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Over the past two decades
the main topics of discussion at such meetings have
generally revolved around formulating strategic plans for
survival. Not this year.
This year at the meeting
held four days before the staff receives the keys to the
newly-constructed building at the corner of Dorr and
Detroit, five days before the annual banquet, the news was
all positive. The message from CEO Suzette Cowell to the
assembled staff and members was ‘we are not just surviving,
we are thriving.’
The new building will open
for business in early December, greatly expanding the
working space for staff. Already, since the groundbreaking
for the new building, membership has exploded. Since May,
reported Cowell, over 400 new members have opened up
accounts with TUFCU.
There was lots of good
news for members. Coming with the new building is drive
through service, an ATM machine, a night deposit box and a
credit card program. After nearly 20 years of just getting
by, long-time TUFCU associates are giddy about the change in
fortunes.
Frances Smith, the board
president who has been with Cowell and the credit union
since the beginning, spoke at Monday’s meeting of the early
difficult times in establishing the community-based
institution. She especially lamented the skepticism and
racism of people – those in the federal governing agency and
those in mainstream financial institutions – who were
supposedly providing guidance and assistance.
Long-time TUFCU member
Aletha Easterly, owner of Quality Time Day Care, spoke of
the invaluable help the Cowell and the credit union have
provided over the years in keeping her business afloat.
New board member, Pastor
Cordell Jenkins of Abundant Life Ministries, summed up his
feelings about his association with the credit union with a
succinct remark: “I am more blessed to be on the board than
the board is blessed to have me.” He expressed his joy at
being “part of history” as the institution prepares to move
into its new facility.
For information on
membership or tickets for this weekend’s gala celebration,
call 419-255-8876.
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