Whittier Municipal EFCU and Whittier Area FCU partner up for uptown ATM service

WHITTIER, Calif. - Whittier Area Federal Credit Union and Whittier Municipal Employees Federal Credit Union have solved the problem of wanting another ATM in the uptown area here, yet not having the resources to make the dream a reality- by joining forces. Members and residents in the Uptown area will now have an ATM conveniently located at WMEFCU's office at 13303 Hadley St. here. "Both CEO's are in close contact and while chatting about wanting an another ATM , they realized that a joint venture offered the best solution," said WAFCU Vice President of Marketing Richard Adams. In this partnership, WAFCU owns the machine while WMEFCU serves the members and residents in the area. The ATM is available to both credit unions' members and the general public. In addition to dispensing cash, the ATM accepts deposits, from members participating in the CO-OP Network, and allows users to receive cash back on deposits. To introduce the new service to the community, a cash giveaway is planned for August 11. Instead of receiving only $20 bills, random transactions will dispense an occasional $50 bill. According to Adams, this giveaway has become a tradition that began with the first ATM site. It gives members a reason to have a debit card and creates a lot of excitement when they use the card said Adams. Members will be notified by statement stuffers of the cash giveaway. "We try to stay one step ahead of our members' requests because service is always the issue," said Adams. "Providing the ATM in this area is an example of that dedication to service." Serving 23,426 members WAFCU has $162 million in assets. WMEFCU has $13.6 million in assets and serves 2,085 members. -mbourjolly@cutimes .com