Tri-County Citizen

Genisys Credit Union celebrates 85th anniversary with a thank-you


Jackie Buchanan, president and CEO of Genisys Credit Union.

Jackie Buchanan, president and CEO of Genisys Credit Union.

AUBURN HILLS – Genisys Credit Union announces a noteworthy milestone as it celebrates its 85th anniversary this year. The credit union extends a sincere thank you to its members for their continued loyalty in making Genisys their credit union of choice.

“Since its start, the credit union has had many reasons to celebrate, but what is at the heart of what we do and most worth celebrating, is our members,” said Jackie Buchanan, president, and CEO of Genisys Credit Union. “As credit unions are not-for-profit financial institutions, the foundation of Genisys is rooted in our members and without them, we would not have made it to 85 years. I would like to thank each and every one of them for their continued support and for allowing us the opportunity to make a positive difference in their lives.”

With humble beginnings dating back to 1936, Genisys is composed of T&C Federal Credit Union, USA Credit Union, and Tri- Pointe Credit Union, and has since grown to become the fourth largest in Michigan, serving over 242,000 members. Its unified vision of “Where You Come First” is the guiding narrative in supporting their members’ financial journeys through times of both economic uncertainty like COVID-19 and prosperity.

“Genisys truly fulfilled the business purpose and tagline, ‘Where you come first’,” said Prasad Gullapalli, founder & CEO of Srinergy. “We have been waiting for more than three weeks with our current bank and with Genisys, it took less than two days from start to finish to process our [PPP] loan. Thank you to the entire behind-the-scenes team at Genisys that is helping small businesses like ours in these hard times.”

With a commitment to its members, the credit union gives back with its Genius High Yield Checking, which pays members an annual percentage yield (APY) of 4.07 percent and offers debit card rewards. Those 18 and under have a High Yield Youth Savings with an APY of 5.12 percent on balances up to $500.

“This program aims to help our youngest members learn the importance of financial literacy by growing their savings,” said Buchanan. “Financial knowledge and capability are key in empowering an individual to reach their goals for financial freedom and choice – it’s never too early to start that education.”

Ensuring the vitality of small businesses and individual members across its local economies fuels the economic engines of the communities in which the credit union serves and further allows Genisys to make an impact.

“A cornerstone of community action lies in giving back,” said Buchanan. “We focus on upholding the role of community partner by ensuring each branch in our footprint is supported based on the area’s unique needs, positively impacting the well-being of our members.”

With a commitment to development throughout its branch locations in Michigan, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania, the credit union partners with local organizations to support events for community members to attend at little or no cost, brings Financial Reality Fairs to schools for students to get hands-on experience with budgeting and financial wellness and raises funds for nonprofit organizations like Lighthouse and the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan.

Its dedication to public good is inseparable from its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. At the credit union, it is central to its mission as a financial and community partner to ensure each member of its communities has access to thrive in their environments.

The credit union is working on initiatives to create shared spaces that foster inclusive and equitable communities through multiple projects like accessible and inclusive playgrounds. It has partnered with Michigan-based organizations Huron Clinton MetroParks, Independence Township Parks, Recreation & Seniors, and the Inclusive Playground Pals of Clinton Township to further these efforts.

Accessible and inclusive playgrounds are intentionally designed to consider its use by children and adults with varying levels of physical, emotional, and cognitive abilities, typically featuring rubber safety surfacing, sensory-friendly equipment, transfer-level decking onto playscapes, spaces for quiet independent play, and more for plenty of options for all abilities.

“The Metroparks are continually finding ways to make all of our parks more accessible and each feature of this new playground was carefully selected to meet the needs and abilities of all explorers for specific reasons,” said Amy McMillian, director of Huron-Clinton Metroparks. “The Metroparks is extremely grateful for the generosity of Genisys Credit Union and their partnership.”

With a commitment to drive its local economies forward, Genisys upholds its commitment to service excellence to help individuals, families, and businesses manage their finances in a trustworthy, convenient, and economical manner while remaining committed to their communities. Genisys looks forward to another eight decades.