First Imperial Credit Union

CREDIT: Imperial Valley Alive! -Fall 2017

The future is bright for First Imperial Credit Union, which reopened a branch in downtown Imperial last December [2016] and is in the process of moure than doubling its presence in Calexico.

"So many people are seeking our services in Calexico that we've outgrown our current building," said Fidel Gonzalez, FICU's president and CEO.  While other financial instiutions have closed branches tat the border in the wake of tightened federal regulations, FICU has tayed put and continues to thrive.

"We wenat the people of Calexico to know that we're still there and we are expanding," Gonzalez said.  Currently at 2534 Rockwood, Suite 1A, the Calexico branch will be relocated to the intersection of Cole Road and Rancho Frontera Avenue.  It is expected to open in September 2018.

FICU is the Valley's first credit union and has its origins in Imperial.  It later expanded to El Centro, and eventually its Imperial branch was closed.  Returning to Imperial was a homecoming of sorts, with the new branch located in Worthington Square on Barioni Boulevard, just a few blocks west of its original site.

FICU also has plans to expand services at its branch on the campus of Imperial Valley College, noted Marketing & Business Development Manager Marlena Rascon.  Rascon has been working wit hteh college's Financial Aid department on ways to teach students the tolls of financial literacy.  Seminars for students are tentatively scheduled to begin this fall in IVC's Financial Aid computer lab and continue each semester.  Some of the topics being considered for the financial literacy seminars are:

• Choosing your Financial Institution
• Learning How to Budget
• Using Credit Cards Wisely
• Building Savings

"The ultimate goal is to raise awareness among college students and the community of the importance of financial health, and encourage financial stability," said Rascon.  FICU is committed to helping make the difference that supports growth and quality of life in our community because, "We're more than a bank, we're your credit union."