VyStar Credit Union Shares Successes With PPP Loans
Of the 4,431 loans that VyStar secured, 4,295 were for less than $150,000, with an average loan of $33,000.
Citing data compiled by the U.S. Treasury Department, a Jacksonville, Fla.-based credit union said it had obtained more loans than any other credit union in Florida under the federal government’s program for propping up businesses struggling amid the coronavirus outbreak.
VyStar Credit Union said it had originated 4,431 loans totaling nearly $147 million under the Paycheck Protection Program, under which small businesses could seek government-backed loans to retain workers and pay bills. The credit union said it was among more than 900 financial institutions that participated in the program in Florida, helping save more than one million jobs, based on a review of data released by the Treasury Department’s Small Business Administration.
“Employees across all departments never stopped working for our members and small business owners,” Jenny Vipperman, VyStar’s chief lending officer, said. “Helping to save jobs, keep small businesses open and support our community is payoff enough, but it is gratifying to see our hard work reflected in these numbers.”
Of the 4,431 loans that VyStar secured, 4,295 were for less than $150,000, with an average loan of $33,000, the credit union said.
VyStar said it gave $3.4 million in emergency loans, waived $1.8 million in fees and deferred $2.6 billion in loan payments during the pandemic. The credit union said it also provided $121 million in mortgage forbearances and donated more than $250,000 to local nonprofit organizations.
“The credit union movement is one that is rooted in helping local communities, but it extends far beyond city and state lines,” Brian Wolfburg, VyStar’s president/CEO, said. “The number of members who received relief through each credit union’s desire to help people is proof that the movement is effective and successful.”