WASHINGTON -
FEW is a membership organization working for the elimination of sexual harassment and the advancement of women in the federal government.
It encourages diversity and equity in the workplace; enhances career opportunities for women; advocates the fair application of EEO and personnel laws, policies, procedures and practices; and seems to improve the quality of life for women by influencing congressional and administration actions.
"We believe strongly in the collective power of women in the federal government and want to help build a diverse workforce and ensure that women are treated equally," said David Bunch, president and CEO of FedChoice FCU.
Kevin Roland, sales and service manager for FedChoice FCU, said that at least half of federal government employees are women.
Through the partnership, FedChoice plans to provide a $500 contribution to FEW to be divided into two gifts-$250 for the FEW IRS New Carrolton Chapter and $250 for the FEW Federal Triangle Chapter.
FedChoice FCU will also create a special checking account that when opened by a FEW member will contribute $1 to the FEW Foundation.
The partnership will also provide seminars for FEW members on topics including: financial planning and retirement, identity theft, credit scoring and home financing.
In addition, the 23,000-member FedChoice sponsored a booth during the national FEW training meeting in Washington last month.
So far, Roland says they have received a lot of positive feedback about the new partnership, in particular with the seminars, which has been attracting between 25 to 35 people.
"We found this as a great way to get the name out there," Roland said.
Roland said FedChoice is hoping to offer additional services to obtain new members that may not be receiving certain services from their current credit union.
"We realize that a lot of agencies already have a credit union," he said. "People can join several credit unions."
Therefore, Roland said they are hoping to supplement the services members already have from their other credit union. He said that because FedChoice is larger than many other credit unions already serving them, they can receive services from FedChoice they may not be able to receive from their current credit union.
"Our services might be better, broader," he said. "Our rates are highly competitive. It really depends on what they are looking for. We are hoping to supplement their current relationship in addition to what they already have. In this market there are people who are members of multiple credit unions. We are not offering ourselves as a replacement. Maybe we have products or services their credit union is not offering."
FedChoice's offers to its members include an auto loan in which members can skip one payment each year if needed, or elect to make their first payment after 90 days.
FedChoice Federal Credit Union's membership is open to all federal civilian employees, annuitants and their families in the Washington D.C., Baltimore and Philadelphia Metropolitan areas.
