HONOLULU–Employees of University of Hawaii FCU have been standing around in the office like a bunch of stiffs—but for a good cause.
After several weeks of teamwork and collaboration, the credit union’s employees have unveiled a “Social Dis-Dance Mannequin Challenge” and created a four minute video displaying their skills.
“The basic concept was to show our community how we’ve incorporated social distancing, sanitization efforts, etc. in our new normal daily operations,” UHFCU said.
In the first half of the video, staff are shown a proper distance apart, wiping down surfaces, etc. The second half is a “dance” or party theme aimed at showing how strong UHFCU is and that “we can still have fun and be positive despite a challenging environment. We hope that this spirit will flow to and inspire our members and the community – stay strong and make the most of a bad situation!”
League of Southeastern CUs Says Thank You
The League of Southeastern Credit Unions & Affiliates has created a video to say thank you to all the “credit union heroes who have continued to serve members and communities during this unprecedented crisis.” The video can be found here.
Valley First Helps Local Businesses
In Modesto, Calif., Valley First Credit Union reported that through the SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) it has helped more than 140 small businesses get approved for loans, representing more than $10 million.
“With the number of small businesses in the Central Valley that did not get access to the first round of funds and local businesses seeing a reduction in revenues, increased expenses and growing concerns as to what’s to come – Valley First saw the need to get involved,” the credit unions said in a statement. “The credit union is committed to helping as many small businesses as possible and has dedicated staff working extra hours and weekends to help process PPP loans for those businesses in need.”
Added Kathryn Davis, president and CEO of Valley First, “The credit union philosophy has always been people helping people and during these challenging times, now more than ever we need to ensure that we are living that philosophy and doing all we can to help.”
Jacksonville CUs Announce Cautious Reopenings
In Jacksonville, Fla., more credit unions are announcing cautious plans to reopen their branches in states where states are permitting them to do so.
In Jacksonville, Fla., VyStar Credit Union has reopened its drive-thrus. Some branch lobbies will reopen May 18, but VyStar has not announced those locations, according to the Florida Times-Union.
Community First Credit Union has opened drive-thrus and most of its branch lobbies to limited services. But no more than five members will be allowed in the lobbies at one time, employees will be required to wear masks, and “daily deep sanitation cleaning” will be performed at each branch.
Jax Federal Credit Union said it has “limited lobby access,” according to its website, as well as services at its drive-thrus.
121 Federal Credit Union’s branches are now drive-thru and fully staffed and open regular business hours except for its Beach location, which has limited hours.
Alive Credit Union said it has reopened most its local branches, except for those that are located in hospitals. Its drive-thru facilities never closed.
Horizon FCU Updates Offerings for Small Businesses
In Williamsport, Penn., Horizon FCU said in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its effect on many small, local businesses, it has updated its product offering to provide affordable small business loans, accounts, and services.
Horizon CU said its enhancements to its small business account offerings include:
- Eliminating the monthly fee on interest-bearing small business checking accounts
- Giving small business members the ability to deposit checks through mobile banking
- Providing affordable merchant processing services, including rebates to cover the cost of the terminal and up to $150 in statement credits
- Offering low rates for small business loans and lines of credit to assist with cash flow
“Small businesses are the lifeblood of our community” said Horizon CEO Justin Howard. “This pandemic has made it difficult to generate income to pay their employees, rent, and utilities. We want to make sure we have their back during this difficult time. Many small businesses don’t currently accept card payments, and these rebates will make it easier to get started.”