MADRAS, Ore.–When the Great Eclipse of 2017 crosses North America today credit unions won’t be in the dark. Or at least not unintentionally.
Credit unions across the country, especially those in the so-called “path of totality,” have numerous related tie-ins and promotions, including at least one loan promotion that will run today only, and another that will run today only and then for less than three hours. Some have even closed their offices due to expected crowds.
The first to experience the eclipse will be those along the Oregon coast. The path of totality will then travel an arc across the country that will finally pass over South Carolina and the Atlantic. Along the way, credit unions, whether directly along the path or not, have tied in a number of tie-ins, including loan promotions.
In Madras, Ore., which has been identified as the top spot in the country to view the eclipse that will start at 10:19 a.m., Bend, Ore.-based Mid Oregon CU will close its branch here as well as in Prineville, Ore. The CU told the Northwest Credit Union Association that it is doing so due to the effect of the expected crowds on emergency response times.
In Corvallis, all Oregon State Credit Union locations plan a late opening due to expected crowds, according to the NWCUA. Similarly, in John Day, Ore., where the population is 1,600, 50,000 people are expected, and as a result Old West FCU said it is closing its branches, citing safety concerns.
In Ontario, Ore., Malheur FCU said its leadership determined that security resources are under control, and that the event offers an opportunity to share a rare experience with members, according to the NWCUA.
“We are offering our members free ice cream bars, and the convenience of being able to complete transactions as usual,” said Vonnie Paul, business development specialist told the NWCUA. “Extra security is in place. The credit union is also giving its members safety glasses to protect their eyesight during eclipse viewing.”
In Idaho, O Bee Credit Union is offering viewing glasses that it has distributed to the community.
In Los Angeles, Southland Credit Union has also given away solar eclipse viewing glasses to its members. The Los Angeles area will see the moon begin to edge into the disk of sun, peaking around 10:21 AM in a partial eclipse.
Meanwhile, in Memphis, Orion FCU said it has donated 10,000 eclipse viewing glasses to its 13 adopted schools in the greater Memphis area. These glasses, made by American Paper Optics in Bartlett, Tenn., are to be used for safe viewing of the solar eclipse, the credit union said.
The solar partial eclipse will be visible in the Mid-South area on August 21, 11:52 a.m. to 2:50 p.m. In the Mid-South, the most exciting two minutes will happen at approximately 1:23 p.m., depending on exact location in the Memphis area. In Memphis, the eclipse will be almost in totality. The sun is predicted to be approximately 94% covered by the moon.
As CUToday.info reported, two credit unions are staging special loan promotions today. Spartan Federal Credit Union will be offering an all-day personal loan special that urges consumers to “eclipse your debt.”
The personal loan with an 8.21% APR sheds light on the widely publicized solar eclipse, the credit union said. Spartan FCU said the loan is designed to help people consolidate their debt into one low monthly payment. Spartan said it is anticipating quick sales and brand awareness from this limited-time promotion.
The promotion was created by the creative agency Your Marketing Co.
In Deptford Township, N.J., South Jersey FCU will offer a loan special from 1:21 pm – 4:01 p.m. on Aug. 21 during which members can get a new auto loan at a rate of only .99% APR for 38 months. Personal loans will be at 3.8% APR for 24 months, the credit union said.
The offer is designed to last as long as the eclipse, two hours and 40 minutes. Applications must be submitted in-person at any South Jersey Federal Credit Union branch.
SJFCU said it also has the sold-out glasses that are needed to safely view the Total Solar Eclipse.