Build your credit with a helpful 1st Co-op

The Member Newsletter

March 2020

Denied, then her father had an idea

Tamra Scanlon found the car she wanted and at a price she didn't want to pass up. The problem? This recent high school graduate says she didn't have any credit.

“I was denied by multiple lenders,” said Tamra. “I was ready to give up the great deal on the car after my hometown credit union denied my loan application.”

But Tamra's stepfather, James Tumblin from Laurens Electric, had an idea. He called loan officer John Middleton at 1 ^st Cooperative Federal Credit Union.

“John was excited and confident he could help,” said Tamra. “The same day my application was submitted, I was approved for the loan! John walked me through every step needed and even helped me get set up with automatic draft payments. I am so thankful there are still credit unions that actually help build credit and care for their members.”

To see how 1 ^st Cooperative can take care of you, including putting you in the right car at the right price, call the credit union at (803) 796-0234.

Photo: Tamra Sconlon poses with the ride she was able to finance with 1 ^st Cooperative.

Second time still as quick

Joanne Emanuel and her husband, James, have been members of 1 ^st Cooperative for 18 years. In that time, they’ve learned that financial help is just a phone call away.

In 2018, it was John Middleton on the other end of the line helping the Emanuels finance a Buick Lacrosse.

“He helped us with everything within a couple of hours—all over the phone,” said Joanne.

A year later, the couple was ready to make a change—to an SUV.

“Again, we called on our cooperative family,” said Joanne. “This time, Jo Ann Burnside helped us to finance a Buick Enclave—and again everything was handled over the phone in just a few hours.”

The 1 ^st Cooperative folks say they love it when the phone rings, so give them a call to see how they can help you. They also welcome in-person visits and encourage you to stop by when you're in Cayce.

Photo: Joanne Emanuel shows off her Buick Enclave she financed by phone.

Email? Yep, they do that, too

As Harriett Goff learned, the 1 ^st Cooperative staff loves to talk with members on the phone and in person, but they’re also available by email. That came as good news for Harriett not long after going to work at Edisto Electric Cooperative.

“I decided to join the credit union because of the prompt and friendly response to my emails concerning a refinance of a vehicle loan,” said Harriett. “I decided to wait on the refi, but I opened a line of credit to consolidate debt and increase my credit score.”

Harriett says she appreciates being able to reach the credit union through a variety of means. “Any question I’ve had is answered in a timely manner, and the staff is not only friendly, but very knowledgeable.”

If you’d like to talk to 1 ^st Co-op staff by email, just send them a message at creditunion@ecsc.org.

Photo: Harriett Goff of Edisto Electric Cooperative