Peru Federal Credit Union Opens Keeseville Branch
L-R Nicole Prentiss, Maggie Pope, Sarah Sherman
By John T. Ryan
Keeseville – Keeseville residents were shocked when they learned TD Bank would close its local branch on November 15th. Only an ATM remains; however, there was good news on November 13th when the Peru Federal Credit Union (PFCU) opened at 187 Pleasant St. Why establish a new branch when another institution is closing its doors? PFCU’s CEO /Manager Maggie Pope explained, “We understand that small communities need a financial institution. Many people are still looking for person to person contact. Our motto has always been ‘People Serving People.’”
Pope said opening a Keeseville branch makes business sense. “We did our research. The Towns of AuSable and Chesterfield have the population and businesses (65) to support a financial institution. Many roads come right into Keeseville and it’s in the center of our company triangle now that we have offices in AuSable Forks, Keeseville and Peru.” An AuSable Forks native, Pope is enthusiastic about serving people in and around her hometown.
“Establishing an AuSable Forks branch in October 2018 gave the credit union exposure and encouraged growth,” Pope stated. “In the past 12 months our loans have grown 22% and membership has grown almost 20%. We have over 3,000 members. Here in Keeseville we’ve signed up 25 new members in the first five business days.”
The Keeseville office is admittedly small, but that’s not expected to last long. Pope said, “We’re looking for land and we plan to construct a new building. I hope we can have it operational in about a year.” In the meantime, the current office across from Arnold’s Grocery is well located and easy to access.
Pope said some people don’t understand who can belong to the PFCU and the services it offers. Anyone living, working, worshipping, attending school or volunteering in either Clinton or Essex Counties is eligible to become a member. She added, “We’re a full service financial institution with checking and savings accounts, certificates of deposit, business and personal accounts, car loans, personal loans and mortgages. We offer online banking. Members can scan a check using our smart phone app and deposit it directly into their accounts. Our online accounts are compatible with the Quickbooks accounting program and all accounts are ensured by the National Credit Union Association.”
Keeseville’s PFCU branch hours of operation are 8 to 4 Monday, Tuesdays and Wednesday and 8 to 5 Thursdays and Fridays. Phone 518-825-1354 for information.
Posted: November 21st, 2019 under Adirondack Region News, Business News, General News, Peru/Regional History.