JAMESTOWN, N.Y.-As other financial institutions have outsourced service centers-including many big banks going with overseas resources to save money during the recession-the $41-million Jamestown Area Community FCU has not cut back on member support and continues to promote its local service.
"Since the members see us as their trusted financial institution we have started to market that fact not only for shares but for loans," said CEO Vicky Matteson-Burdick. "Our approach is, 'Are you tired of the big banks taking your loan payments and sending the profits out of the USA, using call centers in India or some other foreign country? Well so are we. Bring your loan to the credit union and we guarantee that you will always have a person to talk to and all your money stays in this community to help our local economy and community.'"
Matteson-Burdick knows the marketing approach will take time to take hold within the community, but she is confident in the approach. "It is a slow process, but we are seeing people come to us with refinances and new loans because of our emphasis on localness. We are seeing loan growth exceed share growth for the first time in many months."
