Honor puts credit union in running for national recognition in November

Richard Helber, president/CEO of Tropical Financial Credit Union, shows off the 2020 Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Community Services Award

Tropical Financial Credit Union has received a prestigious statewide award for serving the community and members during the COVID 19 pandemic. The League of Southeastern Credit Unions (LSCU) named Tropical Financial winner of the 2020 Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Community Services Award for institutions with $250 million and $1 billion in assets.

In May, when the South Florida economy was re-opened, Tropical Financial gave $85,000 worth of gift cards to all employees and encouraged each to spend their $500 portion supporting a local business hurt by the pandemic. Employees were invited to promote each place they visited on social media. Additionally, for members who faced an economic hardship, Tropical Financial offered a 90-day emergency loan and offered them deferrals on mortgages and consumer loans.

“Our mission is to help our members and the community first and foremost,” said Richard Helber, president and CEO. “But when you get honored by your industry peers for doing what you’re supposed to be doing all along, that is a great feeling.”

The Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Community Services Award commends a credit union for its outstanding efforts in community projects.

“It’s our pleasure to be able to recognize Tropical Financial for the great work it does for its members and communities each day,” said Jared Ross, president of LSCU. “This award showcases the best of the best in an industry already known for its creative approach to making a financial difference to consumers.”

The award-winning submission from Florida has been entered in the national awards program administered by the Credit Union National Association (CUNA). The results of the national contest will be announced in November.

About Tropical Financial Credit Union

Based in Miramar, Florida, Tropical Financial Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial institution whose deposits are federally insured. Anyone who lives or works in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Lee, Collier, Hendry and Sarasota Counties is eligible to join. Tropical Financial Credit Union was formed in 1935 by employees of the former Southern Bell with just a few hundred dollars and has grown to $850 million in assets. For more information, visit www.tropicalfcu.com.

About the League of Southeastern Credit Unions & Affiliates. The League of Southeastern Credit Unions & Affiliates represents 333 credit unions in Alabama, Florida and Georgia, with a combined total of more than $120 billion in assets and more than 10.3 million members. LSCU provides advocacy and regulatory information; education and training; cooperative initiatives (including financial education outreach); media relations and information; and business solutions. For more information, visit www.lscu.coop. Follow the League on Twitter or Facebook.