Enrichment Federal Credit Union is celebrating 75 years of savings members money.
On June 1, 1950, ten employees of the Oak Ridge Gaseous Diffusion (K-25) Plant filed an application for a Federal Credit Union. The Bureau of Federal Credit Unions approved the charter on June 13, 1950, and the K-25 Employees Federal Credit Union officially began operating out of a small office at the K-25 site, now known as the East Tennessee Technology Park.
Although originally chartered as an occupational credit union, K-25 converted to a community charter in 2003, which expanded the field of membership to include Anderson, Blount, Claiborne, Knox, Loudon, Morgan, Roane, Scott and Union Counties.
On November 5, 2007, K-25 changed its name to Enrichment Federal Credit Union, paying tribute to the heritage of the now closed K-25 Plant, which enriched uranium as part of the Manhattan Project.
“It’s been fun exploring our archives, finding decades-old photos, newsletters and even handwritten meeting notes,” said Allison Hedrick, Enrichment’s marketing manager. “We’ve been posting some of those on our social media and in our branches. Members love seeing it too. They are sharing memories of opening their first account or getting their first loan. The best stories from members are about interactions with staff members and ways that Enrichment has impacted their lives over the past 75 years.”
Enrichment Federal Credit Union has not only served its members with exceptional financial services but has also continued to grow its dedication to community service. As part of Enrichment’s Community Enrichment Program, which donates $200,000 and countless volunteer hours annually to area nonprofits, the credit union presented $15,750 in scholarships this year to local graduating high school seniors. One scholarship recipient’s application essay shared the story of visiting the credit union with his grandparents, opening his own savings account and what an impact the staff had on him even at a young age.
“It’s great to see the generations of a family stopping in and reminiscing about how important Enrichment has been not only to their family’s financial goals, but to their family in general, because Enrichment looks out for them. That’s the credit union way,” said Allison.
Enrichment started the celebrations during their Annual Meeting in March with a commemorative gift for members in attendance and hosted a Community Day Celebration in May. Enrichment plans to continue the celebration through the month of June with more throwback posts, 75th Anniversary Specials for auto loans and mortgages and fun celebration treats in the branches for members and staff.
