MESSAGE TO OUR MEMBERS
(Excerpt from our Annual Report)
2020 was a challenging year for First Choice Credit Union (FCCU) along with the rest of the world. COVID left a deadly mark and forced many changes in our daily lifestyles. Despite such an unprecedented challenge, FCCU was on the job and did not close the operations for a single day. Financial institution employees were deemed essential workers and the FCCU team stepped up to the challenge.
FCCU did introduce several changes designed to protect the health and safety of our Members and staff. At the very beginning of COVID, we gave our Members free access to over 200 ATMs in Palm Beach County and over 40,000 ATMs nationwide. This action was designed to give Members greater convenience and access to cash while reducing reliance on the branch and in person contact. This action was a great success. Our teller transactions declined by approximately 50%. As a result of this success, we have elected to continue this level of free access to ATMs.
We introduced several other technology enhancements in 2020 that empowered Members to manage their accounts and gain service 24/7. Our online banking system added a Member capability to change address, phone number, or email address. Our online and mobile loan application was redesigned and updated for speed and convenience. We added mobile wallets to enable Members to use their phones as their debit card for touch free transactions. We added texting to offer Members another convenient way to contact FCCU.
In 2021, we will continue to implement new technology solutions that expand service for our Members. Banking is changing at a rapid pace and we are striving to provide a good mix of the desired technology and the value of great rates and low fees. A new enhancement coming soon for your mobile experience is Debit Card Controls which will give Members command and control over debit cards. External transfers will enable Members to transfer money to and from other financial institutions with their online and mobile banking. Also, later in the year we will be offering a system that will enable prospective Members to open new accounts online. It will be a very busy year.
The Chairman and the CEO would like to acknowledge the Directors, the Supervisory Committee, and Staff for their service to FCCU. As always, we thank you for your membership and we wish you a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2021. “Tell Your Friends and Family About First Choice Credit Union”.
Robert Delancy, Chairman Michael J. Welte, CEO