SRP's Diamond Awards in Brand Awareness, New Event, and Product or Promotional Video

SRP Federal Credit Union Receives Diamond Awards Honoring Marketing Excellence

 

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North Augusta, SC – SRP Federal Credit Union was among 181 credit unions nationwide recognized as winners of the prestigious Diamond Awards, an annual competition hosted by America's Credit Unions Marketing, PR & Development Council that recognizes excellence in credit union marketing.

SRP received recognition in the following categories:

  • New Event (Category’s Best winner) – “Walking with Confidence: SRP Shoe Giveaway”
  • Product or Promotional Video – “Great Stories Start Small”
  • Brand Awareness – “Spotted Program”

America’s Credit Unions Marketing, PR & Development Council announced the winners of this year’s Diamond Awards, honoring the most effective and innovative marketing campaigns across the credit union industry.

 

This year’s competition drew a record 1,481 submissions, with 181 organizations from 42 states selected as winners. In total, 330 awards were distributed, reflecting the exceptional quality of work produced by credit unions nationwide.

 

“We are incredibly honored to be recognized among the best in the credit union marketing industry. These awards reflect our team’s ongoing commitment to telling SRP Federal Credit Union’s story and uplifting the communities and members we serve,” said Shana Reid, Chief Development Officer of SRP Federal Credit Union.

SRP submitted entries that reflect the organization’s dedication to the credit union philosophy of “People Helping People.”

During the “Walking with Confidence” event, SRP board members and employees across the credit union’s branches and departments donated a new pair of shoes for every student at Oakwood-Windsor Elementary School in Aiken, SC, meeting an immediate and meaningful need for local children.

 

SRP’s “Great Stories Start Small” 60-second commercial highlights how SRP supports members through important life stages, from opening their first savings accounts and securing car loans to reaching milestones like marriage and homeownership.

 

The SRP Spotted program, recognized in the Brand Awareness category, rewards members who display an SRP sticker or magnet on their vehicle with a chance to win $100. SRP employees spot these vehicles throughout the credit union’s 10-county field of membership, engaging with members and surprising them with $100 cash.

 

“We are proud to recognize SRP Federal Credit Union and this year’s Diamond Award winners for their entries that deliver both creativity and results,” said Lorrell Bellotti, Diamond Awards Co-chair and Chief Marketing Officer at Western Vista FCU in Cheyenne, Wyoming. “These entries demonstrate an understanding of the people we serve and strategic execution that delivers measurable impact.”

Two business professionals hold Diamond Awards.
SRP Marketing and Communications Manager Josh Rhoden and SRP Chief Development Officer Shana Reid receive the Diamond Awards on behalf of SRP Federal Credit Union. The credit union's "Walking With Confidence: SRP Shoe Giveaway" event won the category's best award.

About SRP

SRP Federal Credit Union is headquartered in North Augusta, South Carolina, and provides a full range of financial services to more than 200,000 members. SRP serves the banking needs of individuals, families, and businesses across 10 counties in Georgia and South Carolina. Recognized for its commitment to member service and community impact, SRP was recently named Best-In-State Credit Union in Georgia by Forbes and one of America’s Best Credit Unions in South Carolina by Newsweek. For more information, visit www.srpfcu.org.

About America’s Credit Unions

America’s Credit Unions is the unified voice for not-for-profit credit unions, representing more than 95% of the industry's assets and more than 145 million members nationwide. America’s Credit Unions provides strong advocacy, resources and services to advance, empower, and protect credit unions and the people and communities they serve. For more information about America’s Credit Unions, visit AmericasCreditUnions.org.

About Councils

Councils is a member-led, collaborative community of credit union leaders providing vibrant peer interaction, new ideas, and innovation to foster professional development while advocating for the overall success of the credit union movement. There are eight Councils with a network of more than 7,000 credit union professionals. For more information, visit americascreditunions.org/councils.

 
 
The green-on-white SRP logo

SRP Federal Credit Union Named to Newsweek’s America’s Best Regional Banks & Credit Unions 2026

 

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North Augusta, SC – SRP Federal Credit Union has been recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s Best Regional Banks and Credit Unions 2026, reflecting SRP’s strong impact and commitment to excellence, service, and uplifting local communities.

