Checkpoint Magazine - Fall 2020

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M A G A Z I N E

Taking Flight with Spero Financial I N

Letter from the President

T H I S

The Story of Spero Financial

I S S U E

Behind the Scenes

Meet a Spero Financial Member

LOCATIONS Columbia

1025 Pulaski Street Columbia, SC 29201

Corporate Office & Support Center

420 E. Park Avenue, Ste. 100 Greenville, SC 29601

Easley

118 Brushy Creek Road Easley, SC 29642

Five Forks

117 Batesville Road, Ste. 200 Simpsonville, SC 29681

Member Service Center

Greenville: 864.232.5553 Nationwide: 800.922.0446

Mills Avenue

300 Mills Avenue Greenville, SC 29605

Spartanburg

130 North Town Drive Spartanburg, SC 29303

Taylors

3237 Wade Hampton Boulevard Taylors, SC 29687

Verdae

601 Verdae Boulevard Greenville, SC 29607

24/7/365 SERVICE MONEYLINKSM Online

at www.spero.financial

MONEYLINKSM Audio Response Greenville: 864.232.3645 Nationwide: 800.633.4364

Visit our website www.spero.financial to locate an ATM near you!

FIND US ONLINE /MySperoFi @MySperoFi @MySperoFi www.spero.financial

IN THE ISSUE: 3 4 66 9 9 109 12 1 2

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Letter from the President BRAND STORY

Spero: BEHIND THE SCENES In the Spotlight: CLAUDIA FLOYD

Spero Member Spotlight: CRYSTAL CALHOUN New Website Feature: INSIDE THE NEW WWW.SPERO.FINANCIAL

Insured by NCUA Spero Financial is a proud member of the Credit Union Service Center Network. co-opcreditunions.org Copyright ©2020 by Spero Financial and The Brand Leader. All foreign and U.S. rights reserved.

Contents of this publication, including images, may not be reproduced without written consent from the publisher.

Published for Spero Financial by The Brand Leader.

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www.spero.financial Insured by NCUA

Dear Members, By now, you’ve probably heard our big news — but in case you haven’t, I’m incredibly excited to share with you our most recent announcement: SC Telco is now Spero Financial.

While this is undoubtedly a significant change for our organization, it’s one that transitions us well into the bright future ahead for our credit union. After our merger with Anderson Federal Credit Union — which will be finalized early next year — we’ll have more than 59,000 members and 10 banking locations across the state of South Carolina. With a combined

Letter from the President

150-year history in our home state, there was no better way than to pay homage to our history and the communities we love than by selecting a name that is rooted in South Carolina’s own motto, Dum Spiro Spero, meaning, “While I breathe, I hope.”

Hope — the meaning of Spero — is what drives us forward. We believe there’s always hope for a better tomorrow; this is what unifies our communities and aspires us to new heights! We strive daily to share this hope with each one of you, our members, helping you dream big and partnering with you to make these future hopes a reality! Dive deeper into the Spero story on page 4.

So what does this mean for you? Well, the first most noticeable change is our new website! Learn about all the new features on page 12. Beginning this fall and into next year, you’ll start seeing our new logo pop up on branch signage, communications, Online and Mobile Banking, and so much more! But what you won’t see is a difference in our focus on you,

Brian McKay PRESIDENT

and your financial needs. While much is changing, our mission has never, and will never, waver ­— to help improve the financial lives of our members. Read more on how we did just that for one of our members on page 10.

As we move forward into this new era for our organization, I am reminded that what makes us great are those who surround us. Like the sparrow, which finds solace and strength in community, we are stronger together. I am grateful for each of our members and each of our Spero representatives as we move forward into this new chapter — together.

Together, we're reaching new heights!

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Spero Financial is more than a name – it’s a reflection of who we were, who we are, and who we are becoming.

So, to fully understand the Spero Financial story, we must start with our history — taking us back to the early 1800’s.

Spreading Our Wings In 1844, the first financial cooperative was formed with one simple purpose: people pooling their money together to make loans to one another. This cooperative spirit is what empowered our humble beginnings in 1935 as Greenville Telco Federal Credit Union.

