It’s likely that you may not be a member of a credit union simply because you are unsure of what they offer, or how they can benefit you. If that’s the case, you may also be missing out! We spoke with Torii Brawdy, marketing & community relations manager for Western New York Federal Credit Union in West Seneca, to clarify the differences between a credit union and other financial institutions and how they contribute to our local community.
Why would someone choose a credit union over a typical bank?
Credit unions are not-for-profit, cooperative financial institutions. This means that we are owned by our members and led by a volunteer board of directors. The profits we make as a credit union are returned to our members in the form of lower interest rates for loans and higher dividends on savings accounts and certificates of deposit.
Who can join a credit union?
Anyone, at any age, that lives, works, worships, volunteers, goes to school, or owns a business in Erie County, N.Y.
What do you want people to know about your company?
You don’t have to work in a certain industry or have a certain credit score to join a credit union. Anyone is encouraged to join WNYFCU and benefit from membership!
How many people are employed at your company?
We currently have 16 staff members.
What types of loans are offered at WNYFCU?
WNYFCU offers a wide variety of loans for all sorts of borrowing needs. We currently have a Holiday Loan Sale for people that just need extra cash to get through the holiday season (borrow up to $1,500 at 7.95% annual percentage rate for 12 months). We also offer vehicle, motorcycle, RV and boat loans, personal loans, home equity loans, home equity lines of credit, mortgages and a VISA credit card.
Since opening in 1964, WNYFCU has seen a lot of growth. Are there any plans for expansion or additional offices?
Although we wouldn’t rule out additional offices in the future, right now we participate in shared branching, which allows our members to access their accounts at more than 5,300 locations throughout the world. Our members are also able to use the AllPoint network, giving them access for more than 50,000 surcharge-free ATMs nationwide.
We know WNYFCU gives back to the community throughout the year at various events, but what can we look forward to in the upcoming months?
Starting Nov. 1, we will be hosting a donation drive for St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy. Anyone is welcome to drop off the following items in our lobby (1937 Union Road, West Seneca), which will be donated to help those in need: Diapers (sizes 3, 4, 5), baby wipes, shampoo, lotion, deodorant, body wash, shaving cream, mouthwash, toilet paper, paper towels and tissues.
On Jan. 18 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the West Seneca Lions Club will hold a clothing drive in our parking lot and Shred-It will be offering their shredding services free of charge to members of the community.
And in February, we will be selling raffle tickets for our annual Gift Card Board, which typically has over $700 worth of gift cards to local businesses. All proceeds of the raffle benefit Wings Flights of Hope.
If you are a West Seneca Chamber of Commerce member and would like to participate in the “Seven Questions With … ” business profile feature, please contact the Chamber at 674-4900.