Spartanburg Regional FCU Takes CU Message to the Air Waves

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Listeners of Dwayne Corn’s Spartanburg 1400 radio talk show who tuned into the station April 6 afternoon had the opportunity to learn more about credit unions, financial and lending tips from Jeff Henry, VP of lending of Spartanburg Regional FCU. Henry, an 11-year veteran of Spartanburg Regional, was Corn’s guest on the popular 12:30-1:00 p.m. talk show. During the half-hour show, Henry answered questions from Corn on a variety of topics – the difference between credit unions and banks; why credit unions can offer lower loan rates, lower fees and higher dividends; the factors CUs consider when they consider a loan application; and how Spartanburg Regional helps members balance their checkbooks. Henry explained that credit unions do more than just consider an applicant’s credit score when they apply for a loan. Credit unions also look at the applicant’s job stability, disposable income, “their complete financial picture,” he said. As for why credit unions can offer lower rates and fees than other financial institutions, he explained that credit unions are not-for-profit, financial cooperatives owned by their members. “Because of our structure, we don’t have stockholders or board of directors to pay. Members share in the success of the credit union. It’s also about personal service, knowing your members and their needs,” he said. Henry also gave a run down of all of the $22 million, 5,700-member SRFCU’s loan products.