We Are PEFCU

In celebration of Black History Month, PEFCU would like to explore the rich history of the Black community’s relationship to banking and the cooperative spirit that many credit union members share. Mutual Aid Societies & Cooperatives Before modern credit unions began, community-oriented institutions were set up to serve freedmen in the North. Like credit unions, they were co-owned by all their members, provided the community with affordable alternatives for financial services, and fostered self-sufficiency. By the late 18th century, northern Black populations had established mutual aid societies and cooperatives, creating networks that helped advance the community by supplying clothes, healthcare,…

Welcome back, loyal members! It’s me, Alyssa (your community connection), and I am back with an INCREDIBLE initiative to help jump-start your holiday spirit!  Throughout December, PEFCU will be partnered with local Guardian ad Litem (GAL) organizations to host a gift donation drive at each of our branches. This drive will bring awareness and hope this holiday season to children in foster care who have been abused, abandoned, and neglected. Over 37,000 children were part of the Florida GAL program last year alone. With your help, we can restore their hope and give them something to look forward to under…

On Oct. 19, 2023, credit union members around the world will celebrate International Credit Union Day®, an annual event to commemorate the credit union movement’s impact and achievements. This year marks the 75th anniversary.  Credit unions are not-for-profit financial cooperatives that provide an effective and viable alternative to for-profit financial institutions for more than 393 million members in 118 countries worldwide. More than 87,000 credit unions exist globally, providing a plethora of financial services for their members, recognized as a force for positive economic and social change. PEFCU has provided financial services for Publix Associates and their family members since…

With the ease of transferring money between accounts today, it’s becoming more common for people to have financial accounts at multiple institutions. For example, you may have your primary checking and savings accounts at one place, a separate savings account at another institution, and an account with an online company like PayPal®.   While the ability to transfer money between accounts is convenient, maintaining multiple accounts can become challenging – especially if you have several accounts. If you stop using an account for a while, what happens to it? Better yet, what happens to the money in there?  Types of Inactive…

April is #AutismAcceptanceMonth. PEFCU’s Core Values include Care and Inclusivity. We strive to live these values every day by celebrating each person’s uniqueness, like fingerprints. This month, we will be sharing stories from PEFCU associates and their families about their experience with Autism.   Amanda & Sawyer Amanda Notheis, a Loan Operations Specialist at PEFCU, wanted to share her son Sawyer’s story. Sawyer is seven years old and was diagnosed with Autism about 2 years ago. Amanda describes Sawyer as high-functioning, which means he can still carry on a regular lifestyle and attend a mainstream school, but he is extremely sensitive…

Looking for something fun to do with your friends and family in Lakeland? Say no more, PEFCU fam!  PEFCU is really “having a ball” this year, as our Lakeland branch is now a proud sponsor of not one, not two, but THREE sports teams: The Lakeland Magic basketball team, the Florida Tropics soccer team, and the Detroit Tigers/Lakeland Flying Tigers baseball teams!   What does this mean, you ask? It means we have several more opportunities to meet with potential members and spread brand awareness about our credit union and its values. Our “goal” is to reach associates from Publix and…

Happy New Year, PEFCU fam! I hope you enjoyed your holidays by winding down and relaxing with your loved ones. The last few weeks of 2022 felt like a whirlwind, but alas, here we are in 2023 with promises of new beginnings and a brighter tomorrow! 😊   As you may recall, PEFCU launched its NEW community outreach program in April of 2022, and it took off like wildfire! After looking at the stats, I was personally blown away at all that PEFCU has accomplished in so little time, and so it brings me great joy to be able to share…

The heart of our credit union is giving back and actively working to reinvest in the communities we serve. That’s why during the entire month of November, PEFCU is partnering with Boots for Troops to host a donation drive for the brave men and women in our military.   While deployed overseas, Boots for Troops founder Jimmy Rogers often witnessed his shipmates return to their camp with no packages waiting for them. If they did receive a package, it was typically mass-produced and full of items the service members didn’t want or need. This gave Jimmy the incredible and heartwarming idea…

Hi! Alyssa here! I’m your PEFCU Community Engagement and Branding Specialist, and I love to talk about how PEFCU helps people in our communities live their best lives. Today, I want to tell you about one initiative near and dear to my heart: SPCA Florida.    The SPCA helps eliminate animal suffering and engages the whole community in the welfare and well-being of animals. As of 2022, they have saved 2,133 lives and spayed and neutered 3,522 pets. PEFCU partners with SPCA Florida to bring awareness of the furry pals available for adoption in our hometown of Lakeland.   As a proud…