TALLAHASSEE, FL (October 15, 2018) — Hurricane Michael may have dealt a ruthless blow to Alabama and Florida credit unions, but the power of People Helping People is punching right back. Credit union leaders met in Tallahassee today at the League of Southeastern Credit Unions to orchestrate a two-phase response in the next 48 hours to support impacted credit unions.
Patrick La Pine, president/CEO of the LSCU, spent the afternoon working with Lisa Brown, president/CEO, Tallahassee-Leon Federal Credit Union; Stewart Ramsey, president/CEO, Pen Air Federal Credit Union; and Brian E. Wolfburg, president/CEO VyStar Credit Union; to solidify a plan to deliver generators, more than12,000 gallons of fuel, electricians and roofers to the hardest hit areas. The goal is to get as many branches as possible up and running this weekend.
The convoy will bring its own electricians and roofers to make sure the process is expedited. Credit unions that have reported significant damage so far to the League include Bay Credit Union, Panama City, Fla.; Tyndall Credit Union which has branches in Marianna, Fla., and Chipley, Fla.; Emerald Coast Federal Credit Union, Port St. Joe, Fla.; and Panhandle Educators Federal Credit Union, Panama City, Fla.
The League continues to reach out to its credit unions despite very limited access to cellular coverage in the areas with the most damage. Two support teams will depart Saturday and Sunday to conduct a boots-on-the-ground inventory of needs. Some credit unions could face as long as two months without power.
The LSCU worked with NCUA, ACUA, CO-OP Financial Services, Corporate One, Corporate America, CUNA, CUNA Mutual Group, CU Service Centers of Alabama, the Foundation, PSCU Shared Services FOR Credit Unions and the SECUF to establish a network of partners to provide coordinated resources in times like these.
“This is what we are all about – this is the real reason we exist – to do what is best for each other and meet the needs of our credit unions,” said Patrick La Pine. “This is the real essence of People Helping People.”
The LSCU is continuing to reach out daily to credit unions updating the status online and assessing needs. To provide status updates to the LSCU click here and email to CUStatus@lscu.coop.
Credit unions throughout the south are offering assistance in various forms, and The Southeastern Credit Union Foundation is ready to assist. To offer donations to assist those in need, click here. To apply for disaster relief grants, click here. You may also contact SECUF director Juli Lewis for more details.
The League of Southeastern Credit Unions & Affiliates represents nearly 300 credit unions throughout Alabama, Florida, and Georgia and has a combined total of almost $200 billion in assets and more than 13.6 million members. LSCU provides advocacy, compliance services, education and training, cooperative initiatives, and communications. For more information, visit www.lscu.coop. Follow LSCU on Facebook, LinkedIn, and X.
Lizeth George
Senior Communications Manager
866-231-0545 ext.1076
lizeth.george@lscu.coop
