WesCorp News

Member Moments: Pacific Advantage Federal Credit Union

"The Difference"
When you call Pacific Advantage Federal Credit Union, you get a real person on the phone, and never an automated phone tree or voice mail. On occasion, Allan Ontai, President/CEO of the Burlingame, Calif. credit union, answers the phone and speaks to a member. He listens to the situation and has the unique ability to make a decision right then. Unlike a bank, there are no layers at Pacific Advantage. You talk to the loan consultant or the collector, and if they can't help you, you talk to the man in charge…and the issue gets resolved. That's the difference between a small credit union and a bank.

The credit union difference was recently applied when a couple, who had been long time members, went through a hardship when the spouse suffered some medical issues that put her out of work for more than a year. As a result, they couldn't make their home loan payment and soon they were facing foreclosure. They tried to work out a modification or refinance with their lender but those avenues were denied due to low credit scores and a decreasing home value. They were desperate but knew where to turn. Allan became acquainted with the couple over the years like many of his members, and didn't look at them as merely a credit score. He decided to trust them with a new loan because he had confidence in their willingness to meet him half way. He was able to get them a new loan that they could afford and now the couple is back to work, making the payments, and still in their home.

The line of credit from WesCorp allowed Pacific Advantage to avoid taking penalties on liquidating their certificates of deposit, which in turn allowed them to offer the loan that saved that couple's home. Allan appreciates the fact that WesCorp allows Pacific Advantage to operate smoothly and is able to come through for its members with convenient daily transactions to special needs situations. Pacific Advantage is committed to personal service and helping members through troubled times. They truly embody the "credit union difference."

Online ALM Training Now Accessible at No Cost to Members
For years, WesCorp members have gained access to WesCorp's Internet-Based Training for Credit Unions: Asset/Liability Management at a reduced rate from Sheshunoff's standard pricing. As part of a continuing effort to add value for our members, we are pleased to announce that access to the training is now offered to all WesCorp members free of charge!

Quick Synopsis About the Online Training Modules:

27 courses within 6 modules that cover a wide range of ALM, ranging from understanding the economy to preparing for NCUA examinations.
The courses are online and have the ability to be saved, so you can complete them at your own pace.
Each course has a quiz and final exam that test your mastery of the material.
Completing the course may qualify for CPE credits.
Best of all, the training will result in a higher understanding of ALM, which can mean greater returns for your CU.