HVCU has served the community for more than 70 years

By Greg Miller
STAR STAFF
gmiller@starhq.com

   Happy Valley Credit Union (HVCU) celebrated its 70th birthday in 2003.
   That milestone was celebrated with a birthday cake and prize giveaways, according to HVCU manager Christine Bartz. "We also ran specials on many of the available financial services that we provide," Bartz said. "We were also recognized by the Tennessee Credit Union League and even received some beautiful floral arrangements from our friendly competitors here in town."
   According to Bartz, HVCU's longevity was the credit union's number one achievement during its first seven decades.
   "We were chartered as the third credit union in the State of Tennessee," Bartz said. "Today, less than half of the credit unions existing 30 years ago are still in existence. I guess we are doing something right.
   "We were also chartered in the midst of the Great Depression in 1933. As some of the other financial institutions can tell you, it took some trust to get the public interested in doing business with you. Overcoming that obstacle was a great stride."
   HVCU is working to complete both short-term and long-term goals. "In the short-term, we are currently working on some parking and logistical improvements in our parking areas to help with our increased traffic flow," Bartz said. "We also anticipate adding some additional electronic banking services in the near future.
   "In the long-term, we are looking to expand our main location to accommodate our increase in business and add at least one branch. We are also looking at a charter change to allow us to serve our membership better."
   With the passing of time, customer service becomes more important, according to Bartz. "Even with the advances in electronic banking services and the advent of automated transactions, people still want to talk to people and desire the personal service that comes with that," she said. "There is no substitute for personal service, and that is how we have found our niche in the marketplace. We know a great many of our members on a first name basis, and that makes them feel comfortable doing business with us. People in Elizabethton and Carter County do not want to have to call Memphis, Charlotte or Birmingham with questions or problems. Just go by any of our financial institutions on Friday and observe the traffic, and you will see what I'm talking about."
   HVCU can serve nine of Carter County's districts. The service area ranges from the Johnson County line up to the North Carolina line down to Milligan College and part of the way up to Hunter.
   HVCU, 210 E. C St., is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information, call 542-6078.