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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.

 
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.

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.

Representatives of SRP Federal Credit Union join community leaders, community members, and elected officials in a ribbon-cutting ceremony in front of a newly built Virtual Teller ATM in New Ellenton, South Carolina.

SRP Federal Credit Union Unveils New ATM in New Ellenton

posted on

July 15, 2025

New Ellenton, SC – SRP Federal Credit Union executives unveiled a new SRP Virtual Teller ATM in a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Main Street in New Ellenton, SC on July 11.

 

Conveniently located near residential and commercial zones in the heart of New Ellenton, the new walk-up machine will improve SRP Federal Credit Union’s accessibility in southern Aiken County. With its virtual teller capabilities, visitors will be able to speak with an SRP Teller to conduct transactions from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday through Friday.

 

The ribbon-cutting ceremony featured inspiring words from Liz Ponder, SRP Federal Credit Union CEO, and Roy Geiselhart, 2nd Vice Chairman of the SRP Board of Directors, along with refreshments for the local leaders and community members in attendance.

 

The new machine marks SRP’s 55th ATM or Virtual Teller Machine in its 10-county service area across Georgia and South Carolina.

 

“SRP Federal Credit Union strives to be the primary financial institution for our members, and that begins with providing accessible services. We are thrilled to expand and offer a convenient Virtual Teller ATM for the New Ellenton community,” said Ponder.

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.

SRP representatives Shana Reid, Luis Alejandro, and Greg Gibson join Catherine Center, VP of Development for Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Augusta, and Christian Center OasisVIP Multicultural Church Pastor Angel Maestre with a ceremonial check for $25,000 to help fund the Oasis Club Summer Camp.

SRP Federal Credit Union Helps Fund Summer Camp for Members of Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Augusta

posted on

June 10, 2025

Augusta, GA – SRP Federal Credit Union and Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Augusta celebrated the start of summer with a check presentation surrounded by staff and youth served at a South Augusta Club. SRP presented Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Augusta with a check for $25,000 to support Summer Camp at the Oasis Club. 

 

“We are incredibly thankful for SRP’s continued support of our organization and for their relentless commitment to helping youth in our community,” said Kim Evans, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Augusta.

 

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Augusta provides after school and summer programming to over 6,900 youth every year. Summer camp at the Oasis Club includes six weeks of programming based on a variety of themes and includes field trips, healthy meals and snacks, sports programming and outdoor activities, and academic support during the summer months.

 

“At SRP Federal Credit Union, we are committed to the credit union philosophy of 'People Helping People.' We strive to strengthen the communities we serve, and we are proud to help local students build a strong foundation for academic and financial success through programs like the Oasis Club Summer Camp," said Shana Reid, Chief Development Officer of SRP Federal Credit Union.

 

Summer Camp is critical to mitigating learning loss, providing youth with a safe environment in which they can grow, and providing parents and guardians the care their families need when school is not in session.

 

The Oasis Club serves a predominantly Hispanic population in Augusta, and its location and partnership with Christian Center OasisVIP Multicultural Church is pivotal to its success in the community. Pastor Angel Maestre works closely with Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Augusta leadership to ensure the needs of the local community are being met and families have access to the wraparound services provided by the organization.

 

“God is good, and the Bible says that when two or more get together in agreement things like this could happened! I have seen that when BGCGA came to be partner with the vision that God had put in my heart, things started to move on the right direction, the direction to bless the kids in our community,” said Pastor Angel Maestre.

 

For more information or to request an interview, please contact Catherine Center at (706) 504-4071 ext. 221 or ccenter@bgcgreateraugusta.org.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Augusta

The mission of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Augusta is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. The vision is to provide a world-class Club Experience that assures success is within reach of every young person who walks through our doors where all members will be on track to graduate from high school with a plan for the future, demonstrating good character and citizenship, and living a healthy lifestyle. 

 

To accomplish this, Boys & Girls Clubs programs offer a variety of daily activities tailored to achieve intended outcomes, delivered using age appropriate, research-based curriculum. Program activities are centered on the following key components of youth development, including college and career readiness: 

  • Character & Leadership Development
  • The Arts
  • Life and Workforce Readiness
  • Health & Life Skills
  • Sports, Fitness, and Recreation
  • STEM

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Augusta serves over 6,900 youth annually across the Greater Augusta Area in Richmond, Columbia, McDuffie, Hancock, and Washington Counties.

About SRP

SRP Federal Credit Union, headquartered in North Augusta, SC, provides financial services to over 197,000 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 present the Edgefield County Youth Empowerment Center with a check funding the organization's summer STEAM program.

SRP Funds STEAM Summer Program at Edgefield County Youth Empowerment Center

posted on

May 16, 2025

Johnson, SC – Representatives of SRP Federal Credit Union presented the Edgefield County Youth Empowerment Center with a donation of $11,500 on May 15 to benefit the organization’s NASA Astro STEAM Summer Academy.

“SRP Federal Credit Union’s generous support of the NASA Astro STEAM Summer Academy is more than a donation—it’s an investment in the future of our youth. Their commitment empowers us to spark curiosity, nurture innovation, and provide life-changing opportunities for students in under-resourced communities. We are deeply grateful for their partnership in helping us inspire the next generation of explorers, engineers, and leaders,” said Marcella Edwards, CEO of the Edgefield County Youth Empowerment Center.

