BUFFALO, N.Y.—The Seneca Nation of Indians said it is expecting a response this month from NCUA regarding its plans to open a credit union for its members and employees.
The plan for Seneca Nation of Indians Federal Credit Union calls for operating three branches – one each in Niagara Falls, N.Y., Irving, N.Y., and Salamanca, N.Y., according to Buffalo Business First. The publication quoted Stephen Scott, a member of Seneca Nation who wrote the business plan, as saying membership will be open to more than 8,200 registered Senecas and approximately 5,000 people employed by the nation’s casinos and other business holdings.
If NCUA approves its charter this month, SNI FCU could be open for business at all three locations by early August, Scott said.
“We’re almost there,” said Scott, acting deputy director for planning and development for the Seneca Nation who chartered a credit union in Wisconsin before returning to Western New York in 2012. “We’re trying to do the best we can to help our members improve the quality of their lives,” Buffalo Business First quoted Scott as saying.
Connie Sherrer, formerly of The Summit FCU, has been hired as CEO, while Debbie Culligan, formerly of Buffalo Community Federal Credit Union, will serve as operations manager.