Tag: south carolina

 

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 team members Michael Clennett and Heather Hirschman promote the SRP Affinity Debit Card Program and give away SRP swag items at Midland Valley Christian Academy,

SRP Federal Credit Union Promotes Academic and Financial Success at Local Back-to-School Events

 
 

posted on

August 1, 2025

North Augusta, SC – As students in the CSRA return for the 2025-2026 school year, SRP Federal Credit Union has distributed thousands of school supplies and provided valuable financial information to help local students prepare for a bright future.

 

SRP team members have contributed nearly 100 volunteer hours at back-to-school events in communities across SRP’s 10-county service area in Georgia and South Carolina, engaging with students, families, and educators at over 25 schools and organizations.

 

Alongside school supplies and fun SRP swag items, SRP team members promoted the Credit Union’s youth checking and savings accounts, designed to introduce young members to money management and financial responsibility.

 

Students and families also received information about SRP Affinity Debit Cards, which allow members to help fund local schools with every purchase. SRP Federal Credit Union has donated over $2 million to 45 high schools and Augusta Technical College Foundation since the program’s inception in 2018.

 

In addition to volunteering at local back-to-school events, SRP team members recently contributed school supplies and volunteer hours to United Way of the CSRA’s Stuff the Bus collection drive, helping students in Richmond, Columbia, and Burke counties prepare for a successful school year.

 

“SRP is guided by the credit union philosophy of ‘People Helping People,’” said Grace Helms, Associate Vice President of Marketing, Communications, and Community Development of SRP Federal Credit Union. “We are proud of all the opportunities we’ve taken to help local students start the school year ready to learn, from providing school supplies to assisting with great financial beginnings.”

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.

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.

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.

Members, families, and guests enjoy an outdoor movie showing at SRP Federal Credit Union's Administrative Campus. Pictured is a previous SRP Movie Night from Spring 2024.

SRP Federal Credit Union to Host Member Appreciation Movie Night, Featuring “Inside Out 2”

posted on

April 29, 2025

SRP Movie Night

North Augusta, SC – SRP Federal Credit Union will welcome members, families, and guests at its semi-annual Member Appreciation Movie Night at the SRP Administrative Campus on Friday, May 2, featuring Pixar’s “Inside Out 2.”

 

The free, family-friendly event will offer face painting, popcorn, and fun for all ages before the movie begins at 8 p.m.

 

The SRP Federal Credit Union Administrative Campus is located at 1070 Edgefield Road, North Augusta, SC. The event will take place outdoors, and guests are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs for a night of community entertainment.

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.

Employees from SRP Federal Credit Union and Augusta Data Storage receive and prepare old documents for the shred truck at the Spring 2025 SRP Shred Fest.

SRP Shred Fest Prepares Over 30,000 Pounds of Documents for Safe Disposal

posted on

April 29, 2025

North Augusta, SC – SRP Federal Credit Union provided a free drive-through shredding service at its administrative campus on the morning of Saturday, April 26, helping over 1,000 visitors dispose of old documents.

 

With three Augusta Data Storage shredding trucks at the event, SRP’s Spring 2025 Shred Fest resulted in 30,540 pounds of shredded documents ready for safe disposal.

 

Over 30 SRP team members volunteered at the event, ensuring Shred Fest ran smoothly and greeting every visitor with a friendly smile.

 

SRP Federal Credit Union offers free shredding services at its semi-annual Shred Fest to provide SRP members and community members with a way to dispose of sensitive documents securely.

 

“Our SRP team is dedicated to lending a helping hand in our community, and the high turnout at this spring’s Shred Fest was inspiring,” said Grace Helms, Assistant Vice President of Marketing, Communications, and Community Development at SRP Federal Credit Union. “We are proud to meet this need for our members.”

