Local & State Headlines

DOCO Credit Union involved in regional merger

• A regional credit union announces a merger.

Susan McCord

ALBANY — A southwest Georgia financial institution grows stronger with the upcoming merger of Doco Regional Federal Credit Union and Southern Traditions Credit Union, said Barry O. Heape, president of Doco Regional FCU.

“The future is very exciting for Doco Regional Federal Credit Union and Southern Traditions Credit Union,” Heape said.

“The merger of the two credit unions is a collaborative effort, which will ultimately create a stronger, better credit union, with many more opportunities for the entire membership.”

Expected to be complete May 1, the merger combines the $41,9 million in assets and six offices of Southern Traditions with the $85,5 million in assets and five Doco locations into the largest credit union in south Georgia, Heape said.

Doco Regional FCU has experienced steady growth since 2002, climbing 58 percent in membership and 63 percent in assets, as it serves its member organizations and the general public from a 13-county area, he said.

“The biggest challenge” Doco continues to face, Heape said, “has nothing to do with operations, but rather with getting the word out to the public that anyone in a 13-county area around Dougherty County is eligible to join Doco and utilize our financial products and services.”

In 2006, the credit union expanded its membership area to include Baker, Calhoun, Clay, Early, Mitchell, Quitman, Randolph, Stewart, Terrell, Webster, Worth and parts of Dougherty and Colquitt counties.

In addition to membership by geography, employees or retirees from numerous Southwest Georgia industries, local governments, school systems, non-profit organizations and hospitals are eligible to join the credit union.

Southern Traditions Credit Union currently operates offices in Pelham, Toccoa, Eastanollee, Andrews, N.C., Brevard, N.C., and Marion, N.C.

Doco Regional FCU has branches in East Albany, Tifton, Americus and Lee County, in addition to its main office at 107 N. Westover Blvd. and four drive-up ATM locations around Albany.

When merged, all 11 offices will remain open for a combined total of 100 employees and more than 34,000 members.

The merger is likely to be largely transparent to members, with the notable exception of Doco members from Pelham, who will gain access to the Southern Tradition branch located there.

More Headlines>>