BRANDSTORY FEATURE | SRQ MAGAZINE | MARCH 2020
ACHIEVA CREDIT UNION WH O S AYS YO U N E E D A B A N K TO B A N K?
Above Left: The seven Pinellas County teachers who formed Achieva Credit Union in 1937 RIght: Inside of Achieva Credit Union with their state of the art teller pods
It all started in 1937 when seven Pinellas County teachers were denied a loan from a bank. The teachers soon banded together to form a financial institution of their own – a credit union – with just $99.25. Today, Achieva Credit Union has more than $1.7 billion in assets, and over 160,000 members across 26 branches. 28,000 of those members are right here in Sarasota. Achieva was ranked number 9 on Forbes’ list of Florida’s 10 Best Credit Unions in 2019. And an added bonus — you can bring your dog into any pet-friendly branch. Credit unions are not-for-profit organizations that have
the same host of products and services as banks do — but where Achieva differs is that their main priority is on customer service and the well being of all their members. Achieva puts their attention on what matters most — you, your family and your financial well being. Credit unions like Achieva are owned by their members, not outside shareholders. This means Achieva’s profits are returned back to members in the form of reduced fees, lower loan rates, higher savings rates and a more personalized approach to member service.
