Alliance Credit Union giving back to the community
Finding a trustworthy financial institution can be a tricky endeavor sometimes — especially considering there are some that don’t always have your best interests in mind. Some institutions care more about the board members they report to than their members, but that’s not the case at Alliance Credit Union in San Jose.
“All the things we do here revolve around people, be it our members, employees and local communities,” said Brian Dorcy, president and CEO. “Providing comprehensive financial advice, a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, and continuously giving back to charitable organizations are just a few of the principles that have become our mantra.”
With that in mind, here are seven principles Alliance Credit Union lives by to provide its customers with the best financial services possible.
1. Voluntary and open ownership
One of the many ways in which the credit union works to provide a comfortable and nurturing climate is by opening its doors to all patrons without discrimination of any kind.
Members are welcome to shop on the website, visit us for an in-person chat and join the co-op when it’s most convenient for them, with zero hassle.
2. Democratic owner control
Unlike traditional banks that report to external shareholders, community members just like you help steer the Alliance Credit Union ship. Every member (or owner as the credit union likes to say) has an equal say and can feel confident their voice is heard. 3. Owner economic participation
Members contribute equally — and democratically control — the capital of Alliance Credit Union. This gives members power they otherwise wouldn’t be able to enjoy at other financial institutions. Thus, all the economic advantages of the co- op come back full circle to the member as they are reinvested into the credit union or are used to provide services and develop new products to offer an even better experience. These experiences include lower loan rates, higher savings yields and fewer fees.
4. Autonomy and independence
We believe in providing as much autonomy as possible to further ensure that the needs of our members are continuously met and exceeded. This includes making sure our cooperative remains a co-op and doesn’t get distracted by shareholder demands as other financial institutions do.
5. Education, training and information
Along with providing educational materials on the benefits of belonging to a credit union, we also have industry leaders ready to speak with you about your unique financial situation.
Are you looking to buy your first home? What about a brand new automobile? Are you trying to determine the best way to pay college tuition?
These questions and countless others are addressed by experts equally as invested in your financial success. By giving you as much background and information as possible, you’re empowered to make the best financial decisions possible. 6. Cooperation among cooperatives
Alliance Credit Union believes we best serve members and strengthen the cooperative movement by working closely with local, regional and national structures.
7. Community dedication
Giving back to the community is just as important as fulfilling the financial needs of every member.
Just a few recent examples include acting as the primary sponsor for the Bill Wilson Center’s annual fundraising luncheon to support their programs for foster children coping with homelessness. The company also sponsored an event with Teen Center to provide teen mothers with Music in the Park tickets they otherwise wouldn’t have had access to.
We also have a close-knit network of additional nonprofits that address the issue of homelessness. When Teen Center reached out for resources when an emergency arose that left a teen mom without housing, Alliance was able to refer them to our partners at Destination: Home for assistance.
Additional charitable foundations the credit union partners with includes MyPath, YMCA, San Jose Downtown Association, Silicon Valley Children’s Fund, Big Brothers Big Sisters and dozens more.
These seven principles will continue to drive success at Alliance Credit Union well into the future. Whether we’re providing financial know-how for life’s most significant decisions or helping to raise funds for homelessness, these seven principles are the backbone for member, employee and community prosperity.