Credit Unions Build Legacies in Their Communities

Cornerstone League recognizes member credit unions for their growth and community endeavors to exemplify the “people helping people” philosophy.

Endurance FCU Opens New Corporate Building

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Duncan, Okla.-based Endurance Federal Credit Union announced the completion and grand opening of its new corporate building, marking a significant milestone in the organization’s growth and commitment to the community. The project, which began in 2018, reached completion in September.

Structure First served as the owner representative for this project, overseeing the acquisition of land, surveying, bidding, and ensuring that the architectural vision remained on track and within budget.

“The path to this moment has certainly had its challenges, as we embarked on this transformative journey,” said CEO Chris Bower. “Each twist and turn has only strengthened our resolve to create a space that embodies our commitment to our members and the community. Together with Structure First, we are not just building a new facility; we are laying the foundation for the future of Endurance Federal Credit Union.”

The new headquarters features an impressive 25-foot glass tower at the front entry, prominently displaying the Endurance FCU logo. The facility includes modern office spaces, conference rooms, a call center, and an essential community room.

“We recognize that our success is intertwined with the well-being of the community we serve,” said Bower. “Our commitment to community engagement will remain at the forefront of our mission, ensuring that we continue to support the needs of our members as we grow together.”

Over 300 Texas Trust Employees Volunteer at Mission Arlington

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Mission Arlington was the beneficiary of Texas Trust Credit Union’s all-hands community service project this year. More than 300 Texas Trust employees from around the Dallas/Fort Worth area collectively volunteered their time and talent to help the Arlington ministry for a day. They helped restock the food pantry, sort and organize the clothes closet, and tend to general maintenance and other tasks.

In addition to the employees’ volunteer service, the credit union’s Community Unity team presented a $10,000 check to Tillie Burgin (“Miss Tillie”), founder of Mission Arlington. The donation was a combination of personal employee contributions and a corporate contribution from the credit union.

“Since 2014, we have assembled annually as a team to do something positive for the community,” said Jim Minge, CEO of Texas Trust Credit Union. “It is a great way to build camaraderie and live out our industry motto of people helping people.”

Miss Tillie was also the lunchtime speaker, telling the credit union employees that their efforts would help a lot of people during a time of incredible need. She shared how much this partnership meant to Mission Arlington and the people they serve, expressing gratitude to Texas Trust and every team member.

“The connection we made with so many beautiful people on this day encouraged us and builds on the legacy of a long partnership with the Texas Trust family that will last long past this one opportunity,” said Dr. Jim Burgin, director of communications for Mission Arlington. “We are truly grateful.”

Mission Arlington has fed, clothed, mentored, and nurtured the hearts and spirits of those in need since 1986.

Greater Texas | Aggieland Wins Three MAC Awards

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The Marketing Association of Credit Unions (MAC) presented Greater Texas | Aggieland Credit Union with three awards at its annual conference in Hollywood.

A gold award honored Greater Texas’ internal branding initiative for its newly launched GuidePoint learning platform. The system’s user interface was redesigned to help improve efficiencies and make it easier for employees to do their jobs.

Greater Texas received a second gold award for its Little Locker campaign. The Little Lockers make books more accessible to students in three elementary schools in the underserved community of Manor, Texas, to help them strengthen their reading skills. Within a nine-month period, the Little Lockers were visited more than 5,500 times, double the average access rate compared to book lockers in other communities.

Greater Texas’ subsidiary, Aggieland Credit Union in College Station, received a silver MAC award for its Anglers TV commercial. The humorous ad promoting Aggieland’s hassle-free, no-hooks checking accounts brought in more than 2,500 new accounts, 34% more than the campaign goal.

“It is nice to see the team’s hard work pay off with this kind of recognition,” said Sidney Henderson, vice president of marketing at Greater Texas | Aggieland Credit Union. “We strive to continuously deliver top-tier campaigns that help grow and position the credit union for success.”