TAMPA– Tampa Bay FCU has become the first financial institution in Tampa to receive the Juntos Avanzamos (Together We Advance) designation. Tampa business and community leaders, members, and local organizations came together to celebrate in the Juntos Avanzamos Flag Raising Ceremony.
Originated in 2005, the Juntos Avanzamos designation is a testament for credit unions that have a vision and commitment of serving the Hispanic community. The program ran by Inclusiv and supported by the League of Southeastern Credit Unions and Affiliates partners with credit unions to employ strategies to help those with modest means reach financial independence.
“The League of Southeastern Credit Unions is thrilled to congratulate Tampa Bay Federal Credit Union on their Juntos Avanzamos designation,” said Jordan Burroughs, director of Membership Relations, with the League of Southeastern Credit Unions.“Their dedication to helping underserved populations truly exemplifies the “Credit Union Difference. We look forward to seeing the exciting new opportunities this will bring to the Tampa Bay community.”
In order to receive the designation, a credit union must complete the extensive application process and demonstrate what initiatives it implements to serve the needs of the Hispanic market.
Over the past decade, Tampa Bay Federal said it has dedicated efforts to meet the needs of the growing Hispanic community in Tampa Bay by providing affordable financial services and promoting financial inclusion for all. Tampa Bay Federal recently opened a new service center to expand financial access to the underserved Spanish-speaking community. Tampa Bay Federal also works with local partners to create tailored marketing strategies for the Hispanic audience, such as the “Banconmigo” campaign (“Bank With Me”).
Alongside marketing initiatives, Tampa Bay Federal focuses on community outreach by partnering with local organizations and sponsoring events to recognize the significant cultural and economic contributions of the Hispanic community.
“On behalf of the Inclusiv Credit Union Network, I congratulate Tampa Bay Federal on becoming a Juntos Avanzamos designated credit union,” said Pablo DeFilippi, SVP of Membership and Network Engagement for Inclusiv. “The Hispanic community is an integral part of Florida’s economy and society. It is constantly growing and thriving. Over a quarter of Florida’s population is composed of Hispanics, yet Latinos continue to be invisible, and many remain underbanked. Where mainstream financial institutions see risk, Tampa Bay Federal sees opportunity.”
Richard Grammatica, president/CEO of Tampa Bay Federal Credit Union added, “Receiving the Juntos Avanzamos designation is an honor. It recognizes Tampa Bay Federal Credit Union’s long-term commitment to serving our Hispanic communities and all communities needing access to financial services while delivering The Tampa Bay Way and fulfilling our Mission – the betterment of our community, one member at a time.”
At right, from left: Pablo DeFilippi, SVP of Membership and Network Engagement for Inclusiv; Cathy Bartolotti, Tampa Bay FCI Board Member; Richard Grammatica, president/CEO of Tampa Bay Federal Credit Union; Jordan Burroughs, director of Membership Relations, League of Southeastern Credit Unions; Michael Suarez, City of Tampa City Council, and Jose Lima, Tampa Bay Federal Associate.