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Firstmark Credit Union is a local member-owned, nonprofit financial cooperative that’s been an active part of the San Antonio community since 1932. Founded by a group of 10 teachers, the institution has long been committed to its community, in particular to the local education system – the credit union contributes $100,000 annually to Bexar County schools.
Meanwhile, Firstmark encourages its employees to volunteer and give within the community by offering each employee two paid days off each year to volunteer with local organizations. In 2016 alone, its employees volunteered more than 2,600 hours to nonprofits like Meals on Wheels and Habitat for Humanity, while personally donating more than $50,000 to local programs.
In recent news, the credit union has partnered with several area organizations. Earlier this year, Firstmark announced a two-year sponsorship of the San Antonio United Soccer Club, becoming the club’s official sponsor. And just this week, the credit union awarded $5,000 in grants to 10 area educators “who inspire student learning through creative and innovative programs.” As part of the same grant program – the Educator Grant Award – Firstmark has awarded nearly $50,000 to education recipients over the past eight years.
Also a member of a network of San Antonio-based companies, Firstmark has partnered with CAST Tech, San Antonio’s first “high-tech” high school. Through regular partnerships and contributions to San Antonio organizations and grant programs, Firstmark’s commitment to the local community is evident.
This commitment is demonstrated through its business model, too. With a vast portfolio of both consumer, commercial, and even nonprofit financial services, the credit union has helped countless families and locally owned organizations and businesses foster their dreams. And, unlike many other financial institutions, Firstmark Credit Union’s Member Business team, which is made up of the credit union’s sales staff, are all local. This means that local businesses have a direct, local point of contact throughout their
Small business categories often include construction outfits, medical centers, dental offices, veterinary clinics, and professional services businesses. Through Firstmark’s lending programs, local commercial businesses can seek products including commercial real estate loans (including loans for both new purchases and refinancing), commercial construction loans, commercial equipment loans, commercial auto loans, and revolving lines of credit. Throughout the lending process, local businesses can expect an easily reached hands-on staff, eager to help small business owners achieve their business goals.
Local business owners agree that Firstmark puts its customers first.
“We have had a business lending relationship with Firstmark for a little over a year now, and it’s been a home run from the start,” said Dr. Joseph Elizondo, owner of San Antonio’s Parkway Medical Plaza. “They are courteous, efficient, and professional; the whole time making you feel like you’ve been with them from the beginning. They have been there at every difficult turn, helping us through with precision and ease. Needless to say, we are ecstatic with our relationship moving forward.”
Firstmark’s product portfolio is as innovative as it is competitive. And whether business owners are just getting started, reorganizing, or rapidly growing, they can count on Firstmark to provide trustworthy, reliable products and services. Businesses can opt into interest-earning checking accounts, manage their payrolls, and activate merchant services with highly competitive rates. For those with lending needs, the bank offers commercial real estate and construction loans up to $5 million, commercial equipment loans up to $2 million, and even a Business Platinum Visa with loan amounts up to $50,000.
While Firstmark places immense value on personal, localized relationships that businesses can count on, the credit union also prioritizes technology and convenience, offering more ATMs than Chase, Wells Fargo, and Bank of America combined. Convenience is key, and Firstmark ensures that its customers can be serviced anytime, from anywhere.
By offering local businesses innovative financial products, competitive rates, personal interactions, and reliable, regularly advancing technologies, customers can rest assured that Firstmark has their best interest in mind. After all, actualizing the American Dream – whatever an individual or business’ dream may be – has long been the organization’s driving ideal. With Firstmark Credit Union’s emphasis on both education and community, locals can also be sure their investments are being used wisely and with good intention – to support the community both credit union members and the credit union are part of.
