Now more than ever, it is important to make your money work for you, and to also look at all the banking options available.

Not only does LGE Community Credit Union provide these types of financial options in Gordon County, its staff members function as active participants in community causes. These facts, combined with its membership in the Gordon County Chamber of Commerce, make LGE a solid example of the Chamber’s Keep It In The County campaign.

As a community credit union, LGE takes its commitment to the communities and citizens its serves very seriously. In 2010 alone, the credit union actively participated in close to 100 events, such as high school football games, local festivals and parades, and Chamber of Commerce actives.

One of the most popular events at the Calhoun branch is the annual 4th of July celebration. It’s a great opportunity for community members to stop by the branch and meet the staff, and also enjoy a delicious lunch. It will take place Friday, July 1, this year.

The options

LGE Community Credit Union can be an alternative to some of the bigger banks, sometimes offering better rates and lower fees on services like savings and checking accounts, auto loans, and home loans, among other services.

For 60 years, LGE has been a federally-insured, banking alternative. There are eight locations throughout northwest Georgia, including one here in Calhoun at 512 West Belmont Street.

There are several key differences between a bank and a credit union. Most importantly, a credit union has no stockholders and no paid directors. So, instead of setting aside profits for those individuals, LGE is able to offer its account holders higher earnings on checking and savings accounts, lower rates on loans, and lower fees than those typically found at banks. Credit unions, in general, exist to serve account holders, or members. LGE is also federally-insured; deposits are federally insured up to $250,000 by the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund and backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government, just as the FDIC insures bank deposits.

Credit unions like LGE are able to offer full-service banking, such as a variety of accounts, online services (like bill pay and home banking), and ATM services. Most recently LGE has added mobile services like mobile banking for smart phones, and a free iPhone app.

As part of LGE’s commitment to financial literacy and teaching students the importance of good saving and spending habits, the credit union launched youth savings accounts last year. These accounts are a great way for parents to teach their kids the importance of saving, but to also give youth the opportunity to learn how to manage their own accounts, because they are the primary account holders. These accounts have a minimum balance of only $5, and students can deposit into them at any time. There are three clubs, and depending on the student’s age, and as they get older, they automatically migrate to the next club. Each club its own website with interactive learning tools, and two of the clubs have quarterly newsletters for its account holders. Enrollment is free and only requires a $5 initial deposit to open the account.

The LGE staff invites you to stop by the Calhoun branch and learn how LGE can help you achieve your financial well-being. Staff members are happy to answer any questions you may have or give you more information about services.

The Calhoun branch is located at 512 West Belmont Road. Lobby hours: Monday – Thursday 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Drive-Up hours: Monday – Thursday 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Friday 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.