An SRP team member, wearing a safety vest, empties a garbage bag full of paper documents into a bin that reads "Paper Only." Cars in line for Shred Fest are visible in the background.
SRP team member Alicia Prasad adds a bag of old documents to a bin for shredding. Over 30 SRP team members from across branches and departments volunteered to ensure Shred Fest ran smoothly.

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.

The Shepeard Community Blood Center's Bloodmobile is parked outside SRP Federal Credit Union's administrative building for a community blood drive on April 22, 2025.

SRP Federal Credit Union Community Blood Drive Saves Up to 39 Lives

posted on

April 25, 2025

North Augusta, SC – SRP Federal Credit Union hosted the Shepeard Community Blood Center’s Bloodmobile for a community blood drive at its administrative campus on April 22, resulting in donations totaling 13 pints that can save up to 39 lives in the CSRA.


19 SRP team members and community members participated in the blood drive, generously setting aside time to donate blood for local patients through Shepeard’s mobile facility.

An SRP team member is donating blood inside the Shepeard Community Blood Center's Bloodmobile donation facility.
Loretta Jackson, SRP Commercial Construction Lending Specialist, donates at SRP's community blood drive. Jackson said her experience was pleasant and stress-free, and she enjoyed helping her local community.

Committed to the credit union philosophy of People Helping People, SRP Federal Credit Union hosts community blood drives quarterly. These drives allow SRP team members to contribute to an important cause and save CSRA lives.


“SRP Federal Credit Union is dedicated to uplifting the communities we serve, and we are incredibly proud of our team members who selflessly give blood to local patients in need,” said Liz Ponder, Interim CEO, SRP Federal Credit Union. “Good things are happening at SRP!”

An SRP team member donates blood inside the Bloodmobile.
Shaquana O'Neal, SRP Financial Specialist, donates blood inside the Shepeard Bloodmobile. O'Neal, who said she was motivated by the lives she could save, was among several SRP employees who generously gave blood on April 22.

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.

Representatives of USCA and SRP Federal Credit Union prepare to cut the ribbon on the newly designed Pacer $mart hallway and classroom.

USCA and SRP Federal Credit Union Unveil New Pacer $mart Classroom

posted on

March 27, 2025

Aiken, SC – Representatives from SRP Federal Credit Union and the University of South Carolina Aiken gathered on March 21 to celebrate the unveiling of a newly designed classroom and hallway dedicated to financial education at the university.

 

The new learning space will host Pacer $mart, a financial education program created in partnership between SRP and USCA’s School of Business Administration. Designed to equip college and high school students with financial knowledge, the program covers key personal finance topics, including budgeting, saving, credit, investing, insurance, taxes, and economics.

 

“The Pacer $mart program is a testament to the power of partnership in shaping students’ financial futures,” said Dr. Daniel J. Heimmermann, Chancellor at USCA. “This newly designed space will serve as a dynamic hub for financial learning, equipping students with the knowledge and confidence to make informed financial decisions throughout their lives.”

 

Located inside USCA’s Business & Education building, the newly branded Pacer $mart classroom will serve as a hub for guest speakers, financial success camps, and other educational initiatives. The classroom and adjoining hallway feature wall murals that incorporate university and SRP branding, along with an inspiring quote from Benjamin Franklin: “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.”

 

SRP Federal Credit Union remains dedicated to the credit union philosophy of “People Helping People” by fostering financial education in the communities it serves. In addition to the Pacer $mart program, SRP provides personal financial education through seminars, financial counseling, school visits, and more.

 

“Uplifting our communities through financial education is a cornerstone of our mission at SRP,” said Liz Ponder, Interim CEO, SRP Federal Credit Union. “We are proud to partner with USC Aiken to empower students with the knowledge and skills they need for lifelong financial success.”

1070 Edgefield Road North Augusta
South Carolina 29860

803-278-4851

Routing# 253278090
NMLS# 612441

If you are using a screen reader and are having problems viewing this website, please call 803-278-4851 for assistance.

equal housing lender NCUA verified by Visa

Good things are happening at SRP