DULUTH, Ga.–Seeking to “better illustrate the credit union story,” Georgia Credit Union Affiliates has created a booklet that “shows ways credit unions help people afford life.”
The booklet follows a statewide contest run in the Fall of 2016 by the GCUA in which CU staff members submitted written accounts of some of the ways they’ve helped members. More than 100 entries were received, with one grand prize winner chosen and nine of the stories included in the member story booklet.
“Credit unions are known for helping people make good financial decisions every day, but there’s more to the relationships credit unions have with members,” said Mike Mercer, president and CEO of GCUA. “These stories are not just examples of employees going above and beyond. They’re examples of motivated and compassionate professionals who live out credit unions’ purpose by helping people afford life in concrete, meaningful ways.”
The stories in the member story booklet came from around the state, including one from HALLCO Community Credit Union based in Gainesville.
Sherry Hutchison, executive vice president at HALLCO Community Credit Union, who submitted one of the stories featured in the book, said, “Sometimes there are opportunities that present themselves where we can literally influence someone’s life in a meaningful way…That is the Credit Union difference. Sometimes the whole story is much more important than one number. It’s helping our community – helping our people.”
The seeds for the story collection efforts were sown with the annual “Helping People Afford Life” impact outreach report, which GCUA reported it produces each spring. The report contains detailed survey data from Georgia credit unions regarding services and community outreach activities.
The GCUA said the stories have spawned an ongoing video series and have been featured in International Credit Union Day promotions. Click here to view the Helping People Afford Life member story booklet.