Tag: 2025

 

SRP Federal Credit Union Highlights Strong Local Support for Modernizing South Carolina’s Public Deposits Law

 
 

posted on

December 8, 2025

North Augusta Roundtable Brings Together Local & State Leaders to Discuss How Legislative Reform Could Benefit Taxpayers and Strengthen Community Services

NORTH AUGUSTA, SC –SRP Federal Credit Union recently welcomed state and local elected officials, municipal leaders, and community stakeholders to a roundtable discussion in North Augusta to explore the South Carolina Financial Freedom Act (H.3221 / S.60). This bipartisan legislation would modernize the state’s more than 40-year-old public deposit rules and, for the first time, allow local governments to deposit public funds in South Carolina credit unions.

The event, hosted by SRP Federal Credit Union in collaboration with the Palmetto Public Deposits Coalition (PPDC), offered local leaders an opportunity to learn about the potential financial and operational benefits this legislation could bring to cities, counties, and taxpayers across the state. PPDC later held a similar roundtable with Spero Financial Credit Union in Greenville.

 

“At SRP, we believe South Carolina communities, as well as all communities, deserve the flexibility to choose financial partners that offer the best value and service,” said Liz Ponder, CEO of SRP Federal Credit Union. “Updating the state’s public deposit law creates a level playing field and allows local governments to keep more resources working directly for the people they serve.”

 

During the North Augusta discussion, officials highlighted several major advantages of the Financial Freedom Act:

  • Higher earnings on taxpayer dollars: Even modest improvements in deposit rates could generate tens of thousands of additional dollars annually for many localities.

  • Lower borrowing costs: Access to competitive credit union loan options could reduce interest expenses on large projects.

  • Convenience and efficiency: The ability to deposit public funds at nearby credit union branches would cut travel time and streamline daily operations for local government staff.

Participants emphasized that these benefits would allow more funding to be reinvested into community priorities, including public safety, infrastructure, staffing, and essential services, without raising taxes or fees.

 

The Municipal Association of South Carolina (MASC) and the South Carolina Association of Counties (SCAC) have both endorsed the Financial Freedom Act, citing clear benefits for taxpayers and local governments.

 

With strong early support from local leaders, SRP Federal Credit Union joins PPDC in encouraging the General Assembly to make modernizing South Carolina’s deposit laws a top priority in 2026. SRP remains committed to supporting ongoing community education and advocacy efforts on this issue.

 

About SRP

SRP Federal Credit Union, headquartered in North Augusta, SC, provides financial services to over 200,000 members. Recognized for its excellence in business performance and community impact, SRP was recently named Best-In-State Credit Union in Georgia by Forbes and honored as the 2024 Large Business of the Year by the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce and the North Augusta Chamber of Commerce. For more information, visit www.srpfcu.org.

SRP executives with the physical Forbes Award for Georgia Best-in-State Credit Union

SRP Named Top Credit Union in Georgia

posted on

November 25, 2025

Recognition by Forbes demonstrates commitment to business excellence and community impact

NORTH AUGUSTA, SC (November 25, 2025) –SRP Federal Credit Union, a leading financial institution serving more than 200,000 members, announced today that it has been named the top credit union in the state of Georgia by Forbes magazine. The Forbes List of America’s Best-In-State Credit Unions 2025 recognizes institutions that are most valued by residents in each state and have excelled in meeting the unique needs and expectations of their local communities.

 

“This award reflects our members’ trust and our team’s constant dedication to the credit union philosophy of ‘People Helping People,’” said Liz Ponder, CEO of SRP Federal Credit Union. “Being recognized as the top credit union in Georgia and one of the best credit unions in the nation shows we are committed to providing comprehensive financial services to our members and making a positive impact in the communities where we live and operate.”

 

Forbes worked with world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider Statista. The prestigious award is based on an independent survey of over 26,000 customers in the U.S. Participants evaluated credit unions on several criteria—including trust, financial advice, customer services, digital services, branch services, and terms & conditions—as well as a sentiment analysis conducted from publicly available reviews.

 

Financial institutions like SRP Federal Credit Union serve as the foundation of the finance industry, playing a critical role in maintaining the overall health of local and regional financial sectors.

About SRP

SRP Federal Credit Union, headquartered in North Augusta, SC, provides financial services to over 200,000 members. Recognized for excellence in business and community impact, SRP was recently named the 2024 Large Business of the Year by the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce and the North Augusta Chamber of Commerce. For more information, visit www.srpfcu.org.

 
SRP Federal Credit Union leaders and ambassadors join Waynesboro community members and local leaders in cutting the ribbon on a new ATM.

SRP Federal Credit Union Opens New Virtual Teller ATM in Waynesboro, GA

 
 

posted on

November 17, 2025

Waynesboro, GA – SRP Federal Credit Union celebrated a new Virtual Teller ATM location in Waynesboro, GA with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, Nov. 13 alongside local officials and community members.

