Top award is latest honor for local strong credit union
PHOTO CAPTION: Dr. Jerry Osteryoung, Chairman of the Board of First Commerce, and Cecilia Homison, CEO of First Commerce, accept the 2013 Credit Union of the Year Award at the League of Southeastern Credit Unions’ annual conference on June 13.
June 16, 2014 (WITH PHOTO) – First Commerce was named the 2013 Credit Union of the Year by the League of Southeastern of Credit Unions (LSCU) at the association’s annual conference in Orlando on June 13. The LSCU, which represents 278 credit unions throughout Florida and Alabama, awarded First Commerce honors in the $100-$500 million asset category.
“It is an amazing honor to be recognized as the Credit Union of the Year,” said Cecilia Homison, CEO of First Commerce. “Most of all, it is a testament to the incredible work by our team members to enhance our members’ financial well-being through exceptional performance.”
Established more than 70 years ago, First Commerce is headquartered in Tallahassee and serves more than 40,000 members in Northwest Florida and Southwest Georgia. First Commerce earned the “Credit Union of the Year” distinction for financial strength and outstanding achievements on behalf of members and the community in 2013, which were captured in a video.
Some of First Commerce’s 2013 highlights included:
- The launch of the Power Forward Speaker Series in partnership with the FSU College of Business, to help cultivate entrepreneurism while showcasing First Commerce’s commitment to our business community. The inaugural event brought entrepreneur Barbara Corcoran of ABC’s “Shark Tank” fame to Tallahassee on Nov. 6 to kick off Entrepreneurship Month in front of a sold-out crowd. First Commerce will announce the next speaker at the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Conference in Amelia Island at the breakfast on Saturday, Aug. 9. First Commerce will be the presenting sponsor of the Chamber’s Conference for the second year.
- Giving back through the Champions for Community program, one of First Commerce’s most heartfelt values. Through Champions for Community, First Commerce team members are given 2 paid hours per month and $100 to donate to the charitable organization of their choice. In addition, First Commerce conducts a major fundraising campaign annually. In 2013, First Commerce members and team members raised more than $10,000 for the FSU Student Veterans Center to help our returning veterans gain education and skills that will help them transition back to civilian life. Veterans who won a video contest were also treated to a rare behind-the-scenes look at the FSU football program as part of First Commerce’s partnership with Seminole IMG Sports.
- A unique 6-months-to-first-payment auto loan promotion, which was brought back by popular demand in First Commerce’s 10th year running as the area’s No. 1 auto lender. Stories poured in from people who had financed or refinanced their car under this promotion to meet financial goals including paying off higher interest debt, buying braces for teens, replacing an air-conditioning unit, and more. This promotion launched once again on June 18 and will run through Aug. 31, 2014.
- The launch of a new innovative medical loan product, Life Happens! Loans, after being approached by well-known local dentist Dr. Russell Rainey, DMD, who is the first provider in the program. Life Happens! Loans help cover unexpected medical costs at affordable rates and terms.
The recipient of the Credit Union of the Year award is chosen by the LSCU Awards Committee, which is comprised of representatives from LSCU member credit unions with a focus on credit union and community improvement. According to the LSCU, the winner is ratified on the basis of the nominations and supporting information received.
“There are many more exciting ventures ahead for First Commerce,” said Dr. Jerry Osteryoung, Chairman of the Board of Directors at First Commerce. “We will continue to evolve with our members’ needs in our quest to be their financial partner for life.”
