Past and Future
In 2024, InTouch Credit Union (ITCU) will celebrate its 50th Anniversary in existence. Created to benefit employees of Electronic Data Systems (EDS), the Credit Union has grown far beyond our origins. Following the mandatory name change to “ITCU” shortly after EDS was acquired by HP, over the years the Credit Union also added members from the following former credit unions: First American Federal Credit Union, Ensign Federal Credit Union, Hospitality Federal Credit Union, Dr Pepper Employees Federal Credit Union, and New Mount Zion Baptist Church Credit Union. Together, we collectively survived the Great Recession, the COVID-19 Pandemic, and economic and political events of historic proportions. Members from these six collective institutions may make up the majority of ITCU members today; however, ITCU has continued to grow by becoming active and investing in the local communities that contain our physical branch locations (i.e., DFW, Las Vegas, and Detroit) while still serving members in all 50 states and over 20 foreign countries through digital and electronic means. Despite the demise of many of our foundational corporate sponsors, ITCU membership continues to thrive by placing the collective needs of the membership above all else. We plan to host three different celebration meetings (one in each regional market) to celebrate our 50-year success, because serving you is both our greatest passion and greatest challenge.
As I look back on “personal banking” over the last 50 years, the most fundamental changes have occurred over the last two decades. The introduction of personal banking via computers and digital devices has permanently changed the landscape of managing money. Nevertheless, and despite the technological advancements, “service” still remains the operative driver when delivering “financial services.” The ability to use our professional expertise to help you meet your financial needs continues to be the most requested deliverable today. Understanding that requirement, we are very pleased to report that the annual expansive membership survey completed last month (e.g., sent to over 10% of the membership) experienced the overall highest membership satisfaction scores recorded in the last 20 years. That said, we still believe we can do better (and so does the Board and Executive Leadership Team). As a result, there are several future product and service enhancements scheduled for implementation in 2024.
The most important service improvement occurring consists of updating current online, digital, and mobile banking platforms in Q2 2024. We believe the new platform will be easier to use while adding enhancements for greater member customization and security against fraud. Look for more announcements during the first quarter. We will also launch the most entertaining, informative, and smart spending, savings, and investing platform in the market today created with the entire family in mind. We believe there is no time like the present to invest in your financial future and improve your chances of success. Lastly, we will update our communications platform using today’s most trusted technologies to offer enhanced services 24/7/365. Our Contact Center, secure webchat, text chat, and video connection services will give you the freedom to get access to your financial information, better aligning with your schedule, not ours.
We made these investments because we never forgot why we exist. We are here to collectively work for you and your financial well-being. Thank you for an awesome 50 years. We look forward to many, many more anniversaries to come!
Kent Lugrand
President/CEO