By Kelli Carmack
The Laker/Lutz News
“Your Future. Our Community. Together.”
This is the motto of San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union (SACFCU), the oldest chartered financial institution in Pasco County.
The credit union has served its members in the eastern half of Pasco County for over 65 years. Patricia Sarne, president and chief executive officer, attributes its longtime success to its unwavering philosophy of putting the members first.
“We offer all the same products and services as the bank around the corner, but what stands us apart is how we deliver those products to the member,” says Sarne.
The most important mission at SACFCU is to make sure its members and community are succeeding. That’s why the credit union routinely hosts prize giveaways for its members, and donates to many local nonprofits, including The Thomas Promise and Daystar Hope Center.
“We’re not mandated to give back to the community, but we do because it’s the right thing to do,” says Sarne. “When our members and community succeed, we succeed.”
Another way SACFCU gave back to the community was through approving 229 Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans through the COVID relief program.
The credit union loaned over $7 million to local businesses. Sarne remembers that their first PPP loan went to a local restaurant. Within 24 hours of receiving the loan, the restaurant owner called the credit union to tell us that he told his entire staff that they could come back to work because of SACFCU.
“That’s the impact we strive for,” says Sarne.
SACFCU’s positive impact on the community has not gone unnoticed. They were awarded the 2020 Chamber Member of the Year by The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce.
Sarne joined SACFCU in 1994 as a teller, and worked her way up to president last June. In her new role, her main focus is to increase the credit union’s imprint in the area —and they’re doing just that.
The credit union is currently building an 11,000-square-foot Operation Center at its San Antonio location.
“We want our back-office support staff under one roof,” says Sarne. “And, this facility will help us attract talented individuals to our team by providing additional job opportunities and advancement.”
SACFCU is currently offering a 4.99% APR on credit card balance transfers for the life of the balance. There is no transfer or transaction fees with this offer.
“If you have a credit card with a higher interest rate, let us help you,” says Sarne, “Just by taking advantage of this balance transfer, we are able to save you money. Our goal here is to get you in a better financial position.”
San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union has locations in San Antonio, Dade City, Zephyrhills and Wesley Chapel. To bank with SACFCU as a Member/Owner, you must live, work, worship or attend school in Eastern Pasco or Hernando Counties. For more information, go to https://www.sacfcu.org or call 352-588-2732.
Published 3/3/21
