Visions FCU Cortland. (Photo Source: Cortland Voice photo files).
Visions Federal Credit Union opened a new branch on 141 Clinton Ave. in the city of Cortland on Monday. The Visions FCU Cortland branch is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon.
Tim Strong, Visions FCU public relations and community engagement manager, said a Visions FCU branch opening in Cortland “closes the gap” between Syracuse and Binghamton, where branches are also located.
Tim Strong (Visions FCU Public Relations and Community Engagement Manager). (Photo Source: Cortland Voice photo files)
“It’s been a long time coming,” Strong said. Founded in 1966 as IBM Employees Federal Credit Union in Endicott, Visions FCU has grown to over 50 branches in New York, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. They are headquartered in Endicott of Broome County.
“We continue to grow,” Strong said.
Tyrone Muse, the president and CEO of Visions FCU for the past nine years, noted a branch now located in Cortland “gives him joy.”
“I’m really excited. The words don’t totally capture it,” Muse said. “As a kid coming up to Cortland and having friends going to (SUNY Cortland), for me to finally be in this town, connecting the dots, seeing that our strategy is working, knowing how successful we’re going to be and how much we’re going to help this community, is exciting.”
Tyrone Muse (President and CEO of Visions FCU). (Photo Source: Cortland Voice photo files)
Muse said the importance of Visions FCU opening a branch in Cortland was based on data of their members.
“Our data can see how many members are here,” he said. “They’re going to Syracuse and to Ithaca, or going to Binghamton. We just knew we had to get something here so we can make that part of their lives. Time is everything.”
Strong mentioned that Visions FCU is “like a bank” and provides similar services as a bank, but is “a non-profit.”
“We’re here to serve the community and serve our members,” Strong added. He noted Visions FCU provides services for checking and saving accounts; car loans, mortgages and credit cards; and more.
While Visions FCU provides a variety of services within its branches, it also provides assistance to the community. Strong noted that Visions FCU invests over a million dollars “in the communities we serve.”
“We’re excited to be able to be here in Cortland and support the great community events they have going on and doing good things,” Strong said. “This is a community we think is amazing. They’ve already been incredibly welcoming. We’re excited to support the community.”
Visions FCU’s Cortland branch will be overseen by branch manager Mark Hahn. Hahn, who has been with Visions FCU for close to three years, is looking forward to running the Cortland branch.
Mark Hahn (Branch Manager). (Photo Source: Cortland Voice photo files)
Hahn, a graduate of SUNY Cortland, also lives in Cortland.
“I’m here for the community. I want to help out as much as I can,” he said.
Muse knew he wanted “to do more” for the city of Cortland. It’s what led to Visions FCU opening a branch in Cortland.
“You have to be here to understand what the city really needs,” he said. “That’s how I measure everything: how many people are helping. I’m so excited to be another resource, or alternative, financially for this area.”
Muse is inviting the community to visit the new Visions FCU branch on Clinton Avenue. “Look at us and see how we can help you,” he added.
“Have someone go over your financial wellness and do a checklist with you. We don’t want this to be transactional, so don’t feel like you have to come join us,” Muse said. “We can give you that other resource to make sure you’re in the best position in saving the most money, paying the lowest amount and hopefully that will help improve your credit score.”
From left to right: Timothy A. Bennett (Owner & Publisher of The Cortland Voice), Tyrone Muse (President and CEO of Visions FCU) & Mark Hahn (Branch Manager). (Photo Source: Cortland Voice photo files)
