HAMPTON, Va.–Hampton Roads Educators’ Credit Union (HRECU) is celebrating its 65th anniversary. The financial institution was formed when several educators saw the need for a financial institution that could assist school employees. These visionaries came together, and under the direction of Laura W. Twyford, the Hampton Education Association Credit Union was chartered on March 10, 1954.
The treasurer, Mr. Dick Gibson, operated mostly out of the trunk of his car. At that time, the credit union was set up in a broom closet at Hampton High School until 1977 when the credit union relocated to 2130 Cunningham Drive in Hampton, the credit union said.
“Sixty-five years is something to be proud of,” stated HRECU CEO Karen F. Orie. “To think, we started in the trunk of a car, moved to a broom closet at Hampton High School, and look at us now, located in the center of Hampton with assets topping more than $32 million.”
The credit union said over the past 65 years many things have changed, but one thing that has remained constant is member service and value to the community. Exemplifying the “people helping people” philosophy, HRECU noted it is involved in numerous community programs, sponsorships and charitable giving programs, including Habitat for Humanity, the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank, the Center for Child and Family Services and Hampton City Schools Race for the Stage.
“Thank you to the HRECU Board of Directors and our dedicated employees, both current and past who have helped bring us to 65 years of service to our members; we couldn’t have done it without you,” said Cornelious Chambliss, HRECU Board Chairman.