Jovia Financial Credit Union Ignites Long Island’s Banking Community

Jovia Financial Credit Union (formerly NEFCU) has taken the wraps off its new brand. “We’re excited about the new name and vibrant brand that reflect what we have become over the last few decades: The most innovative source of high-value, personalized banking services in Long Island,” says Jovia President and CEO John Deieso. “We are, truly, the bright side of banking.”

Deieso has had a front-row seat as the 81-year-old financial institution added “innovation” to its mission,increased its geographic footprint and launched itself into the 21st century by enthusiastically embracing new technologies. “When I started as a teller in 1992,the development of the first online banking system was still three years away. We became early adopters of these new web-based technologies as they were introduced. Now we’re pioneers in the industry,among the first in our market to offer ITMs, the next generation of ATMs that makes it possible to speak directly to a teller via a video screen, helping us expand personal services beyond normal banking hours.”

The Bright Banking Option

Jovia is a breath of fresh air in the financial marketplace. There are no customers, only members who all share in the earnings through low -interestloans, mortgage rates that are among the lowest in the region, market-leading deposit rates, and a full suite of digital services.

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Unlike traditional banks, Jovia is value-oriented, not profit-motivated. Governed by a volunteer, local Board of Directors,the credit union’s mission is to provide superior financial products, attentive service and an unrivaled ease of doing business powered by the credit union spirit.

“We take our mission very seriously,” says Deieso, who travels to branches to meet with staff and members every week. “It allows us to get to know our members’ needs so we can personalize solutions. We refuse to let advanced technologies disrupt our high-touch approach. For-profit banks are closing one brick-and-mortar branch after another, substituting remote banking for ‘facetime’ with customers. But we see technology as an opportunity to build more branches and invest more of our time providing genuinely personal attention to members. Yes, it’s possible to get a 15-minute mortgage approval from us, but we enjoy any opportunity to truly understand members’ needs and dig deeper to help a member become confident about his or her options.”

Along with the name change, Jovia is continuing its plans to enhance and modernize local branches, expand hours,open new branches and even place ITMs in community centers and other convenient locations – making it possible for members to access the services of a credit union that has their best interest at heart, no matter where they are.

Big Bank Services with Boutique Style

Not surprisingly, Jovia continues to attract new members, and it now has assets of $3.5 billion. In addition to its personal banking services, Jovia has the financial strength necessary to handle commercial lending needs of members such as term loans, business lines of credit, SBA loans and a full range of cash management services. Jovia has been a local funding source for many commercial real estate projects with loans up to $20 million available.

“Long Island is an exciting place to live, work and learn,” adds Deieso. “We are inspired to offer banking services with the energy our communities deserve.”

This content was provided by Financial Service Directory. Kiplinger is not affiliated with and does not endorse the company or products mentioned above.