Credit Union Provides For The Community

By Rochelle Karina

The year was 1940, the country was just coming out of the Great Depression and the United States had not yet officially entered into World War II. At the United States Coast Guard Yard, history was about to be made in a single desk drawer. On March 27, 1940, the US Coast Guard Depot Credit Union was officially launched as a way for military and civilian employees to save money and obtain loans. Over the years, the little credit union has grown. In 1964, the company moved to a small trailer just outside the gates.

Today, the company is known as the United States Coast Guard Community Credit Union (USCGCCU) and until very recently membership was reserved for Coast Guard yard employees and their direct family members. In 2002, that all changed. The credit union opened membership to anyone who lives, works, worships, goes to school or owns a business in northern Anne Arundel County or south Baltimore.

“There was strength in our relationships, in our ties to the community,” explained Mary Ann Caskey, Chief Marketing Officer. “Opening our membership was a win-win. Being part of the community is being a part of everyday life. It helps us stay in tune with the needs of our members.”

The personal touch has always been the hallmark of the USCGCCU. In those very early days, an employee would go around to each member at the yard, asking how much of their check they wanted to have added to savings. That level of trust and service have remained.

“We’ve been here for so many years,” said Caskey, “and we’ve lent a lot of money for people to build the houses they live in today. We’re truthful, our service people have no quotas to meet, it’s about customer service. It’s about trust.”

Long-term employees are not uncommon at the credit union, nor are long-term members. “We have three and four generations of members from the local community,” Caskey explained. “We’ve grown up with our members and employees; with the community.”

Community is a strong focus of the credit union, “The bonds run deep,” said Caskey. “Once you’ve earned trust and loyalty, this community is close knit, and everyone works together. It’s not about ‘I’… it’s about ’we’!”

Looking forward, Caskey sees the business growing, continuing to serve the community. “All of our board members are volunteers, and the more community members we have, the more we can give back to the community.”

Caskey continues, “A lot of times, the community doesn’t realize they can have an account here. We are open to individuals and businesses, and we are able to lend. Life doesn’t stop because the economy fell.”

The credit union is a not-for-profit financial institution that strives to provide affordable services, financial convenience and a friendly atmosphere. “This community is Small Town USA, only better!” described Caskey.

To learn more about the credit union, visit www.uscgccu.org, or call 410.255.4367.