The Anti-Fat Cat Story That Sums Up the Movement

The following letter was submitted to 100 Voices by the $16.6-billion State Employees Credit Union in North Carolina. It was handwritten by a member and submitted by CEO Jim Blaine, who said, "I gave some thought to how best to define 'the voice of SECU' for your series. Decided to share with you a note from one of our members — affectionately known as 'The Cat Food Letter.' If you want to know what our organization is about, she nailed us!"

I came in last week with a small check that I was cashing because I needed to buy food for my cat. You could say that I had very little money in my account (actually, the balance was negative in two accounts). I mentioned to you that I really needed the money to buy food for my cat. You still, of course, followed bank rules by making sure my account was brought up to at least $0, but then you searched in your purse and found some coupons and gave them to me.

I was able to buy food for my cat with the money left over after my accounts were brought current and the coupons have been very helpful. Even more importantly, I now know that I am banking with people who really care about me as a person. Thank you so much for not only providing excellent customer service, but also for truly caring. You have earned my loyalty.

Jim Blaine
CEO
State Employees Credit Union
Raleigh, N.C.

 

Personal Recollections of Credit Unions: A CU Journal Series

To mark the 100th Anniversary of Credit Unions, Credit Union Journal is publishing "100 voices" answering, "The one personal anecdote from my credit union career that comes to my mind and which sums up what credit unions are all about is..."

Wish to share your story? E-mail fdiekmann@cujournal.com. Limit is 400 words.

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