In November of 1968, nine employees of the Greenville County School District executed a formal agreement to create Greenville Educators Federal Credit Union.  This application for a credit union charter was approved on November 22, 1968 by the Director of the Bureau of Federal Credit Unions and the credit union was officially born.  The credit union began with literally a $45 deposit to savings!  When we look at the complexity of today’s economy, it is extremely hard to fathom.

As I look back on our very humble beginnings, I am mindful of the people that had a great impact on where this credit union is today.  Whether it is one of our original charter members such as Cecil Edwards or Allan Clark, or our first Manager Romola Childs, we stand in awe of the dedication and forward thinking of these School District employees almost 50 years ago.  From the part-time office in the basement of the Book Depository on Sullivan Street to four full-service branches in Greenville County, our credit union continues to flourish from our very strong relationship with education and families.

The credit union changed its name in 1987 to Greenville Federal Credit Union, reflecting our focus on bringing low cost financial services to the entire community.  Although we became a community based credit union in 2000, we never forgot where we came from.  Our sizable investment in the student run branch at Greenville High School is just one of the ways that we continue to show our thanks to the School District and to show our commitment to educating the youth of Greenville County.  

A lot has changed in the last 50 years, but our focus has remained steadfast.  Greenville Federal Credit Union represents a real alternative to traditional banking.  Our commitment to lower fees and better service is the same today as it was in 1968.  Our branches are all newly renovated and are ready to take care of your needs for the next 50 years.  When you celebrate Thanksgiving with your family this year on November 22, we hope it will hold extra significance as the very day your credit union was formed a half century ago.  We could never have grown to where we are today without the selfless efforts of our pioneers and the support of our member owners and community, and for that, we are thankful.

Be on the look-out for a year of events as we celebrate this Golden Anniversary. Thank you for your membership.

Paul Hughes    
President, Greenville Federal Credit Union