Credit union notes steady growth, remodeling and more

Holyoke Community Federal Credit Union’s annual meeting took place Tuesday, March 22, and meeting attendees heard reports and updates on the credit union and enjoyed the fun as 50 members were drawn to participate in spinning the wheel for a prize or enter the money machine.

Following a meal served by Happy Jacks Barbeque, Chairman Corey Zeiler called the meeting to order.

Zeiler thanked the board of directors and supervisory committee for volunteering and commended their dedication to the strength and safety of the credit union.

Zeiler said the credit union has had steady growth in retained earnings since 2016 and ended 2021 with the largest asset size to date. Zeiler thanked the members for their loyalty and recognized those who have achieved the 50-year membership milestone.

President’s report includes remodel project, technology upgrades

Randy Hale then delivered the president’s report, saying it was nice to meet in person again since last year’s annual meeting was held virtually.

He said the past two years have been very busy. Immediately following the last in-person meeting in 2020, precautions due to COVID-19 shut most of the country down, and safety and well-being were the focus for many months.  

Throughout the COVID-19 safety measures, the credit union remained open and attentive to the needs of its members. Although measures were taken to protect their staff, their concentration was always on making members feel welcome.

Hale commended the staff for doing a great job and making sure things went as smoothly as possible from start to finish at the annual meeting, which he said is a very important event that helps to show appreciation to their members.

Hale reviewed the remodel that began in March 2021. The building had developed some problems over the years, and maintaining the previous interior design was going to be very costly. The decision to invest in a more modern look was not taken lightly but was determined to be the most sensible choice.  

The branch office in Imperial, Nebraska, also received an updated look for the front of the building and is awaiting new signage.

The decision was made to switch to a new software provider effective June 30, 2021. The credit union separated from the partnership with FISERV CUSA and aligned with CMC Flex out of Sandy, Utah.

Flex took over most of the processing needs, but not all. The credit union still utilizes other vendors for debit card services, prepaid card services and bill pay services. The most visible upgrades for the membership are the new online and mobile banking efficiencies.

Hale said the credit union does its best to stay at the leading edge with technology and services provided to its members. More new services are soon to be implemented with no additional cost to the membership, including instant-issue debit cards and online membership applications, just to name a few.

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