Wilmington branch site?
Hope it is crystal clear that the larger credit unions do "compete against" each other. Saying otherwise is in fact a "La-La"!
Being polite and "cooperative" folks, many credit union leaders may deny it; and say instead "We're not competing, we're just trying to serve our eligible members!" And while that does sound better, it of course overlooks the "new/new" reality that most large credit unions now serve exactly the same group of "eligible members" - anyone and everyone!
So, lets not try to fool each other, the members or anyone else. Any downside to being honest and transparent?
The SECU Board was asked way back in October, 2022 about the question of open membership at SECU. Was that their goal? If so, why was that the best strategy? How would open membership benefit the existing member-owners of SECU - you, me and our families. At the time, it appeared clear that open membership was the goal of the SECU Board.
The SECU Board continues - three years later - to refuse to answer that question, although it was a member-approved, without opposition resolution at an Annual Meeting. The SECU Board continues its weasel - the members' voice no longer seems to matter. Support by the SECU Board for the new, proposed North Carolina H187 legislation - which permits open membership for state-chartered credit unions - further exposes and confirms the weasel.
✅ So once again remember this 2022 unanswered question for the SECU Board:
"Where are you leading us, why are you taking us there, how will it benefit the members?"
😎 Now before you jump to a delusion, be sure to note that the question for the SECU Board is to simply state their goal with membership and make their case with the member-owners - you, me, and our families.. Let's listen to all sides, let's have an open, honest discussion. Isn't that what a cooperative is about?
😎 Also, let me clarify that all three credit unions mentioned previously - PenFed, Langley and Navy - are fine organizations. PenFed and Langley make "no bones" about open membership, but I wasn't certain where NavyFed stood, it wasn't quite clear [link]. But after haunting their website for awhile, I dug this up:
✅ FAQ: 
Answer: "Yes, you're still eligible for membership. Keep in mind you may be asked to submit documentation like a DD-214 form proving your deceased family member would have been eligible for membership."
Now that's competitive! NavyFed wants you... dead or alive!
