It’s A Warm,Welcome Approach At SunState Federal Credit Union’s Main Branch in Gainesville
A warm and caring approach to the servicing of members is the top priority at SunState Federal Credit Union’s Main Branch in downtown Gainesville. It is all about the establishment of long-term relationships with members, who, for 51 years have chosen SunState as their safe, sound and trusted financial partner.
“We truly have the best interests of our members at heart,” Branch Manager Deborah Richardson said. “We help members understand and build their credit, and we help them reach their financial goals and dreams.”
There is a great sense of cooperation among the professional, positive and upbeat 11-member team at the Main Branch. With a 12-year career in the financial services industry, Richardson emphasizes the importance of a “team work approach” to servicing of members. “Over the years, our caring, member service-attitude is the one thing that sets us apart. This is the one thing that gives us the opportunity to have a successful year like we have had this year.”
At SunState, communication is quick and easy, and the employees, who are also members, make dealing with personal finances understandable. “At SunState we help people make wise decisions about their money,” Richardson said.
Richardson, who lives in Newberry with her daughter and three grandchildren, grew up in a military family and has traveled all over the world. She attended elementary school in Bermuda and high school in Germany. She has a tremendous understanding and perspective of people from other countries and cultures.
SunState is an outstanding financial institution for members and for small business owners, alike. Richardson’s background in sales and service, as a former owner of two businesses, enables her to relate well to the small business owners seeking financial advice. “As a former business owner, I can relate to them and understand their needs. I’ve been in their shoes. It’s important for small business owners to know that they will find many advantages at SunState, and our fees and rates are very competitive.”
Richardson, through SunState, is a member of the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce, and she is very involved in the Lions Club, having served as a former president of the Lions Club of Chiefland. She previously served as manager of SunState’s Chiefland branch.
Richardson also manages the VA Branch on Archer Road. “We care deeply about our veterans. They are very important to us, and we take a lot of pride in the servicing of our members at the VA Branch,” she said.
With a 16-year career at Sun- State, Member Service Representative Sharon Detweiler said Sun- State has remained in good shape financially because a knowledgeable team works hard to protect the interests of members and continues to find innovative ways to offer better products and services.
“We always treat people like they are a person, not a number. Personal attention to each and every member is very important to us,” Detweiler said. “We take extra steps to make sure that the needs of members are met.”
Member Service Representative Alberta Snead said: “We offer members a personal touch for each relationship. All of our members are treated in this way. There is never a rush to get something done. We stay in constant contact with members, holding their hand all the way through.”
Member Service Representative Jaclyn Rebstock said the team’s friendly, helpful attitude makes a big difference in the way members feel about their financial institution. “Sunstate goes beyond the servicing of members and is very interested in the community as a whole.”
Head Teller Leslie Kolacia sums it up by stating: “Our team truly cares about our members. We want everyone to feel at home here.”
Not only does SunState provide excellent services and products, employees treat you like their neighbor and friend, and SunState continues to come up with innovative ways to offer better rates and services. As a member and owner of the not-forprofit financial cooperative, you can utilize a wide and diverse range of financial services, including Express PC Home$Banking™, Money$Line™, exceptional Visa® and loan rates, and much more. In addition to the protection of the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF), SunState has received many awards, including the Gold Shield Security Certification, for safeguarding member information and interests in-house and online.
If it is time for you to make a change in your financial institution, drop by the Main Branch, or any SunState branch where you will find the hometown attitude makes all the difference in the world. Membership is open to anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in Alachua, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist or Levy counties. For more information, call 352-381-5200, or download a membership application at www.sunstatefcu.org.