News Release - January 8, 2003

Community Choice Federal Credit Union celebrated its name change and new offices with a very special open house last week.

Because of the credit union's status as Indiana's only community development credit union (CDCU) and its commitment to its east-side urban neighborhood residents, as well as its partnerships with a number of community-based organizations that focus on economic empowerment, Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson proclaimed Feb. 13, 2003 as "Community Choice Federal Credit Union Day." Deputy Mayor Eugene Anderson was on hand at the credit union's open house to make it official by presenting a signed proclamation to credit union CEO Barbara Black and board chairman Daniel Herbertz.

Established in 1981 as Near Eastside Community FCU the credit union has continued to serve members on the near east side of the city with a growing number of financial services. The $6 million credit union has 3,000 members and has made $19 million in loans since its inception. The credit union also has a successful youth program, Junior Investors, which is operated for 150 students in a partnership with the John H. Boner Community Center. Additionally, it has been offering Individual Development Accounts (IDAs) to members since 1998 as part of the Financial Foundations program. IDAs offer asset-building strategies to help members match their savings with state funds so they can experience home ownership, continuing education and small business ownership.

For years the credit union made its home in a cramped older building just down the street from its "new" digs-a 1930s-era storefront/residential building that has been renovated for the credit union and three other ground floor tenants as well as 22 apartment dwellers upstairs. Tripling the number of square feet has allowed Community Choice FCU to provide greater privacy for its members who can now meet with credit union representatives in comfortable offices that are not within earshot of the teller line. State-of-the-art security is in place and a technology grant from the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund has permitted the credit union access to member data using top-quality computer equipment.

Credit union contact information
Community Choice Federal Credit Union
2811 East 10th Street, Suite A
(317) 633-3100
President/CEO Barbara Black
(Formerly Near Eastside Community Federal Credit Union)


"We can serve our members so much better from this space," says CEO Barbara Black, shown here in front of her new six-window teller line with John McKenzie, president of the Indiana Credit Union League. Since moving to a newer, more modern facility in late January, the credit union has opened up more than 120 new accounts.	CEO Barbara Black and Board Chairman Daniel Herbertz accept a copy of the proclamation of Community Choice Federal Credit Union Day from Deputy Mayor Eugene Anderson (center).