Hispanics are relieved when they discover Avestar Credit Union staff are able to converse in Spanish, says Nancy Anaya, member service representative.
Avestar Credit Union knew an opportunity existed to serve Spanish-speaking individuals in its community.
The $34 million asset credit union in Waterloo, Wis., is located in an area that includes a large number of permanent Hispanic residents and migrant workers who come to the area to work at local businesses for a portion of the year. While all of them need access to a financial institution, those who don’t speak English as their native language face a language barrier as well.
Avestar’s biggest asset is its people. Providing bilingual staff allows the credit union to build trust and form relationships with Spanish-speaking members.
In this video, CUNA News visited Avestar to learn how they’re serving Spanish-speaking members, the important role staff play, and what member response has been.
Credit Union Magazine’s Fall 2022 issue highlights credit unions’ role in cryptocurrency, the state of digital assets, cannabis banking compliance, the human side of technology implementation, and involving the board in financial discussions.
