Get the latest news, straight from SESLOC President & CEO Mike Quamma
So much has happened in the last few months—almost every SESLOC member has been impacted from the pandemic, the swift collapse of the economy and the strain of social unrest due to inequality. The cooperative philosophy of credit unions has always supported the notion of equality for all members: one member, one vote, one voice. There are no stockholders. Our earnings are used to keep rates competitive and fees low, and to provide financial access to all.
This note is being written on March 25, and the one thing I know is that our situation will likely be different the day you are reading this. News and caution regarding the COVID-19 pandemic has grown and changed every day. These are unsettling times that we haven’t experienced before.
Happy New Year! Can you believe we just entered into a new decade? As I reflect on the past 10 years, it has been filled with many changes in the credit union industry. All banks and credit unions were recovering from The Great Recession in the early years of the last decade as well as responding to new regulations being imposed on institutions.
I’d like to start by saying thank you for your generous support throughout August to help raise funds for Jack’s Helping Hand, a local nonprofit that offers programs for special needs children and their families. Over the last five years, you’ve contributed over $35,000 to help build the Jack Ready Imagination Park, a universally accessible playground where special needs children can play along-side able-bodied children in a safe, sunny environment. It was truly an honor to walk into our branches and see the walls covered with handprints as a display of your support.
We’re halfway through 2019 and what an exciting year it has been. Your credit union posted its highest month of loan fundings in April at $25 million. Your credit union is in good financial health, and we are helping to make living on the Central Coast more attainable and enjoyable for our members—whether it be financing a car, a new home or a college education. Thank you to our new and existing members for bringing it home to SESLOC.
As we head into the second quarter—putting the Central Coast’s much needed above-average rainfall behind us—we’re looking forward to the vigor and vitality of spring. You’ll enjoy new services that focus on convenience, ease-of-use and maximum access to your credit union. You may have already seen the self check-in kiosk in the branches or even booked an appointment online, both of which reduce your wait time.
This past December marked my seventh year as CEO with SESLOC, and I’m probably still seen as the “new CEO” in the eyes of some! When I arrived in late 2011, all banks and credit unions were recovering from the damage of the great recession.
Here are the answers to common questions about Level Up, our new member benefits program.¹ Have more questions? Call us at (805) 543-1816 or visit any SESLOC branch:
SESLOC is pleased to announce that we have received two prestigious awards this year. The recognition we have earned serves as a testament to our commitment to excellence and dedication to providing exceptional financial services to our valued member-owners. We are proud to share this achievement with you, as it highlights our ongoing efforts to deliver top-tier products and services that meet and exceed the financial needs of our community.
SESLOC is pleased to announce that as of November 1, 2024, there has been a reduction in overdraft fees. This change is part of our commitment to providing cost-effective solutions for our membership and community. These savings will be extended to members but will have the greatest impact on those facing financial challenges, who need a break from fees to begin saving and building healthy financial habits.
SESLOC’s 2024 Shred Day events break nine years of records by serving 746 visitors and shredding nearly 42,000 pounds of paper! Thanks to our members who attended the events at our San Luis Obispo, Atascadero, Arroyo Grande, Paso Robles and Santa Maria branches, plus our new Lompoc event location. In total, we recycled 133 total bins with about 21 tons of shredded paper— saving 357 trees, 147,000 gallons of water, 63 cubic yards of landfill space, and 84,000 kilowatts of electricity!
On Friday, October 11, SESLOC returned to Pacific Beach High School in San Luis Obispo for a second year to engage 55 students in the Bite of Reality simulation. This hands-on event immerses students in a realistic budgeting app, providing them with valuable insights into managing finances. Through interactive scenarios, participants learn to navigate the distinction between needs and wants, equipping them with essential budgeting skills for real life.
The workers are sooo nice and friendly!!"
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