundation has presented seven reality fairs and will present reality fairs to the students at Booker T. Washington, in Tulsa, on April 2 and 3, 2024.

For more information or to schedule a BALANCEDLife Reality Fair, contact Leah Bowles at lbowles@occu.org.

Century Credit Union staff swept up in a tide of gratitude during Employee Appreciation Week

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St. Louis-based Century Credit Union said what began as a single day of recognition has blossomed into a full week of heartfelt celebrations known as Employee Appreciation Week for the past three years, with management going above and beyond to honor hardworking staff in 2024.

This year's festivities, held during the last week of February, surpassed all expectations. Each day was filled with delightful surprises, as staff were treated to thoughtful gifts, sweet treats, and four delicious meals. The week was punctuated by engaging activities, including trivia games tailored to showcase the unique personalities of the employees.

Accountant Christa Boshers expressed excitement about the trivia games, noting how they sparked lively conversations among colleagues.

The week’s culinary offerings ventured beyond the usual fare. Monday saw the savory embrace of Olive Garden Restaurant's Lasagna Classico and Fettucine Alfredo dishes, while Tuesday dawned with a breakfast spread courtesy of Panera Bread Restaurant. Wednesday showcased a vibrant fiesta of tacos and nachos from Qboba Mexican Restaurant, and Thursday greeted staff with the comforting warmth of Burger King's hot breakfast sandwiches and crispy tater tots.

In addition to these daily delights, the credit union hosted an after-hours event at a local sports pub and grill, and later outfitted staff with stylish polo shirts for a fresh new look.

From start to finish, Employee Appreciation Week at Century Credit Union was a testament to the organization's commitment to valuing and uplifting its dedicated workforce.

_{Among employees enjoying the Mexican fiesta was Lynne Bova, a member service representative.}

_{After being treated to meals the first four days of Employee Appreciation Week, staff received a gift
card to local eating establishments or a department store on the fifth day, plus drinks and appetizers
after work. Gift cards were also awarded as prizes to the trivia game winners.}