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Though power has been restored to much of Texas, which enabled credit unions to reopen their branches on Thursday while some managed to open for business on Wednesday, executives are facing another challenge as some of their employees don't have water or power, according to reports received by the Cornerstone League in Plano, Texas.
"We opened all four Gulf Credit Union drive-thrus for all services on Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a skeleton crew. Many of our employees don't have water and/or power," Todd Gaudin, president/CEO of the $315 million Gulf Credit Union in Groves, Texas, told the Cornerstone League. "Although the roads are clearing up, the Rainbow Bridge between Orange and Port Arthur was closed until Thursday. We have a lot of employees that live on the other side of that bridge. Hopefully by Friday things will improve so we can get back to our regular schedule."
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As freezing rain and sleet fell in Huntsville, Texas on Wednesday, Brenda Hooker, president/CEO of the $122 million Community Service Credit Union, reported to the Cornerstone League that its contact center was open and remote employees worked from home to service members' needs. Power was restored at both offices, but water was shut off in various areas of the city due to city water system damage, she said.
"Credit unions are going through a lot of measures just to serve their members," Gretchen Ziegler, the Cornerstone League's vice president of credit union relations, said.
For example, Karen Place, president/CEO of the $3.1 million SP Trainmen Federal Credit Union in Houston, noted that as a small credit union with no drive-thru or mobile services, she posted her cell phone number on the door of the credit union for members to call. As of Wednesday, the two-person shop had power but no water.
Chris Choat, president/CEO of the $832 million Houston Federal Credit Union, said the credit union's lobbies were closed on Wednesday, but it managed to get its call center and remote lending teams sufficiently staffed to take member calls.
Likewise, Brandon Michaels, president/CEO of the $2.5 billion JSC Federal Credit Union in Houston, said the credit union was open on Wednesday and that it decided to extend the contact center hours from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. to serve members.
"Some credit unions lost power this week. Others remain without internet service, and some are in areas where road conditions are still hazardous," Cornerstone League President/CEO Caroline Willard said. "Credit unions have had to make difficult decisions this week while also prioritizing the safety of their staff and quality of service to their members. Their resilience is admirable."
Fewer than a half-million homes in Texas remained without electricity as of Thursday afternoon, although utility officials said limited rolling blackouts could still occur, according to the Associated Press.
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Peter Strozniak
Credit Union Times reporter covering credit union operations, fraud, M&As, leagues, business continuity, and breaking news.
