CreditUnions.com

Remember Me

summer road trip 2012

The Cooperative Trek

road-trip-map-graphic2

Creditunions.com reporter Bailey Reutzel and multimedia producer Melissa Forsyth set out on a weeklong road trip from Washington, DC, to Portland, Maine on June 30, stopping at 11 credit unions along the way. The Cooperative Trek is the first of what we hope will be an annual summer event to learn first-hand about successful credit union strategies to share with our readers.

On this trip, Bailey and Melissa culled stories on serving the underserved from Stepping Stones Community FCU in Delaware, maintaining niche memberships from Progressive Credit Union and Actors FCU in Manhattan, and creating a brand with historical connections from American Heritage FCU in Philadelphia.

They spoke with executives from McGraw Hill FCU about marketing with member stories and with executives from Waterbury CT Teachers FCU about loan growth strategies. The rounded out the journey with stops to TruChoice FCU in Maine; Vermont State Employees Credit Union in Montpelier, VT; St. Mary’s Bank Credit Union in New Hampshire; and Municipal Employees Credit Union in Baltimore.

Bailey blogged about the behind-the-scenes stories and colorful anecdotes as they traveled. This week — the 2012 Summer Road Trip Theme Week — Creditunions.com is presenting five data-heavy feature articles and videos from these visits. More articles from the trip will be available in subsequent weeks.

Written & Video Features		Blogs
Steering Members To Time-Saving Apps By designing an all-inclusive mobile app, American Heritage Federal Credit Union is cutting teller transactions and prepping for the future.		Understanding The Underserved In Delaware Cooperative Trek, Day 1: Stepping Stones Community FCU, the country’s newest credit union, takes on a challenging area
A Small Credit Union's Start With the help of other financial institutions, Stepping Stones Community FCU is succeeding in serving the underserved.		NYC Credit Unions: From Taxis To Actors Cooperative Trek, Day 2: Two credit unions in the Big Apple have a crucial role meeting their member groups’ unusual needs.
St. Mary's Beefs Up Loan Portfolio The nation's oldest credit union is nabbing more mortgage refinances and less risky indirect loans.		A Lesson In History From Philadelphia Cooperative Trek, Day 3: Visits to American Heritage Federal Credit Union in Philadelphia and McGraw-Hill Federal Credit Union in New Jersey offer inspiring strategies.
A New York Niche Taxi cab medallions, which allow drivers to operate, are in high demand in New York. And Progressive Credit Union is cashing in with loans.		Wished We Had A Winnebago Cooperative Trek, Day 4: Waterbury Connecticut Teachers FCU in scenic Connecticut has welcomed member and loan growth as it serves teachers.
MECU Lends A Hand The credit union connects with Habitat For Humanity to get members into homes.		Renovating For Member Experience The Cooperative Trek, Day 5: TruChoice FCU turned its brand to a true Maine experience, playing up the state’s outdoorsy feel with an unconventional attitude.
A Cooperative ATM Strategy Actors FCU operates surcharge-free ATMs in each McDonald's restaurant in New York City for any credit union member.		Similar, But Different Cooperative Trek Day 6 and 7: Vermont State Employees CU offers green products to its outdoorsy members, while Holy Rosary CU leverages its 50th Anniversary.
Habitat Loans Rebuild The Community MECU supports Habitat for Humanity with interest-free loans and financial literacy help for new homeowners.
Overhaul Your Image With Rebranding With a bright new look and a focus on convenience, TruChoice FCU establishes itself as a financial institution with a clear purpose.
Lending Structured For Success Waterbury CT Teachers relies on a small, highly-trained staff to cultivate loan growth while keeping overhead low.
Green Loans Can Refine Portfolios Environmentally friendly Vermont State Employees explores loan options to help members retrofit their homes for savings.