 

The new ATM, located at 575 Hopkins Corner and near several retail stores, will provide the Waynesboro community with convenient access to financial services through SRP Federal Credit Union.

 

As an Interactive Teller Machine (ITM), the machine’s Virtual Teller feature will allow visitors to speak with an SRP teller to conduct transactions from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday through Friday, in addition to its normal 24/7 ATM capabilities.

 

Serving 10 counties in Georgia and South Carolina, SRP Federal Credit Union aims to empower members to access financial services from dozens of convenient locations. The new machine marks SRP’s 56th active ATM or Virtual Teller ATM.

 

SRP Federal Credit Union CEO Liz Ponder addressed community members, local leaders, and SRP Ambassadors at the ribbon-cutting ceremony, emphasizing SRP’s commitment to serving local communities: “We’re excited to officially open our newest Virtual Teller ATM here in Burke County. We’re here for you as part of this community and dedicated to serving you.”

About SRP

SRP Federal Credit Union, headquartered in North Augusta, SC, provides financial services to over 200,000 members. Recognized for excellence in business and community impact, SRP was recently named the 2024 Large Business of the Year by the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce and the North Augusta Chamber of Commerce. For more information, visit www.srpfcu.org.

 
SRP employees who graduated from Augusta Technical College's Banking & Finance Bootcamp stand in front of an Augusta Tech step-and-repeat background.

SRP Ambassadors Complete Banking and Finance Bootcamp at Augusta Technical College

 
 

posted on

November 3, 2025

Augusta, GA – Five SRP Federal Credit Union employees graduated from the October 2025 cohort of Augusta Technical College’s Banking & Finance Bootcamp, a 10-day continuing education course that equips students with foundational knowledge in the banking and finance industry.

 

Sponsored by SRP Federal Credit Union and other financial institutions, the bootcamp includes topics such as business math, banking basics, commercial banking, lending, business ethics, banking jobs and careers, and more.

 

SRP Ambassadors Patrice Bethea, Michael Clennett, Trevinte Dawson, Abel De Jesus, and Marley Sleister completed the program, where they enjoyed learning alongside professionals from fellow financial institutions.

 

Clennett, who works in SRP Federal Credit Union’s Community Development department, said the bootcamp exposed him to the vast potential for learning and growth within the finance sector.

 

“As the only non-banking SRP Ambassador at the bootcamp, it was great to meet and learn from others who work in the branches. They do incredible work supporting SRP members every day, and I gained valuable insight into their roles. I learned just as much from my colleagues as I did from the bootcamp itself,” said Clennett.

About SRP

SRP Federal Credit Union, headquartered in North Augusta, SC, provides financial services to over 199,000 members. Recognized for excellence in business and community impact, SRP was recently named the 2024 Large Business of the Year by the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce and the North Augusta Chamber of Commerce. For more information, visit www.srpfcu.org.

 
The Shepeard Community Bloodmobile is parked outside SRP Federal Credit Union.

Up to 111 Local Lives Saved from SRP Community Blood Drive

 
 

posted on

October 20, 2025

North Augusta, SC – In a powerful show of community support, SRP Federal Credit Union collaborated with Shepeard Community Blood Center to host a blood drive at the SRP Administrative Campus on Oct. 7, resulting in enough donated pints to save up to 111 lives in the surrounding area.


A total of 44 donors visited the Shepeard Bloodmobile unit, successfully donating 37 pints: a significant increase from previous SRP blood drives. According to Shepeard Community Blood Center, a single pint of blood has the potential to save up to three lives.


Hosted quarterly, SRP’s community blood drives invite SRP employees and community members alike to give back in a meaningful way. The Bloodmobile welcomed 40 SRP team members and four non-employees, with at least six participants donating blood for the first time.


“The incredible turnout from our SRP ambassadors and our community at the blood drive speaks volumes for our team’s dedication to making a difference,” said Shana Reid, Chief Development Officer of SRP Federal Credit Union. “We are proud to stand alongside Shepeard Community Blood Center in supporting lifesaving donations for patients in our area.”

A man donates blood inside a mobile donation unit.
Tyler Whisnant, SRP Member Services Representative, donates inside the Shepeard Community Bloodmobile. He was among 40 SRP employees who participated in the Oct. 7 blood drive.

About SRP

SRP Federal Credit Union, headquartered in North Augusta, SC, provides financial services to over 199,000 members. Recognized for excellence in business and community impact, SRP was recently named the 2024 Large Business of the Year by the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce and the North Augusta Chamber of Commerce. For more information, visit www.srpfcu.org.

