Tiffin St. Joseph Federal Credit Union has been a member-driven financial institution since being founded in 1952. As a member, you are an important person at Tiffin St. Joseph Federal Credit Union. Your needs are respected, and so is your opinion. You're not just a number. You have a voice and a vote. That's part of the Credit Union Difference.
On February 20, 1952, Herbert L. McClellan and Monsignor Richard H. Gabel founded the credit union as St. Joseph Parish Tiffin, Federal Credit Union. Monsignor Gabel served as the first President of the Board.
On the evening of March 31, 1952, 33 accounts were opened for a total of $262.50. By December of 1952, the credit union had 140 accounts totaling $8,763.72 in deposits and $3,118.65 in loans. Total income for the first year was $18.46 with expenses of $127.10. Most of the business of the credit union was conducted after masses on Sunday mornings.
Alma Zahn, a founding member and volunteer teller from 1958 to 1972, recalled in the Winter 1999 issue of the Financial Facts newsletter, "We used to set-up card tables on Sundays down in the basement of the Rectory to take deposits." Zahn also served on the board of directors from 1958 until 1968.
The Treasurer was the only paid employee for quite a while. The board of directors served as voluntary cashiers after the Sunday masses in the basement of the church. If a member needed a loan during the week they were asked to come to the home of the Treasurer, William Lucius. No dividends were paid the first year. Dividends were first paid annually, then semi-annually, and in 1983 went to quarterly. The first interest rate on loans was 1%.
In the 1960s the credit union began offering Guaranteed Student Loans.
In 1970, Anita Harshman became the first paid employee hired.
In 1972, the credit union grew to be $622,978 in assets and expanded operating hours from Sunday's to Tuesday and Thursday nights as well as mornings until 11:30 a.m. Marilyn Brickner, our current Treasurer, was hired that same year.
[back to top]The 1980s were a time of growth for the credit union. In September of 1985, the credit union added St. Francis Home as our first Select Employer Group meaning all employees of St. Francis Home and their immediate families were eligible to join the credit union. In 1985 the first computers were used.
In 1986, the credit union increased convenience for members by offering a share draft (checking) account program and introducing direct deposit. In February 1986, the employees of St. Pius X Sycamore and employees and medical staff of Mercy Hospital of Tiffin were added to the credit union's field of membership.
The credit union changed its name to Tiffin St. Joseph Federal Credit Union in April 1987. That same year, the credit union moved to 478 W. Market Street where the first drive up window added to member convenience. The credit union introduced its VISA card program.
In March 1990, The Sterling Abrasive Credit Union was merged into TSJFCU, which brought in the employees of Sterling Abrasives Company and Neo-Wood Products. In May 1990, Tiffin Paper Company employees were added to the credit union's field of membership as well.
January 1994 saw the credit union introduce telephone banking to members with the purchase of a touchtone access unit.
In February 1997, Share Certificates were added to the credit union's product offerings. On December 4, 1997, the credit union began operating in its current building at 25 Shaffer Drive in Tiffin.
An ATM program with ATM/Debit Cards was unveiled in March 1998.
In August 1999, the credit union began offering a home equity loan program. That same year, Tongs Heating and Air Conditioning as well as the Law Offices of Behm & Henry were added as Select Employer Groups.
In 2000, the credit union began serving the employees of Arnold Machine, and in 2001 the employees of Court Lee Interiors.
On August 26, 2003 the credit union was awarded a commuity charter which opened up membership to all of Seneca county. Membership is open to persons who live, work, worship, or go to school in, and businesses and other legal entities in Seneca County.
[back to top]Over the years, more than 8,200 member owners have been able to obtain the financial services they need because of the existence of Tiffin St. Joseph Federal Credit Union. The staff at TSJFCU is committed to providing its members with quality financial services.
Personal, friendly and professional service is how we conduct our business. Our many services benefit our members at low-cost or no charge, including higher dividends on savings and charging lower interest rates on loans.
As a member-owner of Tiffin St. Joseph Federal Credit Union, you are an important part of our organization. We encourage you to use all of our financial products and services.the strength of the credit union depends on you. We appreciate the opportunity to serve you, your co-workers, and your family.
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