Press
SECU and NC Tree Farmers partnership is for the Birds!
RALEIGH, NC (February 3, 2015) — In a cooperative partnership with the North Carolina Tree Farm Program (NCTFP), State Employees’ Credit Union (SECU) is pleased to assist the non-profit organization with the distribution of bluebird houses to NCTFP’s newly certified tree farmers. The bluebird houses are an addition to the Program’s “Welcome Package” – a fitting gift to initiate new forest landowners into the Tree Farm Program. The Credit Union’s long-term partnership with the Eastern Bluebird Rescue Group to market handmade birdhouses in all SECU branches is providing an ideal solution for delivery of the gifts to NCTFP’s newest members, saving shipping costs for the non-profit while helping the bluebird population.
The North Carolina Tree Farm Program and forest owners work in cooperation with many groups, including the North Carolina Forest Service, North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission and North Carolina State University Forestry Extension. The Program’s mission is to promote the stewardship of sustainable natural resource management – wood, water, wildlife and recreation – and the benefits of forest certification through education, professional contact, peer monitoring and recognition programs.
Impressed by SECU’s support for the Eastern Bluebird Rescue Group, NCTFP Executive Director Leslie McCormick reached out to the Credit Union to initiate the effort. She noted, “SECU’s investment in the bluebird house project has produced wonderful results for North Carolina’s native bluebirds, and we feel the gift of a birdhouse will be a meaningful contribution to our Program’s mission as well. As a member of the Credit Union, I truly appreciate their support to help us reach out to forest landowners across the State, making the distribution of the birdhouses convenient for our newly certified tree farmers by visiting any SECU branch statewide.”
“State Employees’ Credit Union greatly values and respects the work of the North Carolina Tree Farm Program and the Eastern Bluebird Rescue Group to protect the natural resources of our State,” said Jimmy Goodrum, SECU’s Senior Vice President of Member Education and Outreach. “Bringing these groups together through the distribution of the bluebird houses helps further their shared environmental mission and provides economic benefits for both. It’s a winning combination for all involved.”
About SECU
A not-for-profit financial cooperative owned by its members, SECU has been providing employees of the State of North Carolina and their families with consumer financial services for 77 years. The Credit Union also offers a diversified line of financial advisory services including retirement and education planning, tax preparation, insurance, trusts, estate planning and investments through its partners and affiliated entities. SECU serves nearly 2 million members through 254 branch offices, 1,100 ATMs, 24/7 Contact Centers and a website, www.ncsecu.org.