William Wirt Stover, alongside 18 other Southern Bell Telephone & Telegraph Company employees, conducted trades to fellow telecommunication workers from the trunk of his car.

In the decades that followed, we changed our name to South Carolina Telco Employees Federal Credit Union to reflect our expanded field of membership to all employees in the telecommunications industry throughout the state. And again, we changed our name in 1977 to SC Telco Federal Credit Union to reflect our commitment to serving members across the state, no longer to just those in the telecommunications industry.

2020 marks yet another milestone, as SC Telco Federal Credit Union once again takes on a new name — becoming Spero Financial.

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Becoming Spero With our legacy rooted in South Carolina, it was only fitting for our new name to have its origin in one of our home state’s most recognizable symbols — the Great Seal of South Carolina. There, we see the Latin phrase Dum Spiro Spero, meaning “While I breathe, I hope.”

Spero means hope — a word that reflects our unchanging mission and core values: a mission to improve the financial lives of our members, and core values that act as our unchanging horizon in how we serve our members with the spirit of a warrior, the heart of a servant, and the mind of a champion.

Pronounced “sparrow,” the name brings to mind images of the small, industrious bird. Though slight in stature, the bird is an unexpected symbol of strength. It is highly adaptable, resilient and finds strength in numbers — a perfect representation of the cooperative spirit that sets our credit union apart.

Soaring High Our credit union has spent more than 85 years focusing on one simple goal: to provide trustworthy financial solutions that empower everyday people to take ownership of their future. Along the way, we’ve discovered that lasting success is anchored by hopeful confidence and determined unity — after all, we’re a diverse collection of members unified by the belief that we can accomplish more together than any of us ever could on our own.

So, you see, while so much has changed over the years, some things always remain the same — the cooperative spirit that inspired our humble beginnings and our dedication to you, our members. Together, we’re reaching new heights!

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BEHIND THE SCENES

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hile our new name is still news to many, a lot of thought and hard work went into making the transition a reality. Take

a behind-the-scenes look at how SC Telco became Spero Financial in this Q&A with Jessica Baker, Senior Vice President of Business Transformation, and Bethani Williams, Spero’s Marketing Director.

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Q: How was the name selected?

JESSICA: We begin the process by conducting a market survey to determine how our name was perceived in the marketplace. Based on these findings, we worked with The Brand Leader, a national branding agency, to determine our brand pillars — the characteristics that the new name should encompass — which included Our Unchanging Mission and Core Values, History and Stability, Growth and Forward Thinking, and Community Impact.

The name Spero Financial was selected as it perfectly aligns with these characteristics.

Spero means ‘hope’ reflecting our mission and core values. Pronounced ‘sparrow’, the name is also a physical representation of the unique characteristics of the bird — agile, adaptable, and a productive planner — qualities that reflect our commitment to providing innovative and dynamic financial solutions to our members.

Q: What is it like to launch a new brand?

certainly didn’t let this rain on our parade! We did a virtual event, featuring Jared Emerson, a local artist here in Greenville, who unveiled the logo through speed-painting to our teammates. We also brought in Lynn Watkins, the Education Curator with the Greenville Zoo, who helped explain the characteristics of the sparrow to our staff, helping the physical representation of the bird come to life for our team!

Q: How will the new brand launch to the community?

BETHANI: Our goal with the brand launch is to make our members shine — after all, Spero Financial is all about propelling our members toward a HOPE of greater financial well-being: a mission that UNITES us all. To do this, we asked our members to participate, and boy, did they jump at the opportunity to do so! We had several members and their families participate in a member photoshoot, as well as had a couple of members film their Spero story. We are so excited to feature these members on

BETHANI: I would certainly say it is no easy

billboards, advertisements, our new website,

task, but has been rewarding and fun to see it

and so much more in the coming months. We

become a reality. It has taken countless hours

also have some fun events up our sleeve in the

and the help of teammates, members and

coming months, so I encourage our members

others in the community to make happen. A

to follow us on social @MySperoFi for the

rebrand doesn’t happen overnight, so we still

latest happenings!

have a few things to complete, but ultimately, we are so excited with the outcome thus far and cannot wait to continue to tell the Spero Story to the communities we serve.

