Honoring its Founder's Vision of Making a Difference
UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA graduate the late Marvis B. Roberts, Sr., was truly a man who made a difference in the lives of many residents of North Central Florida. Decades ago, he was inspired to create a financial institution where his friends, family and fellow employees could come together to help each other achieve their financial dreams. Today, his institution and his vision live on at SunState Federal Credit Union.
Roberts, a former employee of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), had a problem one day in 1957. On a trip to Washington, D.C., he was looking to cash a check. Rather than leading him to a bank, a stranger directed him to a credit union for help. Roberts was impressed with the cooperative- style atmosphere and friendliness he encountered. In the late ’50s, the idea of cooperative financial institutions was still in the early stages, as the original National Credit Union Act had only been passed into law a few years earlier. However, Roberts brought the innovative idea of starting a credit union back to Gainesville.
Once back home, Roberts began the process that would create Florida USDA Federal Credit Union. With the help of fellow employees and an initial deposit of $5 each from the original 10 charter members, they soon had the credit union up and running. Understanding the importance of people pooling their money to provide loans at the best possible rates, Roberts strived for much more. He organized the cooperative as a non-profit organization with a volunteer board, which allowed the credit union to offer better rates than a traditional bank that paid profits to stockholders. As a member-governed credit union, business decisions would be based on the best interests of the membership, as opposed to the best interests of a few stockholders. Profits would be returned back to the members in the form of lower rates and more benefits.
The idea worked, and over the years, the credit union’s field of membership expanded so that now anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school in Alachua, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist or Levy counties can join. In 1993, Florida USDA Federal Credit Union changed its name to SunState Federal Credit Union. From total initial start-up funding of just $50 put up by 10 charter members, SunState has now grown assets to over $150 million and represents over 25,000 members. Although Roberts passed away in 1999, his dream lives on through the continued prosperity of his credit union. The staff is still the friendliest you’ll find and true to its roots, and the credit union is still all about people helping people.
SunState has one of the highest employee-to-member ratios of any credit union in the country because they are committed to customer service. This service-oriented “domino effect” begins with how SunState treats its employees. Many employees and volunteer board members have given over 20, 30, even 40 years of service to the community through their work at the credit union. Employees are encouraged to grow, learn and achieve their goals both personally and professionally. SunState knows that happy employees are a crucial step in providing excellent customer service to its members.
“You can get an idea of how a company treats its customers – or in our case, members – by how they treat their own family of staff. SunState considers its employees a valuable asset,” said Robert Hart, vice president of marketing. “People come and they stay. This is because SunState values people— staff and members. Over 40 percent of our staff has been here over five years, and over 20 percent have been here longer than 10 years. Many of our volunteer board members have also been with us for a long time, some up to 40 years.”
Cassandra Davis, Sun- State’s accounting supervisor, recently celebrated 30 years as a member of Team SunState.
“Thanks for helping me celebrate my 30th anniversary,” she said. “It’s a joy to work with caring people like you. SunState is a great place to work. Thank you.”
As a visionary, Marvin Roberts succeeded in creating a business where members benefit through cooperation and succeed in achieving their financial goals. If financial success and security is your personal vision, consider joining SunState. As a member, you will receive the same personal friendly service other SunState members have enjoyed for decades, and you’ll have a dedicated staff of caring employees, partners who help you reach your financial goals.
SunState membership is open to anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school in Alachua, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist or Levy counties. Visit one of SunState’s locations or call 352- 381-5200 for further information. Membership applications and more information are also available online at www.sunstatefcu.org. Membership rules apply. G