New Jersey Credit Union League presents Legacy Series
CHARLOTTE, NC (September 13, 2016) — Although they offer many of the same services, credit unions operate in a fundamentally different way than banks, one based on the philosophy of “people helping people”. Credit unions were typically founded by friends, like neighbors, workers and people who worship together. In the latest installment of the New Jersey Credit Union League’s Legacy Series, we are featuring a credit union founded by nine factory workers, one of which is a relative of the credit union’s current CEO.
“Generations of Family Friendly Service.” That’s Bay Atlantic FCU’s tagline, which was inspired and voted on by its members. The credit union’s legacy drives this motto; the not-for-profit was founded over 75 years ago in 1939 by nine Kimble Glass factory workers who decided to join together for the mutual benefit of the group.
We often see credit unions with deep roots in a community – Bay Atlantic takes that concept to a whole new level. One of those nine founding workers, Lillian Steelman, is the great aunt of Gail Marino, Bay Atlantic’s current President & CEO. “You can say that the credit union is my blood,” Marino said. Marino has carried on that tradition of long-standing ties to the credit union, having begun working at the credit union (named Kimble Federal Credit Union at the time) in 1977 as a teller.
Over the years, Bay Atlantic FCU has grown to serve many other organizations, including Progresso and General Mills. But the credit union always stayed true to its primarily blue color legacy of meeting the needs of workers and their families. With expansion, the credit union changed its name in 2002 to Bay Atlantic Federal Credit Union to better represent the area it serves: the section of southern New Jersey between the Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.
Bay Atlantic FCU now has two branches in that area: its main office on Elmer Road in Vineland and a branch in Millville. When the credit union decided to close a third branch on Crystal Avenue in Vineland, it chose to give back to the community by donating the building and land to the Boys and Girls Club of Vineland for their new Teen Center.
When she handed over the keys to the local nonprofit, Marino noted, “It is our intention to restore the chance for this facility to once again be an active location and, if possible, benefit the entire area.”
Actions speak louder than words, and for Bay Atlantic, “Our history proves that our institution is based on the principle of ‘people helping people’,” said Marino.
Bay Atlantic FCU also continues to honor its past, recognizing the generations of members who have built the credit union into what it is today. For example, the credit union sends birthday cards to the senior citizens that have continued their membership into their golden years. “Sometimes it’s the only card they get,” Marino noted. “It’s the little things. It’s all about relationships.”
At a credit union, you’re much more than just a customer. For more information on Bay Atlantic FederalCredit Union, including how to join, visit www.bayatlanticfcu.org or find one near you at www.BankingYouCanTrust.com.
About New Jersey Credit Union League
Formed in 1934, the New Jersey Credit Union League is the statewide trade association representing credit unions and is committed to the development of the credit union movement in New Jersey. Our mission includes a full range of services, programs, products and money-saving opportunities specifically designed to satisfy a credit union's operational, financial, training, compliance and overall growth and development needs. For more information visit www.njcul.org. New Jersey’s credit unions serve 1.1 million members throughout the state with financial products and services. They offer a popular alternative to traditional banks with better rates and lower fees than other institutions. For more information visit www.bankingyoucantrust.com.
About New Jersey Credit Unions
New Jersey’s credit unions serve 1.2 million members throughout the state with financial products and services. Credit unions are nonprofit financial institutions that offer many of the same products as banks, often with better rates and lower fees. Credit unions are owned by their members, or account holders, and are run by a volunteer board of directors, not shareholders looking to make a profit. For more information and find a credit union that’s right for you, visit www.bankingyoucantrust.com.
