Cavion Plus

If ever a credit union epitomized the credit union movement motto of “People Helping People”, it would be Holston Methodist Federal Credit Union. Started in 1957 with $5.00 each from seven United Methodist Clergy, this Knoxville, TN-based credit union has grown to over five thousand members, but still strives to treat each and every member as family. With only one branch and a nationwide membership base, Holston Methodist FCU knew that they needed to be able to offer a reliable and robust suite of electronic services to their members. That is why they turned to the credit union movement’s leading provider: Cavion Plus, a Liberty Enterprises company.

Janet Tidwell, Holston Methodist’s longtime CEO, was already quite familiar with Liberty since she worked closely with their checking division when the credit union started offering share draft accounts. “They are an awesome check provider,” she says. 

With such a positive experience with Liberty on the check product side of the business, the credit union had no hesitations about contracting with Cavion Plus to handle their website design and hosting, as well as their online banking and bill pay applications. The credit union wanted a consistent “look and feel” across their website and their On-Line Internet Account Access which is something that Cavion Plus specializes in delivering for their credit union partners. “The whole design and rollout process went smoothly,” explains Janet “and we have a very nice theme across our entire site.’ 

As for Holston Methodist FCU’s members, they have taken to the e-services very well. Janet says that “our members really like the ease of use of our web and On-Line Internet Account Access, their readability and their excellent navigation features.” These design features help cut down support calls from older members and help attract younger members who expect – and demand - electronic 24 x 7 access to their accounts. Janet notes that “we really have to offer top notch online services if we want to attract younger members and stay competitive.”

In a small credit union, everyone has to wear many different hats. That is why Janet and her staff appreciate Cavion Plus’ “back office” administration tools. For example, rate changes and most website revisions are handled internally, often after hours from home. Janet describes the process: “the administration of our website is very user friendly – with just a few clicks I can upload information and graphics and change links.” For other more significant revisions, the credit union turns to Cavion Plus’ highly experienced staff. Janet reports that “we receive quick responses and very professional support. For example, not only do they give us fast turnaround times, but our contact Denise Pearson is so accommodating that she even helps us after hours and on weekends!”

Neither the credit union nor Cavion Plus is content to just maintain the “status quo” which is why they work together to add new enhancements to their website and electronic services. For instance, members can now conveniently view their checks online which helps cut down on phone calls to the credit union in regards to check questions. Janet explains that “Cavion Plus has such a great reputation for all of their products that we felt very comfortable offering our members this new service.” Holston Methodist will also be looking at new products from Cavion Plus including account alerts, cash management, and knowledge management. 

Having worked in the financial services field for more than twenty three years, Janet has a great deal of experience working with a wide range of vendors. When it comes to working with Cavion Plus, she concludes that “they have gone above and beyond the call of duty so many times to help us that I can highly recommend them without a doubt to any credit union.”