By K.O. Jackson
After spending six years at 2136 N. Cooper St., the FINANCIALbuilders Federal Credit Union is temporarily suspending operations beginning Tuesday.
However, the community credit union still plans to meet the financial service needs of its more than 14,000 members.
Cindy Brock, president and CEO, said the 46-year-old institution will continue operating out of its location at 2828 S. LaFountain St. and extended business hours will now be offered to its members.
Beginning Feb. 20, the credit union will add drive-up hours at its LaFountain office. Hours of operation will be 9 a.m. to noon.
“We knew it would be a challenge to have Saturday hours at both locations,” said Brock, adding with $74 million in assets, the credit union maintains a “Well Capitalized” rating with the National Credit Union Administration and exceeds the capital requirements from the governing agency.
“It is with much regret member services at North Cooper will be temporarily suspended. But this will make us stronger and we will continue to provide quality service to our membership.”
Credit union membership, Brock said, is open to all Howard and Tipton County’s residents. Although the North Cooper office’s operations are being temporarily suspended, Brock said all ATM-based transactions can be conducted at any of FINANCIALbuilders’ current ATMs throughout the area, including the North Copper ATM.
“We have been here for 46 years,” said Brock, who has been with the credit union since 1982, “and recent internal and external economic variables have caused us to make some difficult decisions. The credit union is financially stable. But we are at a juncture that requires changes to insure the continued service, quality and a membership trust that FINANCIALbuilders Federal Credit Union takes very seriously and appreciates.
“Having Saturday hours will make it more convenient to our membership.”
• K.O. Jackson is the Kokomo Tribune’s business writer. He can be reached at 765-854-6739 or via e-mail kirven.jackson@kokomotribune.com
