Recognizes heroes in the community

Santa Fe, NM -- (ReleaseWire) -- 07/18/2017 -- State Employees Credit Union (State ECU) one of the 200 Healthiest Credit Unions in the U.S. as ranked by DepositAccounts.com in 2017, has launched a program called the Make a STATEment Awards to honor local heroes who provide exemplary service to their community. State ECU knows that there are many individuals in New Mexico who work tirelessly to make a difference—and often their heartfelt efforts go unrecognized. Each month, a New Mexican will be honored by State ECU leading up to a year-end recognition event—where one nominee will be presented with a $500 award, based on a vote by the State ECU membership. Nominees are selected by committee and are not required to be State ECU members.

"It is simply our way of saying 'thanks' and giving these individuals a high five," says Harold Dixon, President/CEO of State ECU. "Too many people make great strides in helping their friends and neighbors envision a better future, but don't get a pat on the back to show them how much they are appreciated. We'd like to do that. It makes us feel good, too."

The Make a STATEment Awards program celebrates New Mexicans for their efforts—which may be the result of a professional role or through a volunteer undertaking. Each selected nominee will receive a Make a STATEment Certificate and be profiled in State ECU's To Your Credit newsletter and on other State ECU channels. At the end of 2017, one nominee will be awarded the $500 Grand Prize. The intention is to honor a group of New Mexicans who are as diverse as the neighborhoods they represent.

The first Make a STATEment nominee chosen in May was Santa Fe's Michael Dellheim, executive director of Outside In Productions. Many locals and visitors enjoy eight weeks of free entertainment on the Santa Fe Plaza due to Dellheim's Santa Fe Bandstand, which is a labor of love for Dellheim, who acts as entertainment booker, stage hand, sponsorship outreach coordinator, promoter, roadie, all rolled into one. He also drives the other arm of Outside In Productions, which brings free live arts to isolated populations such as those confined to shelters, residential treatment facilities, nursing homes, and correctional facilities. Says Dellheim," What an honor to be recognized as the first Make a STATEment recipient. Outside In loves bringing the joy of music to Santa Fe every summer. Our year-round core mission is mostly behind-the-scenes, so it's particularly gratifying to be recognized as an organization that makes a difference here in Santa Fe. Thanks so much to State Employees Credit Union for this special award."

The June Make a STATEment nominee is Albuquerque middle school teacher Robb Janov, founder of Rock and Rhythm Band at Jefferson Middle School, which provides an alternative, hands-on music performance class. It is a model of inclusion and encourages students from every socio-economic, academic, and cultural background to join—with instruments provided at no expense to the participants. "I designed the Rock and Rhythm program, now in its 22nd year, to offer teenagers a unique music experience that sparks their creativity and gives them a sense of empowerment and belonging. Dramatically changing the approach has been essential in igniting a wide range of students who are either intimidated by or can't afford the expense of traditional music programs," explains Janov. Twenty-five kids are transformed into a rock band in just two months—and more importantly find an inspiring channel for their energy which helps build confidence and make positive choices. There is no audition process for the program, and students are not required to have any previous musical training. The power of the program is directly tied to Janov's dedication and passion. His model has been utilized as a template to create alternative music programs across the country in other middle schools.

State ECU welcomes suggestions for future Make a STATEment nominees. Brief descriptions of outstanding New Mexicans that should be recognized for their good deeds can be sent to marketing@secunm.org.

About State ECU
State ECU, with nearly $500 million in assets, is the 8th largest credit union in New Mexico. As a financial not-for-profit, State ECU is dedicated to serving its members and the community with integrity and accountability. Founded in 1958, State ECU now provides financial services to more than 41,000 members with local support, decisions, expertise, and convenience.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Credit Union Builds Own Branch – June 23 Grand Opening

Santa Fe, NM -- (ReleaseWire) -- 06/07/2017 -- State Employees Credit Union (State ECU) one of the 200 Healthiest Credit Unions in the U.S. as ranked by DepositAccounts.com in 2017, will hold a Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, June 23, 2017 at the newest State ECU branch, located at 3521 Montgomery Blvd. NE in Albuquerque. State ECU members, along with the public and press, are invited to attend the celebration that will feature a ribbon cutting with the Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce at 11 a.m., as well as food, giveaways, games, and a live remote with country station KRST Nash.

The new 5,000-square-foot branch will be a full-service facility with five teller stations, three drive-thru lanes, a drive-thru ATM, night deposit drop box service, and local lending offices. According to State ECU CEO/President Harold Dixon, the shift from a leased space to a State ECU-owned property greatly expands State ECU's footprint in Albuquerque. "This newly built branch offers almost twice the square footage—and significant improvements such as more parking, better building access, and plenty of room to grow." Dixon explains that the credit union in its former location was at capacity. "In addition to overall heightened convenience at the new branch, we intend to add new staff members to better serve our busy Albuquerque community."

The opening of the new branch marks the completion of a transition to all State ECU-owned facilities—now holding steady at seven locations. (The leased Albuquerque branch was closed June 5 when the new Albuquerque branch opened its doors for business.) This investment strengthens State ECU's commitment to the Albuquerque region, which has seen an uptick in membership in relation to the Kasasa checking program as well as from a commuter population that works in points north of the area. "We noticed the growth of our membership here and felt it was the right time to serve them with a new modern branch," says Dixon.

