TAMPA, Fla.– Suncoast CU is celebrating reaching one-million members with first-quarter-long campaign that includes “Thanks-a-Million Thursdays, a pop-up event that will occur every Thursday at all branches, as part of its “One-Million Reasons to Celebrate” campaign.
Suncoast said it has become one of only 10 credit unions in the United States to hit the million-member milestone.
“This achievement is important to Suncoast, as it marks a larger group of members that will benefit from credit union membership,” the credit union stated, adding it helps members save for their “best financial lives” through tangible savings: approximately $117 million in direct financial benefits to its members in 2021 alone, averaging $250 in annual savings per household compared to those banking with traditional financial institutions, according to CUNA data.
The one-millionth member, Ferzeda Richardson, who joined at Suncoast’s Big Bend Service Center in Riverview, Fla., received a personal welcome from President/CEO Kevin Johnson, who congratulated her on her unique status and presented her with a $1,000 check.
To celebrate all of the members who came before Richardson, Suncoast said it is launching a “One Million Reasons to Celebrate” campaign. The quarter-long event will include Thanks-a-Million Thursdays; a pop-up event that will occur every Thursday at all branches. The weekly in-branch celebrations will run from January 20 - March 31 and include refreshments, giveaways and raffles. The celebration will also include other exciting offers like a refer-a-friend rewards programs for new and existing members.
‘Exciting Milestone’
“This is an exciting milestone in Suncoast’s 88 year history, made possible by the 2,100 team members who are dedicated to serving our members every day,” said Kevin Johnson, president and CEO, Suncoast Credit Union. “Suncoast isn’t set apart because of the size of its membership alone. We stand out because of the service and culture that got us there,” Johnson added.
Suncoast was founded in 1934 by nine local educators who believed that teachers deserved financial products and services that fit their needs as public servants. Today, Suncoast is the largest credit union in Florida, has 75 branch locations, and is one of the largest not-for-profit employers in the Tampa Bay area, with more than 2,100 team members.
Since its earliest beginnings, Suncoast has been dedicated to giving back to the community. The Suncoast Credit Union Foundation was founded in 1990 to support the health, education, and emotional well-being of children in the communities the credit union serves. Each time a Suncoast member uses their debit or credit card, the credit union donates two cents to the Foundation. Since its inception, the Foundation has donated more than $32 million.