NORTH POLE, Alaska-This town is home, of course, to Santa, but his elves can also do business at a branch of Alaska USA CU.
With the holidays upon us, Credit Union Journal asked the credit union what it's like to live and work where it's Christmas time all year 'round in this special holiday CUJ Q&A.
CU Journal: Those of us who live in the lower 48 can have some unrealistic beliefs about Alaska in general, but especially about the North Pole. What's it like to live and work in the North Pole?
Alaska USA: North Pole is a small, close-nit community where everyone seems to know everyone else. It is really a pretty typical small town, with just a couple of big differences:
First, North Pole is quite cold and dark in the winter. Winter temperatures often fall below zero degrees Fahrenheit, and there are several months where there are only four to six hours of daylight. This can be a challenging environment to work in, but most people get used to it.
The second difference is, of course, that North Pole is the home of Santa Claus. People from all over the world visit North Pole. The city of North Pole has Christmas year round, decorating streets and light poles. There is even a winter festival where ice sculptures and elaborate Christmas trees are displayed.
CUJ: What are some of the special challenges of running a branch in the North Pole?
Alaska USA: The Alaska USA branch located in North Pole is located in the community's only large grocery store, which adds much needed convenience for the members - one less errand means less time outside in the cold and it saves time.
When the branch staff was asked what their biggest challenge was, they responded that they needed to remember to warm their vehicles up on cold days so that they will start at the end of the day.
CUJ: Do you do anything special at your North Pole branch to celebrate during the holidays? Or is "every day Christmas" at the North Pole, so you're sort of all "holidayed out?"
Alaska USA: It is Christmas every day at North Pole, but the branch does help the local food bank during the holidays by running a food drive.
CUJ: The holidays can be a very difficult, stressful time, no matter where you live. What sort of things are you doing to help your members and/or staff get through the holidays?
Alaska USA: In order to alleviate the daily stress the holidays can create, the branch always focuses on service. They try to get to know their members and anticipate their financial needs.
Alaska USA doesn't run holiday-specific programs, but donates to all the communities in the three states they service through a community grant process. Also, the Alaska USA Foundation donates money to various nonprofit groups throughout the year.
CUJ: What's on your credit union's "wish list" this year?
Alaska USA: The credit union hopes that 2010 will be a less stressful year for members, particularly in communities that have been greatly affected by the down turn in the economy.
