Indiana credit union branch severely damaged by Kentucky tornado
January 7, 2000

On Monday, January 3, a devastating tornado hit Owensboro, Ky. More than 900 homes and 40 businesses were damaged, including the branch office of Evansville Teachers Federal Credit Union, a member of the Indiana League. Evansville is located just 40 miles from Owensboro and the office that was hit is one of the credit union’s six branches.

It was an F-3 tornado (the measurement scale stops at F-5), with winds between 150 and 200 miles per hour. Incredibly, no one was killed as the result of the storm and fewer than 20 people were treated at the local hospital.

The eight credit union employees took shelter under a table in an interior room (the office does not have a walk-in vault, which is usually the safest place in the building). All of their cars were damaged and only one could be driven away from the credit union. One employee was not able to enter her home until days after the storm. "We’re glad everyone weathered the storm as well as they did," said Mike Phipps, President and CEO." This is an important lesson for us; employees should seek shelter immediately when they are made aware of such warnings."

The damage and destruction to the credit union office was severe. All windows except those in the drive-through and one office were blown out, leaving shattered glass throughout the building. A brick column supporting the drive-through canopy was destroyed and the tube system was ruined. There is much damage to the roof and there is water damage and debris throughout the building.

According to Nancy Golding, Vice President of Marketing and Member Services, the credit union will attempt to re-open on Friday, January 7. Opening the office depends upon the progress made by the credit union’s construction and cleaning crews as well as the ability of the city to clear the streets and restore power. Friday is payday for Owensboro Public Schools employees and it may be the first time many members are able to travel the streets. Which could mean a very busy day for the office.

In a wonderful display of the "people helping people" philosophy at credit unions, several Kentucky credit unions have stepped up to offer help. Green River Area FCU has offered office space as well as check cashing services for ETFCU members. Several other Owensboro area credit unions also offering to cash checks include Audubon FCU, Modern Employees FCU, Davies County Teachers FCU, and Labor Management FCU.

ETFCU is offering special loan rates to members who sustained tornado damage to their homes. The term and borrowing limits have been extended and members will be allowed up to 60 days to make their first payment.

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