Two credit unions demonstrate the power of shared branching amid COVID-19

While members have been confined to their homes over the last several weeks, many still want and need convenient access to in-branch and ATM services. And while many credit unions have had to make the difficult decision to temporarily close their branches for the safety of their employees and members, those that participate in shared branching have been able to continue serving the needs of their members as well as guest members – keeping the cooperative spirit of the credit union industry alive during these unprecedented times.

Two such credit unions — Jefferson County Federal Credit Union and The Tennessee Credit Union – are prime examples of why shared branching is so important to the credit union mission. As participants in the CO-OP Shared Branch and CO-OP ATM networks, both credit unions continued to offer drive-through service and support to members and non-members, exemplifying the #CreditUnionHeroes that make our movement so special.

Branch Employees Going Above and Beyond to Serve Members

“When we closed the in-office service at our branches, we never considered stopping shared branch participation,” said Heather D. Walter, CEO of Jefferson County FCU, based in Louisville, Kentucky. “We didn’t do drive-through service before, but we met with nearby credit unions in Tennessee and Indiana to make sure we were coordinating. They are great partners and we launched drive-through service.”

 

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