Managers of Memphis area credit unions, spared any property damage or worse so far from the flood-swollen Mississippi River, were crossing their fingers Tuesday that they could avoid evacuation orders even as they continued issuing alerts to members to be careful of high water as they approached CU facilities.
“We have a couple of our branches close to the river and we brought in an extra generator in case we lost power but so far no problem,” said a spokesman for the $136 million Hope Community CU of Jackson, Miss., which has three branches in Memphis, Tenn. and West Memphis, Ark.
Daniel Weickenand, CEO of the $529 million Memphis Area Teachers CU said, “We have our eye on a couple of branches in the flood zone but we think we'll be ok.”
However, “we are aware of at least one commercial loan impacted by the flood,” said Weickenand, stressing that the CU “will work with everyone in order to relieve as much stress from this horrible situation as possible. We have contributed to the local Red Cross, and will continue to see what we can do to provide assistance to our members and the community as needed. “Memphis is a very resilient city,” said Weickenand, adding,”we will come out of this stronger due to the adversity.”
Officials of the $95 million Kimberly Clark CU, also in a flood zone, said employees “had to find different routes to work the last few days,” but that flooding fears had abated for the time being. “So far they haven't evacuated the nursing home across the street,” which would be a signal that the CU would be next, said a spokeswoman.
Hope CU said it put up a notice on its website warning that it is “preparing for rising waters in some” local markets. “Please exercise caution when approaching areas that may be affected by high water and check back for more information,” said the website.
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