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Featured Article

Rooted in the Community

The Local Spirit Behind Southeast Financial Credit Union

Article by Southeast Financial Credit Union

Photography by Provided

Originally published in Franklin Lifestyle

For Jeff Dahlstrom, being rooted in the community means more than just having a local address. It’s about showing up, giving back, and truly connecting with the people Southeast Financial serves every day.

1. What does it mean to Southeast Financial to be "rooted in the community," especially here in Williamson County and Middle TN?  

Our roots run deep in Middle Tennessee, dating back to 1936, when local workers pooled their money to form a small credit union to help each other in need. That simple, basic philosophy drives us today. We want to assist our members with all things financial and be a presence in the communities we serve.  

2. Can you share some ways your team is involved locally through sponsorships, volunteer work, or partnerships with community organizations?  

Throughout the year, we sponsor events such as food, literacy, and blood drives at our branches, which our members participate in. We also encourage our team members to be involved in other ways by providing a paid Volunteer Day each year to participate in charitable activities where they might have a personal connection.  

3. How do your community initiatives reflect your members' values and Southeast Financial's culture as a whole?

  "People helping people" has been a philosophy associated with credit unions since the movement began. Our members support our efforts each year, whether collecting toys for children at Christmas or supplies to make a Thanksgiving meal. We may be the collection point for the charity, but our members are the ones who make the difference.  

4. Is there a particular event or moment in the community that stands out as especially meaningful or memorable for your team?  

That would be our Southeast Financial Golf Classic. We're in our 23rd year, and since 2010, we've given back over $254,000 to charities in our community. Again, funds will benefit Hope Clinic for Women and United Cerebral Palsy of Middle Tennessee this year. Working with these groups each year, we see first-hand their impact on the community through their valuable services. It takes a lot of work, but it's a day of fun, and we get to share time with the charities and local vendors while, at the same time, making a difference.    

5. When is this year's event?  

This year's event is on September 22 at the Towhee Club in Spring Hill, Tennessee. Even though we're at a new location this year, we're proud to have our event still here in Williamson County.  

6. How do your local branches go beyond banking to build relationships with members in Franklin and across Middle TN?  

We know we have the best team members because our credit union members tell us every chance they get. Whether it's a Google review or through a member survey, a comment we hear over and over is how members feel like family. When you get to know your members, you better understand their financial needs and can help find solutions to meet their financial goals.  

7. In what ways do you see Southeast Financial evolving its role in the community as Williamson County continues to grow and change?  

Over the years, people's needs have changed. Part of the evolution is how they bank. The most important part of keeping up with that change is offering members the latest technology to meet their banking needs while providing products and services relevant to their everyday lives. For example, we're currently offering a personal loan with a special rate where members get to choose the purpose of the loan. It's their loan, their way.  

8. How does being a credit union versus a traditional bank enhance your ability to support and connect with the local community?  

As I mentioned before, it all starts with people and building relationships. Even though we like to offer the latest banking technology, we still want to create that small-town banking experience where we call you by name when you walk in the door. 

SoutheastFinancial.org

We know we have the best team members because our credit union members tell us every chance they get.

  "People helping people" has been a philosophy associated with credit unions since the movement began.

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