A Family Credit Re-Union
The Family Tree
Some consider SunState not just a “Federal Credit Union,” but a “Family Credit Re-Union”, as well. Why? Well, unlike many other lending institutions, SunState isn’t just about money; it’s about people too. SunState’s philosophy and daily operations revolve around the concept of “family and friends.” In addition, SunState brings together people who share a “common connection”-- they are all shareholders and, therefore, owners of this community credit union.
By National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) definition, SunState’s core field of membership and common connection revolves around community: eligibility rules apply, but, basically, anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in Alachua, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, or Levy Counties in Florida may join. While this definition works great for NCUA, SunState’s members know SunState represents much more than just people who live in a certain area. For many members, SunState represents someone willing to listen. For others, SunState represents a second chance. Still for others, SunState’s lower loan rates have meant the difference between a great deal that may not have gone through, and one that did.
As SunState “family members,” you and yours will be able to appreciate the many, many benefits current members are already enjoying such as extensive and advanced electronic account access via phone or PC, best-of-market auto loan rates, and the satisfied feeling of doing business with a group of people who will actually listen and take action to resolve any problems.
Your Family’s VISA cards
Why should you choose SunState over the “big banks” when choosing a credit card company? Well, rates starting as low as 8.49%APR with no annual fee is a start. And, of course, SunState is more flexible than the “big banks” with first-time credit card holders and their families. Today it is also more important than ever to consolidate your business--especially your loan, credit card and check card business--with one institution you can trust to maintain security at the highest possible levels.
So, SunState has the rates and the flexibility, but what about the trust? Does SunState actually go the extra mile to protect members? You bet. For example, this past summer, thieves acquired a large database of credit card numbers from a national transaction processing company. This compromised thousands of credit card and check card numbers across the country. Unlike some banks, SunState took immediate action. SunState shut down any compromised member cards, changed account numbers, and quickly sent out new cards. Sure, it cost significant funds to resolve this problem, but that just goes to show how committed SunState is to protecting members from fraud. (Many people who hold cards issued by the “big banks” probably still don’t realize someone could be using their information to commit fraud.) So, when the question is, “Why choose SunState as your credit card company over the ‘big banks’?” The answer should be, “Why on earth would you not choose an institution that really takes care of its cardholders?”
Once you establish or continue your credit with a SunState Visa®, the support doesn’t stop there. You can make payments to your SunState VISA® credit card anywhere and anytime with SunState's Online VISA® Pay. What could be safer or more convenient? Also, SunState provides programs and information on helping you and your family protect your identity and your good credit rating. And, always, if you should experience problems with your card, such as having it lost or stolen, it is comforting to know that you can “call home” 24 hours a day, seven days a week and talk to a real person right away.
Your Family’s Financial Future
SunState can also help you strategically plan for your future, as well as that of your family. As you may know, it's never too early to begin financial planning. For young savers, SunState’s traditional and Roth Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) are a perfect fit, as is the Fresh Start checking program. SunState IRA’s are federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration, so there is no risk as your IRA grows. Do you want more IRA information? SunState’s IRA consultations are no-pressure and very professional and informative. For an IRA consultation, just call the credit union for an appointment. SunState’s IRA consultants can also tell you how to maximize the benefit you receive from the credit union with SunState’s competitive yields on share accounts and the Member Rewards program. SunState makes IRAs easy to set up, build upon, and gives you strategies for higher rates of return. For example, you can make regular automatic payments to an IRA through a convenient payroll deduction. You may also benefit by making a direct transfer from an existing IRA or qualified pension plan. In addition, traditional and Roth IRA funds may be placed in any share certificate for a higher rate of return.
SunState’s IRA consultations are no-pressure and very professional and informative. Just as important to your family’s financial future as saving, is maintaining and improving your credit rating score. SunState can help many ways. If you have had credit “issues” in the past, visit the credit union and ask about a credit repair loan or a secured VISA card. Both are designed to help members with a fresh start toward a good, solid credit rating. Additionally, SunState offers free workshops (to area businesses and school groups) on a variety of topics, one of which is how to build and maintain a good credit rating. Any group can request a workshop.
Just contact Jordan Hagen at (386) 462-4686 to schedule a time to visit with your group free of charge.
The Extended Family
If SunState’s immediate and core family unit is the membership, then the extended family includes our communities as a whole. While SunState’s first priority is to serve and protect members within the boundaries of the financial services industry, service to its communities is not far behind.
This spring, SunState held its Second Annual Grand Prix Road Race at the University of Florida to raise funds for the United Way. Over the past two years, SunState has spearheaded an effort to move unused sporting equipment out of closets and attics and into the hands of at-risk and special needs youth (This is an ongoing project, contact Robert Hart at the credit union if you have some equipment you would like to donate). In September of this year, SunState initiated the first Alachua County Golf Scramble Championship to raise money for Special Olympics. Three years ago, in the Fall, the credit union realized there was no Punt, Pass, and Kick competition held in this area for the general public, so the credit union now hosts the event annually. Each year, SunState employees put together Easter baskets for special needs children. There are many other projects SunState and SunState employees are involved in, but you get the idea – SunState treats our communities just like one big family Re-Union.
According to Robert Hart, vice president – marketing, “Our staff is the most caring bunch of people that does more for this community and for our members than any other group I have ever been involved with. It’s like they all thrive on making a difference with individual members, and then with the community as well. I can’t put into words how proud I am of our staff, our credit union, and our credit union’s efforts to make Gainesville and the surrounding areas a better place for everybody. Isn’t that what being a community credit union is all about?”
SunState Federal Credit Union is making North Central Florida a better place to live, one member, one community event at a time. Whether it is caring for your family’s immediate or future financial needs or helping with the needs of the community, SunState is your one trusted financial partner.G
Call Robert Hart at 386-462-3900 ext. 5485 for information. Or stop by any SunState branch for membership information or online at www.sunstatefcu.org.