Location: Lafayette, La.
Assets: $197 million
Asset Category Rank (less than $200M): 4
Overall Rank:23
No. of employees: 54
CEO: Connie S. Roy
Lafayette Schools CU prides itself on going the extra mile for members, all while creating an environment where employees are continually empowered and given the tools to advance their careers.
"One employee recently gave of her time and vacation to serve others," said Training Director Cinnamon Beaugh. "She spent her family vacation in Mexico on a mission trip. She helped over 100 people at a medical clinic, cooked 500 meals and brought thousands of articles of clothing, shoes, diapers and formula to distribute to the needy."
Another employee used a vacation day and drove a member in need 450 miles to the Costa Rican Embassy in Houston, Texas. "This ultimately enabled that member to travel to visit her family out of the country," said Beaugh.
To ensure employees are continually valued, challenged and rewarded, Lafayette Schools provides training and career advancement opportunities.
"We offer an extensive management training program and also encourage employees to select and follow specific career paths based on their ambitions," said Beaugh. "Our board and executive management team value education and provide a vast array of industry-related and professional development training opportunities."
Among educational initiatives is a financial management training course, Financial Peace University. To date, 85% of the CU's 54 employees have completed the program.
"This teaches how to budget and save money," said Beaugh. "Many of our employees have gone on to teach the course in the community."
Founded in 1954, the credit union currently operates four branches and serves more than 17,000 members.