 
SRP Financial Services Engagement Developer Tawanaca Williams reads a door prize ticket after a

SRP Federal Credit Union Promotes Financial Education Across 10 Counties

 
 

posted on

October 17, 2025

North Augusta, SC – In an initiative to uplift local financial wellness, SRP Federal Credit Union provided a free financial education seminar in each of the 10 counties SRP serves across Georgia and South Carolina during the spring and summer of 2025.

 

Led by SRP Financial Services Engagement Developer Tawanaca Williams, the seminars covered a variety of topics such as credit reports, credit scores, homeownership, identity theft prevention, scams, along with wills and trusts.

 

Over 500 community members attended the seminars, which included a free catered meal and advice from subject matter experts. Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many reviewers stating they found the seminars informative and easy to understand.

 

SRP Federal Credit Union’s field of membership includes South Carolina counties Aiken, Allendale, Barnwell, and Edgefield, and Georgia counties Burke, Columbia, Jefferson, Lincoln, McDuffie, and Richmond. Williams and fellow members of SRP’s Financial Education team strive to serve members across all 10 counties with helpful resources.

 

“About two years ago, when I started in this role, the primary objective was to make sure each county was well-served,” said Williams, adding that attendance at her 2025 10-county initiative doubled from 2024.

 

Additionally, courtesy of SRP, Williams engaged with community members prior to each seminar through “Random Acts of Kindness,” assisting some back-to-school shoppers, grocery shoppers, and gas station customers with expenses.

 

“Our Financial Education team truly represents the credit union philosophy of ‘People Helping People,’” said Liz Ponder, Chief Executive Officer of SRP Federal Credit Union. “We are grateful for Tawanaca Williams and her colleagues’ unwavering dedication as they ensure communities across our field of membership have access to our educational resources.”

Three legal professionals speak to an audience at a local church.
Judge Tiana Bias, Attorney Sincerai D. Stallings, and paralegal Danielle Johnson answer audience questions at SRP's Wills & Trusts seminar at Macedonia Church of Grovetown. The legal experts provided professional advice for attendees learning about estate planning.

About SRP

SRP Federal Credit Union, headquartered in North Augusta, SC, provides financial services to over 199,000 members. Recognized for excellence in business and community impact, SRP was recently named the 2024 Large Business of the Year by the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce and the North Augusta Chamber of Commerce. For more information, visit www.srpfcu.org.

SRP team members enjoy a catered meal from Monterrey Mexican Restaurant at SRP's National Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration.

SRP Federal Credit Union Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

posted on

October 9, 2025

North Augusta, SC – SRP Federal Credit Union’s Culture Committee hosted a National Hispanic Heritage Month celebration for team members at the SRP Administrative Campus on Oct. 3, honoring the rich culture, traditions, and contributions of the Hispanic community.

 

The celebration included a lunch catered by the North Augusta location of Monterrey Mexican Restaurant, music, dancing, and quotes from notable figures of Hispanic heritage.

 

SRP team members across many roles and departments attended the event, enjoying an afternoon of food, fellowship, and cultural celebration.

 

The SRP Culture Committee, established in 2025, aims to foster a positive, inclusive, and people-first workplace at SRP Federal Credit Union. Committee members act as ambassadors of SRP, striving to champion initiatives that celebrate diversity, encourage kindness, and build meaningful connections.

 

Serving as a bridge between SRP leadership and team members, the committee intends to strengthen engagement, productivity, and overall happiness in the SRP workplace by listening, addressing challenges, and implementing ideas.

 

“Culture is a core part of who we are at SRP Federal Credit Union. By celebrating the diversity of our team members and community, we become stronger and more connected, ensuring that good things continue to happen at SRP,” said Shana Reid, Chief Development Officer of SRP Federal Credit Union.

About SRP

SRP Federal Credit Union, headquartered in North Augusta, SC, provides financial services to over 199,000 members. Recognized for excellence in business and community impact, SRP was recently named the 2024 Large Business of the Year by the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce and the North Augusta Chamber of Commerce. For more information, visit www.srpfcu.org.

Representatives of SRP Federal Credit Union and the Lincoln County Community Partnership, Inc. celebrate SRP's donation of $6,000 with a ceremonial check.

SRP Federal Credit Union Donates $6,000 to Fund Early Literacy in Lincoln County

posted on

September 25, 2025

Lincolnton, GA – SRP Federal Credit Union contributed $6,000 to the Lincoln County Community Partnership, Inc. (LCCP)’s Early Literacy Program in a special check presentation on Sept. 24 at the Walker T. Norman Gymnasium.


The program, which aims to maintain and expand access to early literacy resources, delivers monthly age-appropriate books to local children ages 0-5 through the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.


SRP’s donation will help support another year of the program, fostering early literacy and foundational brain development for young children in Lincoln County.


