ORNL FCU 75 Years

and insurance companies to integrate their operations, invest in each other’s businesses, and consolidate. It allowed credit unions to create and invest in credit union service organizations.

Throughout the year, the credit union also prepared for anticipated issues that might arise resulting from the Y2K computer date change. Fortunately, the highly publicized event did not disrupt any credit union systems . . . or the world.

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The new millennium dawned in 2000 with no problems experienced and with business as usual before, during, and after the New Year’s countdown. As the fear of Y2K vanished with the first ticks of the new year’s clock, ORNL Federal Credit Union was free to focus on the single thing responsible for these many years of success: loyal members. In the face of increased competition, the credit union continued to attract large numbers of new members for a total of more than 72,300. To serve this ever-growing membership, a new, larger branch opened in Clinton to replace a smaller storefront location. A new vision statement— exceeding our members’ expectations, one member at a time —was unveiled. Assets advanced to a year-end $529.2 million, representing a growth of 5.56 percent for the year. This placed ORNL FCU as the third largest credit union in the state of Tennessee and among the largest in the United States. The year introduced a wide array of new services: the Senior Checking Account and E-Checking Account, CUNA Mutual Insurance, the Member Relationship Reward Program, the Looney Tunes Savers Plan for children, and the Student Money Management Account for teens. All electronic services and communications were brought together under a newly created E-Branch. Also added was the Web Bill Pay service, allowing members to pay their ORNL FCU credit card bills online.

While some local financial institutions began charging for ATM transactions, the credit union launched the Easy Street program, a network of surcharge-free ATMs.

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OUR OWN WORDS We ARE like family. Everybody

The events that changed the world on September 11, 2001, profoundly affected credit union employees, members, and the financial industry as a whole. In response to the devastating terrorist attacks, the new USA Patriot Act imposed extensive new requirements on financial institutions, including a broad set of controls designed to prevent money laundering to finance terrorism. The Patriot Act required financial institutions to report suspicious

cares. I think of things like sick kids or lost loved ones . . . when that happens you need time off. We’re here for each other. Managers will step in and help whenever and however they can. It’s that atmosphere that makes me feel like I want to be here. Management wants to help you grow and succeed, as an employee AND as a member.

EDDIE LOVING Senior Data and Systems Analyst

1998-2007 GROWTH, CELEBRATION & TRIUMPH | 55