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First Northern Credit Union employs new platforms to help members during COVID-19 pandemic

Delivers monthly webinars and forums virtually, reaching nearly 900 members

CHICAGO, IL (November 19, 2020)First Northern Credit Union found themselves in a difficult situation earlier this year as their well-attended in-person financial wellness seminars were halted when Illinois implemented Stay at Home orders throughout the state on March 21st.

In order to maintain their commitment to members—especially during an uncertain economic time—the credit union quickly shifted gears and began delivering their free monthly seminars in a webinar format. “We knew right at the start of the pandemic that we could not turn our back on our members when they needed us most,” said David Tognarelli, Director of Business Development for First Northern Credit Union. “In the eight months since implementing our webinars, we have had nearly 900 members attend, and are thrilled with the results and where we can go from here.”

In August, in addition to their monthly financial wellness webinars and seeing a need among members used to “stopping by” a branch for a quick question, the credit union implemented an online Financial Forum. This platform allows members the opportunity to ask credit union professionals their basic financial questions in a safe virtual environment, where they click on a link to “drop in” anonymously. Based upon the success of the initial forum in August, First Northern continues to offer a Financial Forum on the third Wednesday of each month.

“We look forward to seeing more of our members in person again,” said Tognarelli, “but until we can, we will continue to innovate and offer members the tools they need to remain financially healthy.”

In January, First Northern Credit Union was selected by the City of Evanston as the city’s official financial wellness partner and has led monthly webinars for Evanston residents as well during the pandemic.


About First Northern Credit Union

First Northern Credit Union was established in 1944 as Edison Credit Union to serve the employees at Commonwealth Edison Company (ComEd), and changed its name to First Northern Credit Union in 1999 when its membership charter expanded. Today, the credit union has four Illinois locations including Chicago Loop, Streeterville, Rockford, and Evanston, as well as a dedicated mortgage service center located in Rockford. With over $317 million in assets, the credit union serves more than 23,000 members and offers services to those who live or work in Boone, Cook (north of I-55), DeKalb, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kendall, Lake, Lee, McHenry, Ogle, Stephenson, Will or Winnebago counties, as well as those who live or work in the City of Evanston. First Northern also serves employees of many Select Employer Groups including Exelon, ComEd and its subsidiaries, Northwestern Memorial Healthcare and its subsidiaries, and Northwestern University. Learn more at www.fncu.org or call 888.328.8677.

Contacts

Beth Small
682-244-4026 | beth@thebagroup.com

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