State Employees' Credit Union opens 200th branch in North Carolina.

RALEIGH, N.C. -- State Employees' Credit Union (SECU) recently passed a milestone, opening its 200th branch location in Hayesville, North Carolina on June 30, 2006. The Credit Union, a member owned non-profit financial cooperative serving North Carolina's State and public school employees and their immediate families, attributes its growth to quality member service, added convenience and "word of mouth" advertising. With branches in 87 of North Carolina's 100 counties, and over 900 Cash Points Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) in all 100 counties, SECU is continually seeking to meet the needs of its members throughout the State.

State Employees' Credit Union was established June 4, 1937 with 17 members, $437 in assets and operated on a part-time basis out of the basement of the Agriculture Building in Raleigh, North Carolina. Founded on the credit union 'People Helping People' philosophy, SECU was formed to promote thrift among its members, create a source of credit at a fair and reasonable rate of interest and provide its members an opportunity to use and control their own money to improve their economic and social condition. Although the Credit Union now has a membership surpassing one million and ranks as the 2nd largest credit union in the country with over $13 billion in assets, SECU's philosophy and purpose remain steadfast.

State Employees' Credit Union operates on a policy of serving all members equally as there are no tiered savings or risked based lending programs. Every member is offered the same benefits regardless of financial status. SECU also prides itself on serving the underserved through a variety of programs including its Salary Advance Loan/Savings program - an alternative to high interest payday loans, 100% first time homebuyer mortgages and the Basic Transportation loan designed with liberal underwriting guidelines for members in need of a primary vehicle.

To enhance the credit union's "People Helping People" cooperative spirit, the SECU Foundation was established in 2004, seeking to make a difference in North Carolina through high impact projects in the fields of education, health and human services. Funded solely by SECU members through the deferment of a $1 monthly checking maintenance fee, the SECU Foundation has already provided $8.2 million in college scholarships to North Carolina's public high schools and community colleges, to help local students achieve their dreams of a college education. In June 2006, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for SECU Family House at UNC Hospitals, a project jumpstarted by a $2 million gift from the SECU Foundation. SECU Family House will serve North Carolina families who need a home away from home during a loved one's extended hospital stay.

David King, SECU Board Chairman, comments, "State Employees' Credit Union is a member-owned, member driven organization. Nearly 2,000 member volunteers help shape this organization through their service on SECU's Board of Directors, local branch Advisory Boards and Loan Review Committees. These volunteers are the liaisons between SECU's staff and membership and their voices guide us in the best direction to meet the needs of every member from Murphy to Manteo. Even in a fast paced, Internet savvy world, our member-owners have told us their primary means of contact with SECU is face-to-face. Do we listen? You bet we do - they own the place!"

About SECU

SECU is a non-profit financial cooperative owned by its members. SECU has been providing the employees of the State of North Carolina and their families with consumer financial services for over 65 years. With $13 billion in assets and over 1.3 million members, SECU is the second largest credit union in the United States. SECU provides services to members through 200 branch offices, approximately 900 ATMs, two call centers and a website--www.ncsecu.org.