 

The prestigious list, developed by Newsweek in partnership with Plant-A Insights Group, recognizes financial institutions that help power local economies by supporting small businesses, financing community projects, and providing reliable access to everyday banking services.

 

“More than financial service providers, credit unions are community partners, showing up in neighborhoods, participating in local initiatives, and helping strengthen the connections that bind their members together,” said Jennifer H. Cunningham, Editor-in-Chief of Newsweek.

 

Founded in 1960, SRP Federal Credit Union serves more than 200,000 members across a 10-county field of membership in Georgia and South Carolina. From providing financial education resources for community members of all ages to supporting local charitable organizations, SRP strives to embody the credit union philosophy of “People Helping People.”

 

“Being recognized in Newsweek’s America’s Best Regional Banks and Credit Unions is a tremendous honor,” said Shana Reid, Chief Development Officer for SRP Federal Credit Union. “At SRP, we are committed to serving our members with excellence while improving lives throughout the communities we serve. This recognition reflects the dedication of our ambassadors, whose hard work and passion bring our mission to life each day. Good things are happening at SRP.”

 

About SRP

SRP Federal Credit Union is headquartered in North Augusta, South Carolina, and provides a full range of financial services to more than 200,000 members. SRP serves the banking needs of individuals, families, and businesses across 10 counties in Georgia and South Carolina. Recognized for its commitment to member service and community impact, SRP was recently named Best-In-State Credit Union in Georgia by Forbes and one of America’s Best Credit Unions in South Carolina by Newsweek. 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

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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 team members and representatives of the North Augusta Chamber of Commerce pose for a photo on stage at the chamber's annual meeting and awards gala.
Image provided by the North Augusta Chamber of Commerce.

SRP Federal Credit Union Named 2024 Large Business Partner of the Year by North Augusta Chamber of Commerce

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North Augusta, SC – The North Augusta Chamber of Commerce recognized SRP Federal Credit Union with the 2024 Large Business Partner of the Year award at its Annual Meeting and Awards Gala on March 6, 2025.

 

This prestigious award honors outstanding local business champions in North Augusta for their involvement in the Chamber and the broader community.

 

"We are thrilled to be recognized as the North Augusta Chamber of Commerce’s 2024 Large Business Partner of the Year," said Shana Reid, Chief Development Officer of SRP Federal Credit Union. “Good things are happening at SRP, and we strive to make a difference every day in our local communities.”

 

Headquartered in North Augusta, South Carolina, SRP Federal Credit Union serves as a trusted financial institution and advocate for the city’s economic growth. SRP supports the Chamber of Commerce through sponsorships, event participation, and collaborative initiatives that empower the local business environment.

 

Additionally, multiple SRP team members, both past and present, have served on the North Augusta Chamber Board and its committees, strengthening the credit union’s ties to the business community. SRP team members have also participated in the Leadership North Augusta program, fostering leadership development and civic engagement.

 

SRP Federal Credit Union remains dedicated to making a meaningful impact in North Augusta and surrounding CSRA communities, a testament to SRP’s dedication to the credit union philosophy of “People Helping People.” In 2024 alone, SRP contributed nearly $1 million in donations to support community initiatives in the CSRA, and SRP team members collectively volunteered more than 6,500 hours.

 

For more information about SRP Federal Credit Union and its services, please visit srpfcu.org or contact 803-278-4851.

Louisiana Wright Sanders (left), member of the SRP Federal Credit Union Board of Directors, and Lauren Whaley, President/CEO of the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation, hold Wright Sanders's 2024 Advancing Equity Award together for a photo.

SRP Federal Credit Union’s Louisiana Wright Sanders Receives 2024 Advancing Equity Award

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North Augusta, SC – SRP Federal Credit Union is thrilled to announce that Louisiana Wright Sanders, a dedicated volunteer member of the Board of Directors, has been honored with the 2024 Advancing Equity Award by the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation. This prestigious award recognizes individuals, organizations, or community partners who embody the credit union industry’s eighth Cooperative Principle of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, making proactive efforts to cultivate a sense of belonging for all.

