St. Thomas Federal Credit Union Wins Credit Union of the Year By National Association Of Federally-Insured Credit Unions

ST. THOMAS — The St. Thomas Federal Credit Union (STTFCU) headquartered Charlotte Amalie was chosen as Credit Union of the Year by the National Association of Federally-Insured Credit Unions (NAFCU), the credit union made known via release. STTFCU and other winners in NAFCU’s 2019 Annual Awards Competition will be honored during NAFCU’s 52nd Annual Conference and Solutions Expo in New Orleans, La. June 18-21.

This year’s NAFCU Annual Awards Competition honored eight winners in total and was selected by a committee of credit union leaders. Nominees for CEO of the Year, Credit Union of the Year, Professional of the Year and Volunteer of the Year were judged in two categories: Credit Unions with assets of more than $250 million and those with assets of $250 million or less. STTFCU was a winner among credit unions with $250 million or less in assets.

According to the release, the recognition is a result of STTFCU’s core-embedded commitment to its members, community and institutional values. As an integral part of the community, STTFCU’s resiliency was tested and strengthened by the aftermath of Hurricane Irma and Maria. With limited power and internet connectivity, they opened their doors within a few days after both hurricanes. Additionally, when many of their members were still without running water, electricity or were displaced, STTFCU stepped up to the plate and provided a hot home cooked meal to over 150 members with the support of another Credit Union from the New York League, the release said. STTFCU also offered a 3-month loan deferment to all members who suffered from personal losses due to these storms. As a result, approximately 2,500 members took advantage of this offer and many expressed their sincere gratitude to the Credit Union for being there in their time of need.

St. Thomas Federal Credit Union said it believes in giving back to the community and with a small staff of 16 employees, STTFCU managed to dedicate over 1,000 hours in 2018 to facilitate initiatives that impacted over 5,000 members and non-members. STTFCU established a “Get Financially Fit with STTFCU” workshop, geared towards educating the members about their finances. Many members again expressed their appreciation for the hard work and dedication put forth by STTFCU. They were grateful that their Credit Union continued to offer great tools to facilitate their personal development and financial growth, according to the release. In addition, STTFCU partnered with the NAF Academy of Finance at Ivanna Eudora Kean High School to provide on the job trainings, mock job interviews, and business etiquette to the students for a duration of 14 weeks. STTFCU believes that focusing on the youths of today will ensure a better future for the community of tomorrow, the release said.

The credit union said it continues to stand fast to its motto, “Not for Profit, Not for Charity, But for Service.” It said this was clearly a test of time that proved our loyalty and commitment to the principles and values that STTFCU was founded upon.

“We are honored that NAFCU has recognized our efforts in striving to better our organization, our community and the industry as a whole. The team at STTFCU has done an amazing job in inspiring and motivating each other and our members, which reflects in the constant growth and performance of the institution,” said Keisha L. Richards, chief executive officer.

STTFCU is a member-owned private nonprofit financial institution that was established in 1952 and now serves various private organizations within the St. Thomas/ St. John district; to include the Government of the Virgin Islands. Our field of membership currently serves over 7,000 members.

“Our mission is to provide financial and related services of a superior quality for the benefit of the members, with our main concern being their financial and personal well-being; to maintain the philosophy of the members helping members by mobilizing their resources; and to strive to remain financially sound and secure,” while granting access to the industry’s top resources, the credit union said.

Look out for the STTFCU’s featured profile in the July-August edition of The NAFCU Journal Magazine.