Blog - 1st Cooperative Federal Credit Union

June 29, 2022

In a move that runs counter to the upward trend of interest rates, 1st Cooperative Federal Credit Union will reduce interest rates on loans for new automobiles effective July 1. Meanwhile, dividend rates on certificates will increase, a move sure to be welcomed by savers.

“Members are looking more closely at new vehicles as the cost of used vehicles has increased,” said Ashley Beach Reid, COO of the credit union. “We’re trying to make those purchases easier, even though it goes against the tide of most financial institutions.”

Rates for new-vehicle loans will drop to as low as 3.29% annual percentage rate (APR). There’s a range of rates based on a member’s credit qualifications, but even the highest rate has been lowered — to 14.79% APR.

More good news comes with higher dividend rates for savings certificates. The 12-month certificate will earn 0.85% annual percentage yield (APY). The rate for 24-month certificates will increase to 1.05% APY.

The credit union’s board of directors approved the rate changes at its last meeting.

While members need to call the credit union (803-796-0234) to purchase savings certificates, they can begin the loan application online at www.1stCooperative.com/resources.

Membership in the credit union is open to electric cooperative employees, trustees, and families including spouse, children, grandchildren, parents, grandparents and siblings. To join, click here.

February 1, 2022

A lower interest rate will provide relief from rising minimum payments and huge credit card debt starting February 1.

1st Cooperative Visa Platinum holders will get a limited-time 6.99% annual percentage rate on all balances transferred from other cards to a 1st Cooperative Visa. This balance transfer special will be offered between February 1 and April 15, 2022. Those who open a new 1st Cooperative Visa will also get the same rate.

Members will pay no transfer fee and get the lower rate when they transfer balances from retail store cards or those from other financial institutions.

“We know from experience that the 6.99% rate will ease the burden on a lot of people,” said Ashley Beach Reid, the credit union’s chief operating officer. “Faced with financial pressure brought on by holiday shopping, many electric cooperative employees and their families will be searching for relief.”

Members who already have a 1st Cooperative Visa Platinum can make transfers beginning on February 1 to take advantage of the special rate. Non-members have plenty of time to join, apply for a Visa Platinum and then make their transfers from other cards. Credit union membership is open to electric cooperative employees, trustees, and their families, who include spouses, parents, grandparents, children, grandchildren, siblings, and in-laws (with step and adoptive relationships included).

“The savings can be huge, especially if someone is paying the 18% to 29% charged by some other cards,” Beach Reid said. “The special rate is good for the life of the transferred balance—until it’s paid off—and there’s no fee to make the transfer. You don’t see that too often”

Apply at www.1stCooperative.com/visa-card. If you’re not a credit union member, join first at www.1stCooperative.com/join. Members with questions can contact the credit union at 803-796-0234.

November 10, 2021

I would guess that 1st Cooperative members are patriotic people who find important meaning in Veteran’s Day, November 11. Many of us have a personal reason to pause with appreciation.

My reason is my father, the Reverend Dr. Glyger G. Beach, a retired colonel and chaplain of the U.S. Army Reserve. He immigrated to America from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, an island country in the Caribbean, seeking a better life for his family. He later became a chaplain in the Army Reserve. We were proud to know he was recognized with a Bronze Star, Meritorious Service and Army Commendation medals, an Army Superior Unit Award and a Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal.

glyger receives award — Beach receives the Veterans Hall of Fame Award from New York state Senator Kevin Parker

When my siblings and I were concerned that he could be risking his life in Iraq, he responded by proudly saying, “When I go, and if I die, tell anyone and everyone that I willingly gave my life in service to God and the United States of America.” We were thankful that he came home safely. That’s him in the photo receiving the Veterans Hall of Fame Award from New York state Senator Kevin Parker. Though my father has held many titles over his lifetime, I value the title ‘Dad’ the most. Today, however, I appreciate his title of Veteran of the U.S. Army, and I salute you, your family members and friends if that title applies to you.

For all those who have served in the military, we at 1st Cooperative thank you.

Ashley Beach Reid
Chief Operating Officer
1st Cooperative Federal Credit Union

May 7, 2021

Ashley Beach Reid has been appointed chief operating officer of 1st Cooperative Federal Credit Union, effective June 1. She will lead the daily operations of the 50-year-old financial institution that serves members associated with electric cooperatives in all 46 counties of the state.

Current COO, Jo Ann Burnside, retires on June 4 following a nearly 20-year career with 1st Cooperative and 39 years in the credit union industry.

Beach Reid comes to 1st Cooperative from State Employee Credit Union in Maryland, Inc., where she has worked for almost 14 years in loan servicing, loan accounting and most recently as the senior manager for lending operations. SECU has $4 billion in assets and is Maryland’s largest credit union, serving members from Baltimore to Maryland’s eastern shore.

“1st Cooperative has enjoyed steady growth under the focused leadership of Jo Ann Burnside, and we want to continue that success with Ashley Beach Reid,” said board Chairman Keith Avery. “We completed a broad search and interviewed candidates from South Carolina and across the Southeast. Ashley stood out as an energetic, experienced professional who is ready for another leadership role.”

1st Cooperative President Mike Couick saluted Jo Ann for her commitment to the credit union’s success over the past two decades, noting that assets had grown from $8.9 million in 2001, when she became COO, to $22 million today.

“The COO position is the staff leader of our credit union,” said Couick. “We’re pleased to have it headquartered with the state association of electric cooperatives, but my focus, as the association’s CEO, is on electric cooperative issues. As president of the credit union, I depend on the COO to make it successful. Jo Ann has certainly been a star in that role.”

Avery said the board sought a new COO who would build on the existing solid foundation and maximize service to the credit union’s field of membership.

Beach Reid earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from Salisbury University. She and her husband have two young children, the older of whom has already inquired about the possibility of getting a pet turtle in his new home town.

“Everyone in this family has their own priorities,” she said. “Mine is to help grow this wonderful financial institution while expanding its 21st century, gold-level service to members. It’s impressive to find a credit union with such member loyalty.”

1st Cooperative membership is open to electric cooperative employees and trustees and their family members, which include spouses, parents, grandparents, children, grandchildren, siblings and in-laws. More information is available here.

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