Although Ferguson Federal Credit Union hasn’t been in Columbia for long, the member-owned financial institution has engrained itself in the community and has designs on staying for the long run.
Assistant branch manager Zackery Fortenberry said Ferguson’s purpose is to make the community improve as it helps its members get on better financial footing.
“We help establish or build credit for those who can’t go to their typical financial institution and get a loan or even think about repairing their credit scores. When they come to us, we help build that financial relationship,” he said. “We help them rebuild their credit so that they can get the loan they need to maybe purchase a home or a car.”
Fortenberry started out as a teacher before transitioning into finance when he realized there was a big need for financial literacy. He added that in his six months with Ferguson he’s enjoyed his time because he has been able to help the community.
Ferguson offers the same loans as every other bank such as auto, mortgages, unsecured loans and shared secured loans.
“The difference is that usually we can have a lower interest rate, and you don’t have as much going back to the bank because it’s your money,” Fortenberry said. “The first thing we do is check their credit just to make sure if there are any problems. We try our best to help them and guide them in the right direction to improve that credit score.”
Some of the ways Ferguson helps its members improve their credit are through credit counseling and what they call a credit builder loan, which helps members establish a pay history with Ferguson.
Ferguson in Columbia employs four full-time employees, including Fortenberry, AJ Russell, Erika Alford and Katarina Powell. Russell is a member service advisor who Fortenberry said brings joy into the office. Alford is also a member service advisor who customers love because she’s a “true Southern Belle.” Powell is in the process of becoming a member service advisor and currently works the drive-through window. Fortenberry said Powell has brought in a lot of members with her personality.
“I think people come here just because of the atmosphere,” Fortenberry said. “We know their names, know the community and know every member that comes in. People love that. They love the small-town feel of when they come in that someone knows your name.”
Fortenberry said Ferguson’s goal every day is to have every member that comes through the door feel like they were served to the utmost of its capabilities.
“It’s not about how many loans we did or how many accounts we opened. It’s about how many members came in and enjoyed the experience of working with Ferguson,” he said.
The overall goal of Ferguson moving forward is to let the community know what it stands for.
“Our long-term goal would be to let everyone know that we are a full-fledged financial institution. We can do everything that a bank can do, and we’re going to be here in the Columbia area for years to come,” he said. “We have expectations to grow and expand our membership.”
Fortenberry added he would love to see Ferguson add enough members that it is has to hire more employees and move to a bigger building.
Ferguson is open from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and until 5 p.m. on Friday. On Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, the drive-through opens at 8 a.m., and it opens at 9 a.m. Wednesday and Friday. The credit union can be reached at (601) 587-4037, though it would prefer to assist customers face to face.
Pictured Above: From left. assistant branch manager Zackery Fortenberry, Erika Alford, Katarina Powell and AJ Russell make up the Ferguson Federal Credit Union team. | Photo by Joshua Campbell
