CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa—After winds of more than 140 miles per hour ripped three HVAC units from the roof of its main office here, and delivered minor damage its four other locations, Linn Area CU was up and running at virtually all of its locations in days, reports CEO Jenny Lorenz.
“It was quite a storm last week,” said Lorenz. “It was not a tornado, it was a derecho.”
A derecho is a widespread, long-lived, straight-line wind storm that is associated with a fast-moving group of severe thunderstorms. Derechos can cause hurricane-force winds, tornadoes, heavy rains, and flash floods. The derecho destroyed more than 10-milion acres of crops.
“It really did some damage to our main office,” said Lorenz. “Not only were the HVAC units blown off, parts of the roof were ripped open and we have water damage inside.”
That office finally reopened this week, serving members via the drive-thru said Lorenz.
“Fortunately, we have been able to serve members through all of it, despite widespread loss of power and communication in this area,” said Lorenz, who noted that once the storm passed and the CU switched back on its services the credit union was serving members electronically at that point. “But we have backup generators where needed and contingency plans in place to provide emergency generators. No staff members were hurt, however, there are a lot of team members who have had extensive damage to their homes.”
And that goes for members as well. Lorenz said the credit union has stepped in with emergency assistance loans to help those in need.
“The entire community, in general, needs support,” Lorenz told CUToday.info this week as she drove through the city looking for remaining street signs and landmarks to navigate her way back to the credit union. “The devastation is tremendous. Tree removal needs are massive. And homeowners insurance doesn’t cover that unless the tree is on your house. Then lots of people have damage to their homes and vehicles. It is going to be a challenge to get adjusters and construction people lined up as the demand is monumental.”
Lorenz said most homes and businesses in the area have power back.
“But there are still many without power,” she said. “We have power back now in four of our five locations. I’m currently spending most of my days with contractors dealing with cleanup and job orders to get things fixed. The list is long, I’m afraid. But we’ll get there. We’re making progress every day and are serving members as normal.”
Communities 'Devastated'
In Ottumwa, Iowa, Community 1st CU was impacted by the storm.
“Our Cedar Rapids and Grinnell branches are finally up and running, but their communities are devastated,” said VP of Marketing Anne Hagen. “We’ve put together a disaster relief loan program to help members.”
Hagan said the credit union has been pooling local resources to find out who has been affected by the high winds and rain.
“We still have staff who are left without power and Internet connection,” Hagan said.
Veridian CU, AT&T Offer Relief
The storm that flattened 10 million acres of corn and soybean crops, damaged grain elevators and leveled banks, churches and homes and caused millions of dollars of damage has led AT&T and Veridian Credit Union to team up on a $40,000 donation to Iowa Community Action Partnership to bring support to those hit hardest by the storm. Iowa Community Action Agencies will use this contribution to address unmet needs other programs cannot provide to assist those most in need, Veridian stated.
“We’re thankful for Iowa Community Action Agencies and humbled to help them provide assistance to those most critically in need,” said Dustin Blythe, director-external affairs, AT&T Iowa. “We know how devastating this storm was and the severe damage that it left in its wake.”
“The recent derecho created widespread damage and immediate need in our communities,” said Veridian’s President and CEO Renee Christoffer. “Community Action Agencies across Iowa are providing critical support, and we’re grateful to partner with AT&T on a donation to help meet the unprecedented demand for their services.”