History of RTP Federal Credit Union
RTP Federal Credit Union was formed in January 1968 by a group of federal employees in the Research Triangle Park. The original charter contains the names of just seven individuals, though it took the support of many more to get it started. For several years, the credit union was "operated" by a handful of EPA and NIEHS employees. A visit to the credit union, located at EPA, probably meant stopping by someone's desk to drop off a check. Loan applications were reviewed by the credit union at a meeting once or twice a month.
Eventually, the credit union became large enough to hire the first employee - a manager who served as bookkeeper, teller, loan officer, collector and member service representative. It wasn't long before more employees were hired and the credit union moved into its first permanent office on Alston Avenue. In 1987, we moved to Slater Road in RTP, which served as our primary branch location until our relocation in 2007 to The Shops at Park Center. We also opened branches in North Raleigh in 2005 and Cary in 2006.
In 1992, the Board of Directors approved the addition of TouchTone Teller, giving members 24-7 account access. We thought that this technological step was big, until we introduced Internet banking just four years later. We were one of the first credit unions in the state to offer Internet banking and the first to offer real-time access to account information. Currently, more than 35% of our members regularly use the Internet for account access. New services like electronic bill payment, e-statements and online check imaging continue to draw high praise from our members. We are no longer the place to go for just a car loan but, instead, a financial institution that showcases an array of quality products and, of course, superior service.
Competition has grown dramatically in the financial industry, and there's now a financial institution on every corner proposing to have the best service - us included. But we're doing more than talking. We consistently strive to deliver great service, and we emphasize this in all aspects of employee training. In 2006, we placed comment cards in our branches, and the feedback has been excellent. This reinforces that our employees are taking care of our members. We are staying true to our original purpose-offering high quality, personal service and competitive products at a low cost to people in the Triangle area.
As we plan for the future, we continue to look for better products and services to offer. We don't aspire to be a nationally known financial institution. Our roots are in the Triangle, and that's where we intend to stay. But we do intend to be a leader in personal financial services. So be watching for more exciting news and new services this year, and on your next visit let us know how we are doing.
