Press
United Federal Credit Union receives Silver Stake Award from Cornerstone Chamber of Commerce
ST. JOSEPH, MI (February 19, 2014) – United Federal Credit Union (UFCU) received a Cornerstone Chamber of Commerce Silver Stake Award at the annual Salute to Business Awards Ceremony. The award is given to businesses that, among other criteria, invest at least $100,000 in capital improvements. UFCU was recognized for a recent partnership with Talari Networks that resolves technical challenges at branch offices, like dropped calls or ATMs going offline.
Talari Networks provided a solution for a backup system to UFCU’s main network connection. The new solution continually monitors all connections and makes intelligent decisions to ensure phone conversations are able to continue on alternate network paths even if the main connection is dropped. Because this is a seamless, behind-the-scenes solution, tellers and Members are able to conduct business without being interrupted by technical difficulties.
The partnership also allows UFCU to add secure and inexpensive high bandwidth, cable-based internet connections at all branches to support growing technology demands. UFCU has configured the system so that it constantly utilizes the available bandwidth and monitors the traffic to ensure Member-facing online activities take priority. Several future opportunities exist with the increased bandwidth including the ability for Members to use video kiosks at their local branches to connect face-to-face with UFCU financial experts located in other parts of the country.
UFCU President/CEO Gary Easterling said, “We were able to address two main network communication challenges through this investment. Now, our Tellers, Member Service Advisors and ATMs are supported by a proper network backup system that will prevent service interruptions, and our branches are equipped with high bandwidth internet connections to keep up with growing technology needs. With the help of these improvements, we will continue to provide excellent Member service and deliver a positive experience to everyone who visits United Federal Credit Union.
About UFCU
United Federal Credit Union has served its Members since 1949 by helping them to build a sound financial future. UFCU consists of more than 120,000 Member/owners worldwide, and manages assets in excess of $1.57 billion. Its corporate offices and main branch are located in St. Joseph, Mich., with additional branches in Arkansas, Indiana, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, and Ohio. UFCU has been named the Michigan Credit Union League Outstanding Credit Union of the Year 2013. UFCU has also been named the National Federal Credit Union of the Year 2013 by the National Association of Federal Credit Unions.