Q: How did you launch the new brand to Team Spero?

Q: So what’s next for Spero?

JESSICA: I think the better question is, “what’s not next for Spero?” Bethani alluded to it earlier — we plan to continue to tell the Spero Story over and over in our markets.

We want all of our neighbors throughout the

JESSICA: It was very important for us to

Upstate and Midlands to know that we are

introduce the new brand to our employees

here to help improve their financial lives, and

first, as they were and will continue to be

are also excited to welcome Anderson Federal

instrumental in helping us launch the brand

Credit Union as Spero Financial in early 2021.

to our members and communities. While we

2021 is an exciting year for us — we already

had a fun event planned, we had to transition

have so much planned and cannot wait to

to a virtual launch in lieu of COVID. But we

share more details in the coming months.

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WHY SPERO FINANCIAL?

We’re stronger.

Together.

Steadfast in Mission While our name has changed, our mission to improve the financial lives of our members has never wavered. Our credit union has spent more than 85 years focusing on one simple goal: to provide trustworthy financial solutions that empower everyday people to take ownership of their future.

Connected in Community Like the sparrow, we are individually resilient and collectively strong. While we empower every member to pursue their own goals and aspirations, we rely on each other for strength and security.

Unified in Hope On the Great Seal of South Carolina we find the phrase “Dum Spiro Spero,” meaning “While I breathe, I hope.” This uplifting motto captures our optimistic confidence that we can create a brighter future by working together.

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In the Spotlight Claudia Floyd

M E M B E R S E R V I C E C E N T E R R E P R E S E N TAT I V E

If you ever visit Spero Financial in person, you may run into Claudia Floyd, who provides support and service to Spero members as a member service representative. While Claudia is there to help with the everyday transactions and transfers, she sees every day as an opportunity to positively impact the lives of others and enjoys personally interacting with members and helping them achieve their financial goals.

What drew you to this field/your current job?

and encouragement, but it was the genuine care and

I was drawn to this position because I enjoy helping

support from so many people that uplifted me. No matter

people — I am truly a people person. It’s a rewarding

what, Spero Financial is a place where I feel like I’m

feeling to know that I have the opportunity to positively

among family.

impact someone’s day every time I come to work by creating a memorable member experience for them.

What is it like working at Spero Financial?

I absolutely love working at Spero Financial, but the specific reason why is a little unique — I value the family atmosphere that we have here. I recently lost someone very close to me due to COVID-19, and the outpouring of genuine support, concern, and care that flowed from everyone — including upper management — made me realize that we truly are a family here at Spero.

I always thought it was cool to walk into the building on

What does Spero Financial mean to you?

The word Spero means “I Hope,” and this is fitting because to me, Spero Financial is just that — a place that I can grow, contribute, and learn both professionally and personally. It’s a place that I can provide solutions to members’ concerns. I see each transaction as more than just a simple transaction — that auto loan approval isn’t just a closed loan application; it’s the transportation a mother was hoping for so she can get her kids to school safely without worrying about breaking down. I love that Spero Financial is a credit union that really cares.

Spero set the bar high and separated themselves from any

What would you tell others that are considering working with Spero?

company I’ve ever worked for when I received a call from

Spero is a place you will grow both personally and

the Director of Member Service. She called and asked me

professionally, so I would tell someone that’s interested

how I was and she sat and talked with me as I expressed

in working at Spero Financial to take advantage of the

my pain and heartbreak. In that moment, she offered me

opportunity before you. Be prepared to learn, grow, and

comfort and support, and shortly after that I received a

contribute to an organization that makes a difference.

text from the CEO and a few others offering their support

Begin with the expectation to thrive and you will.

any given day and be greeted by name by the CEO, but

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Spero Member Spotlight:

Meet Crystal Calhoun C

rystal Calhoun’s Spero story began in 2010, when she signed up to participate in a financial class at her church that was designed to help people save money for a big purchase (like a house) or start a business. At that time, Spero Financial (then SC Telco Federal Credit Union) provided support for the class, leading Crystal to open an account in order to save for her future house.