The five-week summer program, scheduled to begin on June 9, will allow K-12 students to explore topics like NASA Earth and space science, technology, engineering, rocketry, robotics, and computer science through engaging, hands-on activities.

“We are thrilled to support the Edgefield County Youth Empowerment Center’s NASA Astro STEAM Summer Academy,” said Shana Reid, Chief Development Officer of SRP Federal Credit Union. “Giving back is at the heart of what we do at SRP Federal Credit Union, and we hope to help local students prepare for success in school and beyond.”

Guided by the credit union philosophy of “People Helping People,” SRP Federal Credit Union remains committed to strengthening the communities it serves. Other recent SRP initiatives to uplift local students include: donations for local high schools from the SRP Affinity Debit Card Program, a shoe drive for an Aiken County elementary school, partnerships with Augusta Technical College and USC Aiken, and more.

About SRP

SRP Federal Credit Union, headquartered in North Augusta, SC, provides financial services to over 196,000 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.

Aiken County Public School District Receives Over $290,000 from 2024 SRP Affinity Debit Card Program Proceeds

posted on

May 14, 2025

Aiken, SC – At the May 13 Aiken County Board of Education meeting, representatives of SRP Federal Credit Union presented the Aiken County Public School District with over $290,000 in proceeds from the 2024 SRP Affinity Debit Card Program, benefiting nine local high schools.


The funds, totaling $290,019.25, reflect donations made by SRP Federal Credit Union in 2024 derived from SRP Affinity Debit Card usage. Each time a member uses an Affinity card, a donation is made to the corresponding school.


“SRP Federal Credit Union continues to be an extraordinary partner in public education. The success of the Affinity Debit Card Program has far exceeded our expectations, providing our high schools with the resources to fund specialized needs that enhance campus culture and support students, teachers, staff, and families,” said Dr. Corey Murphy, Superintendent of Aiken County Public Schools.


The nine Aiken County public high schools benefitting from the Affinity program include: the Aiken County Career Technology Center, Aiken High School, Aiken Scholars Academy, Midland Valley High School, North Augusta High School, Ridge Spring-Monetta High School, Silver Bluff High School, South Aiken High School, and Wagener-Salley High School.


Each school has full discretion over how the funds are used, allowing flexibility to address its greatest needs. Past donations have supported technology upgrades, student incentives, teacher certifications, school equipment, team uniforms, and more.


Since its founding in 2018, the SRP Affinity Debit Card Program has provided more than $2 million for 46 schools across eight counties in the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA). Participating schools include public, private, and charter high schools, as well as the Augusta Technical College Foundation.


“This milestone donation is a direct result of our members’ ongoing commitment to supporting local schools through everyday spending,” said Shana Reid, Chief Development Officer of SRP Federal Credit Union. “Good things are happening at SRP!”

About SRP

SRP Federal Credit Union, headquartered in North Augusta, SC, provides financial services to over 196,000 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.

Dr. Ann Marie Taylor, Chief Vision Officer and Lead Learner of Horse Creek Academy, and Michael Clennett, SRP Community Engagement Specialist, present a check from 2024 SRP Affinity Debit Card Program proceeds alongside the HCA Board of Directors.

Horse Creek Academy Receives Over $15,000 in SRP Affinity Debit Card Program Funds

posted on

April 30, 2025

Aiken, SC – Representatives of SRP Federal Credit Union presented Horse Creek Academy with over $15,000 in 2024 SRP Affinity Debit Card funds at the school’s April 28 Board of Directors meeting.

 

The charter school received a total of $15,196.50, the result of every transaction made using a Horse Creek Academy Affinity Debit Card in 2024. In the Affinity Debit Card Program, SRP Federal Credit Union donates to the school designated on the card every time a member uses the card to make a purchase.

 

The Affinity funds are unrestricted, and Horse Creek Academy will be able to allocate the funds wherever they are needed most.

 

“We’re so grateful for SRP’s continued partnership and belief in our mission. These funds directly support the heart of our school — our students and staff — and help us grow opportunities that make a lasting impact,” said Dr. Ann Marie Taylor, Chief Vision Officer and Lead Learner of Horse Creek Academy.

 

Established in 2018, the SRP Affinity Debit Card Program offers debit cards that benefit 46 schools across eight counties in the CSRA. The program has provided over $2 million in funding for public, charter, and private high schools, as well as Augusta Technical College, since its launch.

 

Participating schools have full discretion over the use of the funds. The Affinity Debit Card Program has supported a variety of school needs, such as team uniforms, teacher certifications, student incentives, school equipment, computers, and more.

 

SRP Federal Credit Union remains committed to the credit union philosophy of People Helping People and continues to enhance local communities and uplift local education through the Affinity Debit Card Program.

Dr. Ann Marie Taylor, Chief Vision Officer and Lead Learner of Horse Creek Academy, and Michael Clennett, SRP Community Engagement Specialist, present a check from 2024 SRP Affinity Debit Card Program proceeds alongside the HCA Board of Directors.

About SRP

SRP Federal Credit Union, headquartered in North Augusta, SC, provides financial services to over 196,000 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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Good things are happening at SRP