 

The Advancing Equity Award celebrates those who implement fair and equitable policies, products, and initiatives that enhance the well-being of employees, members, and surrounding communities. Mrs. Wright Sanders’ commitment to advancing these principles has made a lasting impact, both within SRP Federal Credit Union and in the broader community.

 

A trailblazer with a remarkable personal story of determination and inspiration, Mrs. Wright Sanders has devoted her career to championing equitable access and opportunities. Elected to SRP’s Board of Directors in 1992, she made history as the first person of color to serve on the Board. From the start, Mrs. Wright Sanders committed to advocating for fairness and working tirelessly to ensure that every voice is heard and represented.

 

In addition to her work on the Board of Directors, Mrs. Wright Sanders has led several initiatives to foster equity within the credit union. She has strongly advocated for fair and equal pay for all SRP team members.  Shortly after being elected, she played a key role in securing funding to provide financial literacy programs for people of color, aiming to improve access to loan approvals. Furthermore, she has focused on continuing to diversify representation in leadership by actively recruiting individuals from underrepresented backgrounds to serve on boards and in leadership roles, ensuring more voices are included in decision-making processes.

 

Beyond her contributions to SRP, Mrs. Wright Sanders has long been an advocate for social justice and inclusivity in the community. She is a founding member of the African American Credit Union Coalition (AACUC), has served as the Second Vice President of NAACP’s Aiken Branch, and as the Secretary of the Internal Affairs Committee for the NAACP’s South Carolina Conference of Branches.  Currently, she serves on the University of South Carolina Aiken’s Inclusion Advisory Council, further demonstrating her unwavering commitment to creating more inclusive spaces for all.

 

“Louisiana’s passion for advancing equity and inclusion shines through in everything she does,” said Eric Jenkins, Chief Executive Officer, of SRP Federal Credit Union. “Her leadership and tireless advocacy inspire us all to do better, be better, and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive. We are incredibly proud of her and all that she continues to achieve.”

 

SRP Federal Credit Union congratulates Mrs. Wright Sanders on this well-deserved recognition and looks forward to her continued leadership in promoting equity and inclusion within the organization and the community.

 

Rated one of only twenty-two credit unions nationwide with a top rating by Weiss Financial Ratings, SRP Federal Credit Union is headquartered in North Augusta, SC, and provides financial services to more than 197,000 members. For more information on SRP Federal Credit Union, visit www.srpfcu.org.

SRP team members join representatives of the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce on stage to accept the 2024 Large Business of the Year award.

SRP Named 2024 Large Business of the Year by Columbia County Chamber of Commerce

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EVANS, GA – The Columbia County Chamber of Commerce honored SRP Federal Credit Union with the 2024 Large Business of the Year award at its 20th Anniversary Celebration and Annual Awards Banquet on February 6, 2025.

 

This prestigious annual award recognizes outstanding local businesses for their involvement in both the Columbia County Chamber and the broader community.

 

Eric Jenkins, CEO of SRP Federal Credit Union, expressed his gratitude for the recognition, "SRP attributes its success to a strong foundation built by our member-owners, dedicated staff, supportive management team, and Board of Directors."

 

Jenkins emphasized SRP’s community-focused mission, stating, "Every aspect of our operations is centered around People Helping People. Our holistic approach to business is at the heart of our continued success and allows us to make a lasting difference in the communities we call home."

 

SRP Federal Credit Union has been deeply involved with the Columbia County Chamber since its inception. The credit union’s contributions include a nine-year presenting sponsorship of the Leadership Columbia County program, as well as multiple team members serving in Chamber Board leadership roles.

 

True to the credit union philosophy of “People Helping People,” SRP remains committed to making a meaningful impact in the community. In 2024 alone, SRP contributed nearly $1 million in donations to support various initiatives, while team members collectively volunteered more than 6,500 hours.

 

"We strive to make a difference every day as your local credit union, and we are truly honored to be recognized as the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce’s 2024 Large Business of the Year," said Jenkins. "Good things are happening at SRP!"