Fort community credit union

SUNRISE, Fla. -- BrightStar Credit Union is among the businesses featured in the Fort Lauderdale Historical Society's new exhibit, The Businesses That Built Fort Lauderdale. The exhibit focuses on organizations that have sustained themselves for more than 50 years in Fort Lauderdale.

"We are honored to be part of this exhibit," said Sam Chesser, BrightStar CU's Vice President of Marketing. "The Credit Union is very proud of its heritage and of our success over the years. We thank the Fort Lauderdale Historical Society for recognizing all local businesses that have a history of serving the people of Fort Lauderdale."

BrightStar Credit Union was chartered in 1946 by a group of 26 teachers of Broward County Public Schools. The Credit Union's first office was in the old Fort Lauderdale High School, which at that time was located in Downtown Fort Lauderdale at Broward Boulevard and NE 3rd Avenue. (The High School has since been relocated.)

When the Credit Union began, it was simply a means for members to pool their money together and save. In the beginning, the Credit Union had no ATMs, no web site, no credit cards -- not even checking accounts. In the 1940's and 1950's, before computers, all member transactions were posted by hand. People brought in their old Savings Passbooks to make a deposit or withdrawal. It took 14 years for the Credit Union to grow to reach $1 million in assets. The Credit Union entered the computer age in the late 1970's, when it went online with its first computer system. Also in the late 1970's, the Credit Union started offering checking accounts and credit cards.

Today, after two name-changes, BrightStar Credit Union is a full-service financial organization with 6 locations, serving anyone who lives or works in Broward County, Boca Raton or Delray Beach. It has a web site with Online Banking and Online BillPay, ATMs, Visa Check Cards and a complete line of loan and deposit products. The Credit Union has grown to over 38,000 members and $260 million in assets.

The Historical Society's exhibit, The Businesses That Built Fort Lauderdale, runs through June 3 and is located in Downtown Fort Lauderdale at the historic New River Inn. More information is available from the Historical Society. Their phone number is 954-463-4431 extension 10, and their web site is http://www.oldfortlauderdale.org. The museum's hours are: Tuesday through Friday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday - Sunday noon to 5 p.m.

About BrightStar Credit Union

BrightStar Credit Union is among the largest credit unions in South Florida with assets of $260 million and 38,000 members. The Credit Union, which has served the employees of Broward County Public Schools since 1946, is also open to the community. Anyone who lives or works in Broward County, Boca Raton or Delray Beach is eligible to become a member. The Credit Union is a full-service, not-for profit, member-owned cooperative and offers savings accounts, free checking, auto loans, home equity loans, mortgages, free online banking and more. BrightStar CU has served its members since 1946. BrightStar Credit Union's web site address is http://www.bscu.org.