Three years ago, the former WV United Federal Credit Union in Kanawha City became the nation’s first financial institution to create an iPhone application allowing deposits to be made by phone. Today, the credit union is changing its name to Element Federal Credit Union to better reflect its innovations, friendly member service, and its continuing pledge to operate as a digital green business.
According to Element CEO Linda Bodie, “Few people in the Kanawha Valley know we are the most innovative credit union in the United States. As technology evolves, we’ve made a commitment to use it to our member’s advantage. Whether it’s Skyping with a member who has moved to California, or using a mobile phone to cash a check and arrange for a precise pickup time, or making a deposit using your smartphone, online chat, or home computer, our primary goal is eliminating any barriers to working with our members.”
One visible example of the changes at Element is the removal of the “teller counter” that has been a staple in all financial institutions for over a century. The counter has been replaced with a comfortable environment allowing members to conduct business using an iPad, or comfortably seated with a cup of coffee discussing their needs with a member services representative.
“Our members own the credit union; we answer to them, not shareholders in another state. Unlike some other financial institutions, we are working hard to give our members what they want, and make sure they fully understand how we operate their credit union. Our new name clearly expresses to our members we will operate in your element,” added Bodie.
The public is invited to stop by Element’s Kanawha City location at 3418 MacCorkle Ave. on Thursday, November 1 between 7:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. for an open house and to learn more about the credit union.
Element Federal Credit Union (formerly WV United Federal Credit Union) is a Charleston-based financial institution, founded in 1978, with nearly 5,000 members and assets of more than $26 million.
Element offers membership to anyone that resides, works, goes to school, or worships in Kanawha County. Since its founding, the credit union has provided services statewide to all employees of the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources. Element is located at 3418 MacCorkle Avenue, SE in Kanawha City, and has a branch office at 350 Capitol Street, Room 156 in downtown Charleston. For more information, go to our website www.elementfcu.org.