Along with all State ECU branches, the new Albuquerque branch will be a member of the Co-op shared branching network and will welcome the business of other credit union members.

About State ECU
State ECU, with nearly $500 million in assets, is the 8th largest credit union in New Mexico. As a financial not-for-profit, State ECU is dedicated to serving its members and the community with integrity and accountability. Founded in 1958, State ECU now provides financial services to nearly 42,000 members with local support, decisions, expertise, and convenience.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

New centralized office space streamlines administrative process

Santa Fe, NM -- (ReleaseWire) -- 06/05/2017 -- State Employees Credit Union (State ECU) one of the 200 Healthiest Credit Unions in the U.S. as ranked by DepositAccounts.com in 2017, will hold a Ribbon Cutting with the Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the Grand Opening of its new Mortgage Center Friday, June 13 at 4 p.m. Located in Santa Fe on the site of its St. Michael's campus (811 Saint Michael's Dr. Santa Fe, NM 87505), the new Mortgage Center solidifies State ECU's momentum in the mortgage arena. The newly designed 3,000-square-foot space and dedicated staff allows State ECU to ramp up its ability to provide exemplary real estate service in a space suited to do so.

According to Harold Dixon, President/CEO, State ECU, the mortgage services division simply outgrew its space. "We have worked hard to re-imagine the space and make it a beautiful state-of-the-art facility." He explains that State ECU continues to boost its mortgage services with an expansion into the secondary market program. He also points to how important it is that State ECU retains servicing for all mortgage products. "Local servicing is a huge benefit to our members. They can make a payment with us and work with the same friendly people that they know and trust."

The 3,000-square-foot Mortgage Center will initially house nine employees. "Our seasoned mortgage lenders have many years of experience under their collective belts. And all are born and raised New Mexicans who understand the needs of our members and the quirks of New Mexico's local regions," explains Dixon. In addition, he says that members will experience personal service from approval through closing. The opening of the State ECU Mortgage Center also demonstrates the credit union's commitment to the region, with a substantial financial investment in the future.

STATE ECU has home loan programs available that offer flexibility and put home ownership within reach—with some mortgage products only requiring 5% down payment on a home purchase price, with minimal closing costs, and no PMI fees. Most traditional home loans require buyers to put down 20% of the home purchase price, which can prove to be a financial impossibility for many. "We want to help our members get into a home that suits their needs and their financial situation," states Darlene Vigil, Assistant Vice President/Real Estate Manager, State ECU.

To set up an appointment to speak with a mortgage professional on staff at State ECU, please call 505-954-3474, stop by a local State ECU branch, or apply online at secunm.org.

About State ECU
State ECU, with nearly $500 million in assets, is the 8th largest credit union in New Mexico. As a financial not-for-profit, State ECU is dedicated to serving its members and the community with integrity and accountability. Founded in 1958, State ECU now provides financial services to nearly 42,000 members with local support, decisions, expertise, and convenience.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

One Month Fundraising Drive in Santa Fe Branches

Santa Fe, NM -- (ReleaseWire) -- 06/02/2017 -- The employees of State Employees Credit Union (State ECU) one of the 200 Healthiest Credit Unions in the U.S. as ranked by DepositAccounts.com in 2017, immediately responded to a request from United Way of Santa Fe County (UWSFC) to help raise funds for its United Way Early Learning Center at Kaune to be built on the site of the former Kaune Elementary School in Santa Fe. The positive staff reaction was a direct affirmation about the importance of supporting pre-K in Santa Fe.

Over the course of just one month, State ECU employees at the Cerrillos Rd. and St. Michael's branches in Santa Fe raised $4,000 through various raffles for gift baskets, popcorn sales, hot dog sales, bake sales, and more. "Our staff recognized the importance of Kaune Kids and jumped into fundraising with enthusiasm," says Harold Dixon, President/CEO, State ECU. "I am not surprised at the level of funds raised—and the heart and soul really shows." Many State ECU staffers were energized by the initiative because of the connection they and members feel to the Kaune Elementary site. "I heard so many great stories about people's connections to Kaune Elementary. And this is a way of recycling the space back into the community," comments Jackie Martinez, a teller at State ECU's St. Michael's branch.

Michael Zaragoza, Jr., VP of Donor Relations, UWSFC, who accepted the donation on behalf of Kaune Kids, was stunned with the amount raised. "This is beyond what I was expecting. We deeply appreciate State ECU employees for their commitment and work."

Deborah Norris Sparks, VP of Human Resources, State ECU explains that Kaune Kids really hits home. "None of us know when we might need to be the recipient of such an organization. It's the right thing to do. By helping Kaune Kids, we are all helping build the future of Santa Fe."

State ECU has been involved with UWSFC for well over two decades. In fact, State ECU staffers contribute between $10,000 and $12,000 annually to the non-profit through a voluntary payroll deduction. "It's really incredible," says Dixon. "It might be only a few dollars per pay period; but 85% of our staff participates."

About State ECU
State ECU, with nearly $500 million in assets, is the 8th largest credit union in New Mexico. As a financial not-for-profit, State ECU is dedicated to serving its members and the community with integrity and accountability. Founded in 1958, State ECU now provides financial services to more than 41,000 members with local support, decisions, expertise, and convenience.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm