Local Child Protective Services kids get school supply boost from KENS 5, Generations Federal Credit Union and Corner Store

generations fcu logokens5com-logo-310Generations Federal Credit Union and Corner Store will partner with CBS affiliate KENS 5 to collect school supplies for the approximately 7,000 Bexar County children who are under the care of Child Protective Services.

Individuals are encouraged to participate by bringing supplies to the KENS 5 studios during the week of August 4 through August 8, donating online at http://info.mygenfcu.org/bills-elves or dropping off supplies at any of the 14 Generations Federal Credit Union branches between July 23 and August 9.  The school supplies will be delivered to the CPS offices during the week of August 11 and case workers will distribute the collected supplies to the children.  Individuals who donate will receive a coupon for a free Kolache and a cup of Cibolo Mountain premium coffee from Corner Store.

“This school supply drive is a win-win for everyone involved.  It enables Generations to make a tangible difference in our community and it provides these students with the supplies they need to be successful during the school year.  Additionally, the families who take in these children receive little to no financial assistance from the State, so it provides us with the opportunity to help them out as they step up to the plate to help these kids,” said Generations FCU CEO, Steve Schipull.

Hosted by KENS 5 Chief Meteorologist, Bill Taylor, the bi-annual event collects school supplies in August and Christmas toys in December.  The KENS 5 studios are located at 5400 Fredericksburg Road and volunteers will be out in front of the studios at the 4, 5 and 6 p.m. newscasts during the week of August 4 through August 8.

“San Antonio has always been a community that comes together to take care of our own.  The Bill’s Elves initiative has been very successful year after year and we look forward to exceeding our goals and making a difference in the lives of these great kids,” concluded Schipull.

About Generations Federal Credit Union
For nearly 75 years, Generations Federal Credit Union has been an advocate of financial growth and development within the community, offering award-winning financial education classes, as well as products and services that truly make a difference.  Generations strives to be a trusted advisor, offering personal attention that provides members with the financial skills they need to be successful.  Their tailored approach to banking enables them to deliver personalized service for both businesses and consumers.

 

UNITED SA Federal Credit Union awards college scholarships

PrintUNITED SA Federal Credit Union has awarded $1,000 scholarships to four outstanding high school seniors. The local students and their parents were recognized at a reception on April 30 at the credit union’s Headquarters in San Antonio.

UNITED SA Federal Credit UnionThe following winners were honored:
Ariana Borzotra – Earl Warren High School
Andrew Ivone – Louis D. Brandeis High School
Mitchell Martinez – Southwest High School
Shyanne Tallant – Communication Arts High School

“We are so proud to be able to support these students as they pursue their dreams,” said Tammie Johnson, UNITED SA vice president of administration. “They are all outstanding scholars, well-rounded high achievers and have excelled throughout their academic careers. We are excited to assist them in moving forward with this next step in their lives.” Johnson presented the students with their awards.

This is the eighth year that UNITED SA has offered a scholarship program. Students are chosen based on academics, leadership, community service and personal recommendations.

About UNITED SA Federal Credit Union
Now in its 59th year, UNITED SA Federal Credit Union is headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, and was originally chartered in 1955 to serve the employees of United Services Automobile Association (USAA). In 2005, the credit union converted to a community charter and expanded its field of membership to serve anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school and businesses and other entities in Bexar County, Texas. Over 25,000 members own and belong to the nonprofit financial cooperative, which has $220 million in assets. For more information, visit www.unitedsafcu.org or call (800) 531-8456.

Jim Laffoon steps into role of president and CEO at Security Service Federal Credit Union

Security Services Federal Credit UnionJim Laffoon has been named president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Security Service Federal Credit Union (SSFCU) by the credit union’s Board of Directors. Since 2012, Laffoon has served as the credit union’s president. As president and CEO, Laffoon is responsible for day-to-day operations of the enterprise and strategic direction for SSFCU’s nearly 2,000 employees in Texas, Colorado and Utah. SSFCU’s former CEO, David E. Reynolds, retired in March.

ssfcuLaffoon began his career with SSFCU in 1989 and steadily advanced into roles of increasing responsibility, serving as the credit union’s primary strategist, corporate planner, technologist and operations manager. He was named executive vice president and chief operating officer in 2002.

Laffoon earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration with an emphasis in finance from The University of Texas. Before joining SSFCU, he served as a senior consultant with Arthur Anderson and Co.

About Security Service Federal Credit Union
Security Service Federal Credit Union offers competitive, affordable financial products and services designed to meet the needs of its members. Headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, Security Service is an industry-leading financial institution with $7.9 billion in assets and 70 locations in Texas, Colorado and Utah. The credit union is among the top 10 credit unions in the nation. Security Service strives to be America’s best credit union and provides the true benefits of credit union membership with financial services of the highest quality and value. Learn more at www.ssfcu.org or call 1-888-415-7878.

Generations Federal Credit Union launches first time autobuyer program

180x150-generationsGenerations Federal Credit Union has launched its My Ride Rules program which is designed to assist first-time car buyers overcome many of the financial hurdles they face as they look to purchase their first new or used vehicle. Generations is the only financial institution in San Antonio that offers a program of this type.

To qualify, first-time buyers need to provide proof of three months of employment history, be at least 18 years of age, have no previous auto loan credit, and show proof of insurance prior to funding.  Applicants do not need a two-year employment history and do not need a co-signer on the loan.

To ensure their financial success, Generations also requires applicants to complete an online First Time Auto Buyer online course that covers topics such as The Total Cost of Ownership, Financing A Car Purchase, Negotiating a Price, Avoiding Surprises, and Common Mistakes When Buying A Car. The online financial literacy course is approximately 15 minutes in length.

MyRideRules_Logo“Introducing a fixed rate monthly payment enables that first-time buyer to establish a history of monthly budgeting and paying off a loan.  It provides them with successful building blocks and, perhaps most importantly, provides them the confidence to build credit independently as they begin to go out and establish themselves in today’s challenging economic environment,” said Clay Thompson, Chief Lending Officer at Generations Federal Credit Union.

The credit union originally introduced My Ride Rules as a one-time promotion in March 2013.  However, due to the significant success of the campaign, Generations made it a permanent product.  To participate in My Ride Rules, first-time buyers cannot have derogatory history and their payments cannot exceed 20% of monthly gross income.  The loan maximum is $25,000 and the term is for 60 months, and refinance options are available for first-time auto loans with other financial institutions.

“Our goal as a credit union is to be a financial advocate for our members, to help them navigate what can sometimes be a tricky path to success.  This program provides first time buyers with the tools they need to not only get a fair deal on that first car, but also how to be successful in paying it off,” concluded Thompson.