Dow Chemical Employees' CU Recognized by Michigan for Service During Pandemic

MIDLAND, MICHIGAN, AUGUST 18, 2020 – In recognition of continued service to members and the community during the COVID-19 pandemic, Dow Chemical Employees’ Credit Union (dcecu.org) recently received a Special Tribute from the State of Michigan.

Signed by Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II, 36th District Senator Jim Stamas and 98th District Rep. Annette Glenn, the tribute to DCECU and its employees expresses “appreciation for all they have endured and contributed since the beginning of this pandemic” in March.

“As the community began to feel the impact of the virus, DCECU took a firm stance to stand with the community. In compliance with health regulations, the hardworking employees of DCECU continued to ensure their members had a way to accomplish their banking needs, in addition to protecting members from new forms of scams. While the community continued to suffer from the harsh impacts and economic hardship caused by the coronavirus, DCECU pledged $200,000 in COVID-19 relief efforts to be distributed locally,” the tribute reads in part. “We thank the employees of DCECU for the commitment they have shown each day and for the sacrifices they have made to ensure our community has access to this essential service and provide the aid we need to get through this challenging time.”

From mid-March – when DCECU initially closed its lobby temporarily for walk-in service due to coronavirus concerns – until Michigan’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order was lifted in early June, most DCECU employees worked from home. However, some worked onsite – including those in front-line positions, such as tellers working the drive-thru and employees receiving members who needed access to their safe deposit boxes or other critical services by appointment.

Since June, onsite staffing levels have been bolstered to provide additional in-person services by appointment while the DCECU lobby remains closed for walk-in service. Many DCECU employees continue to work remotely whenever possible.

“More than ever during these past several months, our employees have been our lifeblood; they are the sole reason we’ve been able to continue serving our members’ needs with minimal disruption during the pandemic,” said DCECU Chief Executive Officer Michael Goad. “Especially to our front-line employees, who continued reporting to work to serve our members in person amid the uncertainty of a public health crisis – but also to the many employees who worked behind the scenes to keep things running – we owe a debt of gratitude to our team for helping us operate as smoothly and seamlessly as possible for our members while our lobby has been closed for walk-in service. This tribute from the state – which was spearheaded by Representative Glenn – really is a tribute to them.”

In addition to continuing to provide its services and products to members throughout the pandemic, donating to four local organizations to assist with COVID-19 relief efforts, and warning members of potential scams related to the coronavirus, DCECU also established a web page – dcecu.org/response – for coronavirus-related service and product updates and joined the statewide MiMortgage Relief Partnership to help homeowners experiencing financial hardship due to the pandemic.

Dow Chemical Employees’ Credit Union is a cooperative, not-for-profit financial institution that is owned by its members and dedicated to providing them with smart, affordable banking solutions. Located in Midland, Michigan, DCECU has $1.90 billion in assets and more than 70,300 members and has been recognized multiple times by the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) for top performance in saving members money. Membership is open to employees and retirees of more than 70 Select Employer Group companies, as well as to their family members. For more information, visit dcecu.org or call 989.835.7794 or 800.835.7794.

Follow DCECU on Facebook at facebook.com/dcecu and on Instagram at instagram.com/dcecu_mi.