Purdue Federal Credit Union is celebrating a big milestone to start the year – the 10th Anniversary of their Monroe St. Branch in La Porte.
Before December 2010, the location was home to Members United Federal Credit Union. In December 2010, it merged with Purdue Federal Credit Union and became the community-focused, member-driven institution that continues to grow today. To celebrate that historic merger, from now until April, new and existing members can enter sweepstakes that offer a chance to win up to 10 months of vehicle payments on a new or refinanced loan.
“It’s pretty exciting,” said Melissa Vega, Branch Manager for Purdue Federal Credit Union in La Porte. “We’ll cover 10 months of payments, up to $3,000. It’s a thank you to our members, and another way for us to thank the community that is so important to us.”
Vega worked at the branch back when it was still Members United and noted that once they became part of Purdue Federal Credit Union, one of the most immediate and obvious changes was that community involvement became an increased priority.
“We really made a greater effort to be out there taking part in the community,” she said. “That means taking part in events, supporting community service efforts, and getting team members out in the area serving volunteer efforts. Purdue Federal’s team has always lived by the credit union motto of ‘people helping people.’”
Some of the ways they help are obvious, such as low-interest rate loans and greater returns on deposits for their members, and their support for organizations such as the La Porte Jaycees and the Salvation Army and events such as Rock the Block. There are also other ways they are more involved, including their efforts to increase financial literacy in the area.
“We’ve partnered with Purdue University Northwest and the LaPorte Community School Corporation in the past,” Vega said. “That’s been one of the key differences since we became Purdue Federal Credit Union. With the help of our partners, we’re trying hard to build an educational foundation here in LaPorte County.”
Being more visible and involved also helps clear up the common misconception that being a member of the credit union requires you to have been a student at Purdue University. Membership in Purdue Federal Credit Union is open to a variety of people including anyone who lives, works, worships, or studies in LaPorte County. Once someone becomes a member, history shows that they stay.
“One of the things that we’ve really appreciated is our members’ loyalty,” Vega said. “The bulk of our members stayed with us after the merger, and we consistently know them on a first-name basis. We’re always accessible and they know they can trust us to put their needs first.”
To learn more about Purdue Federal Credit Union or to become a member, visit purduefed.com.
