Tampa Bay Federal Credit Union became the first financial institution in Tampa, Fla. to receive the Juntos Avanzamos designation.
The program, run by Inclusiv and supported by the League of Southeastern Credit Unions and Affiliates, works with credit unions who serve members with modest means to help them reach financial independence. Started in 2005, the Juntos Avanzamos designation, which means “Together We Advance,” highlights credit unions committed to serving the Hispanic community.
The $294 million-asset institution said Thursday that in order to receive this designation it had to complete an extensive application process and outline the initiatives it has implemented to serve Hispanic members. The credit union recently opened a new service center to expand financial access to the underserved Spanish-speaking community.
Tampa Bay FCU also works with local partners to create tailored marketing strategies for a Hispanic audience, such as the Banconmigo campaign which means “Bank With Me.”
“The Hispanic community is an integral part of Florida’s economy and society,” Pablo DeFilippi, senior vice president of membership and network engagement for Inclusiv, said in the press release. “It is constantly growing and thriving. Over a quarter of Florida’s population is composed of Hispanics. Yet, Latinos continue to be invisible. And many remain under banked. Where mainstream financial institutions see risk, Tampa Bay Federal sees opportunity.”
A number of credit unions have recently received the Juntos Avanzamos designation. The network currently includes 84 credit unions in 23 states, Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C.
