RTP Federal Credit Union keeps focus on members throughout its growth

"For several years, the credit union was operated by a handful of EPA and NIEHS employees," said Jill Beck, RTP Federal Credit Union’s Marketing and Member Services Director. "A visit to the credit union probably meant stopping by someone’s desk to drop off a check. Loan applications were reviewed by the credit union at a meeting once or twice a month."

RTP Federal Credit Union started small with its original charter — a license to operate — listing only seven people, said Beck. As membership increased, the credit union expanded.

"Eventually, the credit union became large enough to hire the first employee — a manager who served as bookkeeper, teller, loan officer, collector, and member service representative," said Beck. "Soon after, more employees were hired, and the credit union moved into its first official office on Alston Avenue."

After a couple more moves, RTP Federal Credit Union has settled into its Morrisville headquarters, with two additional branches in North Raleigh and Cary. Even with its growth, the credit union’s dedication to member service has been an ongoing focus.

"Without our members, the credit union would not exist," said Beck. "We pride ourselves on providing personalized service. Other institutions often have different tactics in which to interact with members or customers. Our roots are in providing personalized service. That is what we stand behind.

Employees embrace these "fundamental core values that define, inform and guide us each working day," according to the credit union’s website. In fact, members can feel confident that employees care about them and the community because people who work at RTP Federal Credit Union are also part of the community.

"Anyone you speak with at the credit union is a local employee," said Beck. "We value that interaction with members. We know the majority of the members that visit our branches by name."

The credit union has around 10,000 members, and it continues to expand with what it calls an underserved/community charter.

"Underserved simply means areas that are considered to have fewer choices of banking options in a certain mile radius," said Beck. "Through the underserved / community charter, we can serve more communities in and around the Triangle area, expanding our membership reach east, west, and south of the Triangle."

"We have a number of member companies in the Triangle area," said Beck. "Employees and families of employees at the member companies can join the credit union."

The credit union offers a range of financial products, and it returns any profits back to its members through low rates and personalized service.