VyStar Credit Union’s 70th anniversary year was one of our busiest yet. From growing across communities in Florida to crossing state lines with our first branch in Georgia, it was certainly a year of impact. It was also a year of reflection. As we look back on the challenges faced with our Online & Mobile Banking rollout, we continue to consider the lessons learned and changes that needed to be made, and we're working to do better in the future. We remain tremendously grateful for your support and patience.
Before we look ahead to a new year, I would like to recognize some recent milestones and the hard work that made them possible.
Growth for Good
We continue to invest in new communities while also supporting the places we already call home. This year, we opened our Thomasville branch, our first location in Georgia. Over the next three years, we plan to open up to 25 additional branches from Central Florida to Georgia. We also grew in Florida with branch openings in Titusville, The Villages and Melbourne. Our next scheduled openings are in Tallahassee in December and Lake Mary in January.
Unity of Eatonville Federal Credit Union
VyStar also supported the opening of Unity of Eatonville Federal Credit Union (UEFCU). Eatonville is the oldest black-incorporated municipality in the U.S. and has been underserved by established banks. The opening of UEFCU was a historic moment, and it was truly rewarding to be a part of the team that brought Eatonville's first-ever financial institution to life.
Hurricane Ian Storm Relief
Our employees came together to support residents and communities that were impacted by Hurricane Ian. That included employees from Jacksonville to Orlando pitching in to support debris cleanup. We also deployed our mobile branch to ensure Tampa Postal Federal Credit Union members in Fort Myers maintained access to their accounts. In addition, we donated to the Florida Disaster Fund.
'Good is everywhere' Celebration
We held our Good is everywhere celebration in November, which featured free days for the public at local attractions, employee volunteerism and charitable support. Community members enjoyed free entry to places such as the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, Museum of Science & History and many more. Our employees also volunteered with and donated to groups like Habitat for Humanity and The Arc Jacksonville. It was wonderful to work alongside our partners to bring this benefit to members and the community.
Military Appreciation
For Veterans Day, we sponsored a wide range of initiatives across the communities we serve. Those included Veterans Day Parades in Jacksonville and Orlando, Military Appreciation Games at the University of Florida, Florida State University and the Orlando Solar Bears, and much more. Additionally, we are proud to announce that we have been named a Military Friendly® Employer and Military Friendly Spouse Employer® by VIQTORY, becoming the only credit union headquartered in Florida to earn these distinctions. We commit to continuing to honor and support military members and veterans across our communities.
Looking ahead to 2023
These accomplishments in support of our members and our communities would not have been possible without our dedicated employees. That is why we were so proud to once again be named a Best Place to Work by the Jacksonville Business Journal. We enjoyed a wonderful year and have big plans for 2023 as we continue to work to be the Credit Union of the Southeast. As we do, we thank you for your support and wish you a wonderful holiday season and a prosperous new year.
Brian E. Wolfburg
President/CEO
VyStar Credit Union