Crystal’s participation in the financial class

aspirations, specifically growing her cosmetology

guided her on a path to financial stability and

clientele and moving into her own building

reap two great rewards. Not only did she achieve

some time in the future. Fortunately, she knows

her savings goal of home ownership for her

her relationship with Spero — and a member

and her son, Jeremiah, but additionally, her

representative that knows her by name — will

relationship with Spero Financial took flight.

help her get there.

Some time later, she was in the market to

“The atmosphere here is good — they know

purchase, in her words, “my dream vehicle — a

me,” she says. “We talk about what we’re going

gorgeous blue 2009 Nissan Maxima! It had the

to do for the weekend and my business, and any

works!” After a few months of searching for the

financial questions I’ve had, I have been able

best rate, she came to Spero Financial to see

to get answers from the staff to help me make

what we could provide.

financial decisions.”

“I had gone to a few other places, but I couldn’t

“To me, financial success means being free;

find an interest rate that I liked,” Crystal says.

being able to save money, make money and

“Once I got here, I explained to the teller what

knowing what to do with that money, and

I was looking for, and I was able to get the best

knowing what your options are in terms of saving,

interest rate and term.”

investing, and spending it right,” she says. “You make money, you want to be able to keep it.”

Since that point, her relationship with Spero has continued to soar — just like her financial hopes

Whatever the future holds, Crystal knows that

and goals have. An avid user of online banking

she can count on Spero, and is grateful for the

and a frequent visitor to The Spero Verdea branch,

financial foundation that was set early on in the

she now is focused on fulfilling her business

first days of that first class.

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What a Site to See! Inside the new www.spero.financial As part of our new brand launch, we have some even more great news — we’ve taken some of the best parts of Spero Financial online! Now available wherever you are, whenever you have time, the Spero website offers a lot more for our members with a fresh new look, bright colors and our members at the forefront. Here are some of the great things you’ll be able to do online at www.spero.financial.

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Boost Your Financial Wellness Are you looking to increase your fiscal insight, or just find some resources to help guide you on your path to financial freedom? Check out our financial wellness section online to find tools you can use. First, dive into Your Money Matters, our online resource allowing 24/7 access to courses and tips that cover all aspects of the financial journey. Then, visit Greenpath for comprehensive financial counseling, money management tools and more. Finally, check out our past issues of this magazine, Checkpoint, for great articles, member and teammate spotlights, tips and more.

Find a Location With seven locations across South Carolina, finding your favorite Spero location is made easy on our site. Search for local Spero branches, or check out locations of our larger co-op of credit unions, with more than 5,000 shared branches and 30,000 ATMs across the United States.

See our Product Lineup Whether you’re looking for the best rates or setting up a new business, Spero Financial has the financial products to help you soar. To see all your options — from loans to savings or checking accounts, business needs or personal — check out our full product lineup online.

Go Digital At Spero Financial, we realize that more and more people are accessing their financial tools and accounts online, and we want you to have full access to everything we offer — no matter where you are! To make it easy, we even organized all of our digital apps, products and banking options into one convenient, online location. And if you already use MONEYLINKSM Online Banking, simply click the blue “Login” button to access your accounts.

Get Answers We know you still may have questions, and whatever they may be, we want you to be able to get answers quickly and easily! That’s why we created a special Frequently Asked Questions section on our site — featuring some of the most common inquiries that we’ve received in recent months. And if by some chance your question isn’t listed?

Just reach out through our contact page and one of our member representatives will be in touch as soon as possible.

At Spero Financial, our ultimate goal is to Improve the Financial Lives of our Members, and our website is just one way for us to provide the tools, resources, connections and more that will help you do just that. As always, please feel free to reach out to us online, or through one of our member representatives, for more information.

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PO Box 10708 Greenville, SC 29603 www.spero.financial