SunWest Among Arizona's Fastest Growing Credit Unions

PHOENIX & TUCSON, Ariz. (March 17, 2011) ? SunWest Federal Credit Union is now ranked as one of Arizona?s fastest growing credit unions. The findings are based on National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) call report data from December 2009-December 2010 for all 52 credit unions in Arizona. During 2010, SunWest Federal Credit Union grew its membership base by nearly 9%, the largest percentage growth by Arizona credit unions with assets over $100 million. Walter Synowiecki, CEO for the $242 million credit union said, ?We may not be the largest credit union in the state, but we?re proud to be both ranked as one of the fastest growing as well as financially sound credit unions in Arizona.? Synowiecki says, ?There?s a perception out there that local, community banking is gone forever. That?s not true. SunWest has stayed true to the community by offering a full array of services in an era when most financial institutions are adding or increasing fees for those same services.? He says while other institutions struggle with uncertainty and weak financial ratings, SunWest continues to have the second highest net worth ratio for credit unions in Arizona with assets over $100 million. This week, the credit union launched a new radio advertising campaign that reminds people of the fees they may be charged at other financial institutions --- fees that SunWest does not charge. Tempe-based advertising agency, Mindspace is spearheading the creative. SunWest says it will pay new members $50 when a full service account is opened in Phoenix or Tucson by May 31, 2011. About SunWest Federal Credit Union Phoenix-based SunWest is a Community Chartered Federal Credit Union with $242 million in assets, 34,429 members and 7 locations across metro Phoenix and Tucson. The credit union has a 74-year tradition of financial strength, community involvement and member service. Learn more at www.SunWestFCU.org.