Education First celebrates $3 million remodel of longstanding credit union

The Beaumont Chamber of Commerce helped Education First Federal Credit Union celebrate a $3 million revamp of a longstanding local facility with proper fanfare, including a live performance from Lamar University band members, addresses from local leaders, including the credit union CEO, and a ribbon cutting.

“Education First got its start not too far from where we sit today,” Education First President and CEO Kevin Conn said addressing the crowd present for the ribbon cutting ceremony Oct. 18. “In 1951, a few teachers from South Park High School got together to create a financial cooperative – member-owned and focused on serving their financial needs, not just the needs of a paid Board of Directors. Seventy-one years later, the member-centric mission is still at the heart of what we do for Southeast Texans today.

“With over half a billion dollars in assets and serving over 36,000 members, Education First has grown to be one of the largest credit unions in Southeast Texas. The remodel of this branch marks the fifth ribbon cutting ceremony this credit union has hosted in the last five years.”

The remodeled facility, located at 4695 Rolfe Christopher Drive on the Lamar University campus in Beaumont, features a modern design with bright, open spaces. The 6,100-square-foot space was reconfigured to include office space for three departments previously within the Administration Building, allowing for additional growth and expansion at the location.

“We have seven branches. This is actually our oldest branch,” Conn said. “It was just time for a facelift.”

The full-service branch also features a new service model of employees who act as Universal Bankers, explained Conn.

“This staffing model allows a single employee to serve our members with all their needs,” he said. “Rather than having to stand in line at a teller station to make a deposit or withdrawal, then speak to another employee about an address change and maybe even a third person to access their safe deposit box – the way banking used to be – a Universal Banker can conveniently assist members with all aspects of their banking.”

As an added value, the branch will begin offering after-hours financial education and literacy events for Lamar University and Lamar Institute of Technology (LIT) students, faculty and staff, along with the convenience of Interactive Teller Machines (ITMs) in the drive-thru, which will allow members to interact with a live representative who can provide traditional and expanded drive-thru services such as processing loan payments, debit and credit card replacements and more.

In an interview with The Southeast Texas Business Journal, Conn remarked that the financial literacy events will give students guidance in planning for the future.

“No one sat down with me when I was in high school or just starting off who said, ‘This is this is how you build your credit report. This is how you budget. This is how you prioritize. This is how you do finances.’ I really wish there had been. We want to provide that service to students. I really wish we could provide these services to all Lamar students as a whole, and I wish there was a way that we could start getting even more involved with the students in their day-to-day lives to help them with saving and building their credit scores, things like that.

“Education is part of our DNA, which is why we’re called Education First. We spend a lot of time trying to educate members and the community. At this branch, we built a drop-down screen with a projector, and we plan on posting financial seminars. We want to reach all 15,000 Lamar students and let them know that today, your credit score is as important as your social security number.”

Conn said the credit union supports its members and all members of the area community through their expansion and in a variety of endeavors outside the office.

“So, in addition to expanding our footprint, we are continuing to focus on new ways that we can serve our members. Later this month, we are launching a new debit card reward program that’s one of its kind in Southeast Texas.

“Our growth supports more than just our members though this remodel. It provided work for over 85 local people and businesses, furthering their growth and their success as well. Outside of our branches, we are also focused on enriching the lives of our community through financial support and volunteerism. Whether it’s through financial support to our local schools, service organizations, providing college scholarships to local high school students, and our employees delivering meals to the homebound, we are invested in the success of our members and non-members alike to ensure that Southeast Texas continues to grow and to thrive.”

City of Beaumont Councilman Audwin Samuel, Ward 3, thanked the credit union for investing in the city, the region and the people of Southeast Texas.

“I’ve had a relationship with Education First for over 40 years,” said Samuel. “As a youngster, my mother was a teacher, and she got me involved with Teachers Credit Union. That evolved into Education First, and I’ve been working with Education First since that time, so it’s a great pleasure for me to be here – and particularly on the Lamar University campus. I’m an alumnus of Lamar University, and it’s been here as a staple. So, the relationship between Lamar, the city of Beaumont, as well as education first, it’s one that’s been growing a long time, and it continues to grow.

“You’re doing great things here. And on behalf of all citizens of Beaumont, we say, ‘Thank you.’ And, we pray that you will continue to have the success as we watch you grow all over Jefferson County.”

Greater Beaumont Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Steve Ahlenius said he appreciates the credit union’s reinvestment in Beaumont, which he believes will highlight business opportunities in the area.

“It’s always exciting when you see reinvestments in the community, and that’s really what Education First has done,” Ahlenius described. “That really sends a good message to the business community, that people are recognizing the opportunity here in Beaumont and what’s coming … That’s a great sign of what’s coming in this community, so on behalf of the chamber, we wish you the best and look forward to what the future holds.”

Conn said he is proud of the new facility and revealed the credit union plans to extend its reach even further into Southeast Texas.

”We are pleased to provide our members with a new modern facility and stellar member service that’s fueled by the latest and most secure technology, and we are pleased to announce that we are going to continue this build because next year we’re building a branch in Lumberton, Texas.”

Learn more about the credit union online at www.educationfirstfcu.org or by visiting one their local branches.