News - Business

Thursday, Sep. 11, 2008

Family Trust credit union opens Clover branch

CLOVER -- Family Trust Federal Credit Union's largest branch outside Rock Hill opened this week in Clover.

With 10 employees, Clover's branch is the credit union's seventh location. The bank offers checking, savings, loans, online banking and other services, as well as drive-up teller windows and ATM.

So far, business has been good, said Cathie Sherer, branch manager.

"Everybody has been excited that we're here, and many people came by to welcome us to the neighborhood," Sherer said.

Family Trust made an immediate effort to join the Clover community by establishing "Sports Jersey Day," which will be held during the bank's official grand opening and ribbon-cutting celebration on Oct. 4. During the grand opening, the bank will make a $5 donation to the booster club of any team or club when students wear their school colors.

To generate buzz in the community, three employees, including Sherer, are holding helmets and sporting eye black on the Family Trust Web site, familytrust.org.

"It's our way to say we understand this community," said Lee Gardner, president and CEO of Family Trust Federal Credit Union. "Clover is a small town, and they have state championship teams. The idea there was that Family Trust is bringing a new team to town."

J.M. Cope began construction on the the 9,000-square-foot, two-story credit union at the end of 2007. Gardner said the new branch is part of Family Trust's natural progress.

"We're simply growing to serve our community," Gardner said. "Clover is growing very rapidly with many new homes and schools being built, and there was no credit union there."

Sherer said another reason for the credit union's move to Clover was to serve the many members of Family Trust who are Clover residents, who previously had to travel to Filbert or York for banking services.

"We want to give our members options," Sherer said of Family Trust, the only credit union in Clover.

Family Trust started in 1957 when seven employees of Rock Hill Printing & Finishing Company applied for a federal credit loan. In 1988, the name was changed to Family Trust Federal Credit Union.

The Clover branch is at 1219 S.C. 55 East.