CU helps community recover from Gustav, Ike

BATON ROUGE, La. (10/6/08)--Pelican State CU got right down to business to help members and others in the Baton Rouge, La., community recover during the days after Hurricanes Gustav and Ike.

The $145.7 million asset credit union returned more than $3,100 in ATM fees to members who used a non-Pelican ATM in the days after the hurricanes.

"In a disastrous situation, you've got to get gasoline and cash wherever it's available. That is why we decided to refund our members," President/CEO Jeff Conrad told the Louisiana Credit Union League (eNews Oct. 1). "During times like these, every little bit counts."

Before the storms hit, the credit union put into action its disaster recovery plans, including mobile generators and back up computer servers.

It also created a Member Relief Program to assist members whose homes were destroyed. The flat rate loan helps members meet their high insurance deductibles.

So far, Pelican has received 288 applications and disbursed over "$327,000 in loans for home repairs. Because of the demand, Pelican extended the program through the end of October.

Also, Conrad, Senior Vice President Ronnie Stephens and other Pelican employees served free jambalaya to more than 450 staffers of Leonard J. Chabert Medical Center in Houma, one of the hardest hit cities in Louisiana.

"Staff members had been working around the clock to make the repairs to the hospital and take care of their patients," said Conrad. "We wanted to lend a helping hand and they were truly appreciative.

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