“We are so appreciative of this grant from SRP,” said Lisa Cox Davis, LCCP Family Connections Coordinator. “We are currently serving approximately 190 children each month. We are adding more children monthly due to the generosity of SRP. This grant is helping to make a difference in the children of our community.”


Guided by the credit union philosophy of “People Helping People,” SRP Federal Credit Union is dedicated to uplifting education throughout its 10-county service area. In addition to helping fund initiatives like LCCP’s Early Literacy Program, SRP has donated over $2 million to schools in the CSRA through its Affinity Debit Card Program.


“We are honored to support Lincoln County by providing early literacy resources,” said Shana Reid, Chief Development Officer of SRP Federal Credit Union. “Helping local families lay a strong foundation for their children’s success is meaningful way we can give back to the communities we proudly serve. Good things are happening at SRP!”

About SRP

SRP Federal Credit Union, headquartered in North Augusta, SC, provides financial services to over 199,000 members. Recognized for excellence in business and community impact, SRP was recently named the 2024 Large Business of the Year by the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce and the North Augusta Chamber of Commerce. For more information, visit www.srpfcu.org.

 
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SRP to Show “Lilo and Stitch” at Upcoming Member Appreciation Movie Night

 
 

posted on

September 19, 2025

North Augusta, SC – SRP Federal Credit Union will welcome members, families, and friends to watch “Lilo and Stitch” (2025) under the stars on Friday, Sept. 26 at the SRP Administrative Campus for SRP’s twice-yearly Member Appreciation Movie Night.


Starting at 6:30 p.m., guests can enjoy free face painting, popcorn, refreshments, and family-friendly activities before the movie begins at 7:30 p.m.


SRP’s Administrative Campus is located at 1070 Edgefield Road, North Augusta, SC. Guests are encouraged to bring outdoor chairs and blankets for a heartwarming and fun-filled evening.

Parents and their children are gathered in front of an outdoor movie screen with lawn chairs and blankets at an SRP Movie Night. The movie "Inside Out 2" is on the screen.
Families enjoy "Inside Out 2" at SRP Federal Credit Union's most recent Member Appreciation Movie Night. The Sept. 26 event will feature family-friendly activities, refreshments, and a showing of "Lilo and Stitch."

About SRP

SRP Federal Credit Union, headquartered in North Augusta, SC, provides financial services to over 199,000 members. Recognized for excellence in business and community impact, SRP was recently named the 2024 Large Business of the Year by the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce and the North Augusta Chamber of Commerce. For more information, visit www.srpfcu.org.

Joined by Larry Pridemore and Ed Templeton, the recipients of the scholarships, their families, and SRP leaders gather for a reception.

SRP Federal Credit Union Awards Two Scholarships for Children of Employees

posted on

August 21, 2025

North Augusta, SC – SRP Federal Credit Union has awarded a total of $3,500 in academic scholarships to the children of two team members, recognizing their outstanding academic achievements and community involvement during a check presentation ceremony held on August 13.


The Ed Templeton Scholarship and Larry Pridemore Scholarship, named in honor of the former SRP president and member of SRP’s Board of Directors respectively, are awarded annually to children of SRP Federal Credit Union employees.


Presslie Stevens, daughter of Edgefield Assistant Branch Manager Jennifer Stevens, received the $2,500 Ed Templeton Scholarship. Presslie is an incoming first-year student at the University of South Carolina, where she plans to major in pharmaceutical science.

Three people pose with a ceremonial check.
Presslie Stevens joins her mother, Jennifer Stevens, and former SRP President Ed Templeton in celebration of her $2,500 academic scholarship.


Emily Benton, daughter of Loss Mitigation Specialist Amy Benton, received the $1,000 Larry Pridemore Scholarship. Emily, who aspires to become a physical therapist, plans to major in exercise and sports science with a concentration in allied health at the University of South Carolina Aiken.

Four people hold a ceremonial check.
Emily Benton, alongside her family members, joins former SRP Board of Directors Member Larry Pridemore in celebration of her $1,000 academic scholarship.


Scholarship recipients were selected based on a variety of criteria, including academic performance, extracurricular activities, community involvement, leadership roles, employment experience, honors, and awards.


“It is a tremendous honor to award these scholarships to the children of our dedicated team members,” said Liz Ponder, CEO of SRP Federal Credit Union. “Congratulations to Presslie and Emily. We wish them continued success as they begin their studies this fall.”

About SRP

SRP Federal Credit Union, headquartered in North Augusta, SC, provides financial services to over 198,000 members. Recognized for excellence in business and community impact, SRP was recently named the 2024 Large Business of the Year by the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce and the North Augusta Chamber of Commerce. For more information, visit www.srpfcu.org.

1070 Edgefield Road North Augusta
South Carolina 29860

803-278-4851

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Good things are happening at SRP