HOPE Members Gather to Hear Successes, Future Plans
HOPE made great strides for its members during the past year and is continuing efforts to strengthen communities, build assets, and improve lives in the Mid South. Hope Enterprise Corporation and Hope Credit Union held the annual membership meeting on Saturday, March 23, to review accomplishments last year and to share plans for 2013.
During 2012, HOPE significantly expanded and enhanced services that benefit its membership and position the organization to extend its reach into more underserved communities. Upgrades to online and telephone banking systems and the introduction of the new HOPE Mobile smartphone app launched in December provides greater convenience and easier account access and management.
Despite continued economic uncertainty and decreased lending from mainstream banks, HOPE set records for commercial, mortgage, and direct consumer lending. The credit union also introduced a new payday loan alternative that helps borrowers escape predatory lending relationships and improve their credit.
The coming year will see HOPE continue efforts to reach families and businesses in economically distressed areas. Additional improvements are planned for electronic services and using those tools as avenues for building membership in non-branch markets. The organization will continue to fight the spread of bank deserts across the region, finance businesses that create jobs, and help provide solutions for homeownership and affordable housing.
See the full presentation from the meeting.