TBA Credit Union in Traverse City has been recognized by Habitat Michigan as the Affiliate Corporate Partner of the Year for 2024. They have been specifically recognized for their extensive support of Habitat for Humanity Grand Traverse Region.
TBA Credit Union is a $5,000 level Habitat Community Partner to Habitat Grand Traverse Region, but their support goes well beyond financial.
Chris Milliron, TBACU Chief Lending Officer, has served on the Habitat Grand Traverse Region Board of Directors for four years. In 2025 Milliron will become the Vice President of the Habitat board. In addition to his leadership roles, Chris has worked directly with Habitat Homeowners.
Each Habitat Homeowner is assigned a volunteer mentor who is not part of the Habitat staff. The mentor helps the new homeowner understand the entire process of buying and owning a home. Mentors are available to answer any sort of question the new homeowners might have, from details on their mortgages to how to change a furnace filter. In addition, the volunteer mentor can act as an ombudsman between the homeowner and Habitat should any issues arise. Currently, Chris Milliron serves as a mentor for our newest homeowner, Emilee.
But Milliron is not the only TBACU employee to volunteer with Habitat. This summer a group from TBA Credit Union volunteered at the Habitat New Waves project, specifically working on homes for Hayley and Emilee. They painted trim and cleaned the homes to prepare them for final inspections.
TBACU plays another essential role for Habitat Homeowners. Since 2022, TBA Credit Union has provided most of the affordable mortgage financing for Habitat Homes. Carrie Eppinger, TBACU Mortgage Loan Originator works with Habitat homeowners to help them qualify and understand their first mortgage experience. Eppinger’s knowledge and guidance helps Habitat homeowners have a positive first home buying experience.
“TBA Credit Union has been a critical partner for Habitat Grand Traverse Region. Without their leadership, service and expert guidance we would not be enjoying our current level of success in providing security and stability to working families in our region,” said Habitat CEO Wendy Irvin. “This recognition from Habitat Michigan is greatly deserved.”
