SouthPoint Federal Credit Union certified as the REAL Deal - September 1, 2010

Sleepy Eye, Minn. - SouthPoint Federal has recently been certified as a REAL Deal credit union. REAL Deal credit unions exemplify the credit union philosophy of "people helping people" in a variety of ways as they provide exemplary service to members.

The REAL Deal designation rewards credit unions for not only walking the walk, but also talking the talk, living the credit union philosophy of "people helping people." The REAL Deal program consists of four fundamental areas of outreach - loan programs that help members in financial distress, financial education programs, community charitable work and partnerships with non-profits agencies to provide services.

"When selecting a financial institution, it's important for consumers to know that SouthPoint Federal Credit Union is an active participant in our local communities," said Dick Nesvold, CEO of SouthPoint. "As a part of our everyday business strategy, we help struggling members obtain loans, we provide financial education, and we continue strengthening partnerships with other local organizations."

SouthPoint is very committed to finding solutions for members who have experienced financial distress. They have provided both temporary and permanent modifications to loan terms for members who were struggling. Also, SouthPoint has partnered with organizations such as Debt-In-Focus, Kids Against Hunger, area food shelves, Santa's Closet, Heart of New Ulm, Relay for Life and Adopt-A-Highway. They also participate in programs through the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency to offer Fix Up Fund loans and the Energy Star Rebate Program for low to moderate income members.

"We want our members and potential members to know that serving people is more than just a philosophy for our credit union - it's an everyday way of doing business," Dick Nesvold said. "We believe this is what sets up apart from other financial institutions."