BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — In 2012, eCO Credit Union began partnering with CBS 42 to offer the eCO Savings Race to members and the community. Through the eCO Savings Race, eCO Credit Union provides “teams,” made up of families or individuals, with coaches to help them review their finances, create a budget, set goals and provide accountability. eCO also provides financial education curriculum and offers additional learning opportunities through eCO Savings Race University, sponsored by the eCO Credit Union Foundation. During each eight-month race, CBS 42 aired weekly segments to highlight teams’ progress and to share practical tips with viewers.

After six great seasons, the eCO Savings Race came to a close live on CBS 42. After the numbers were tallied, teams participating in the eCO Savings Race Sixth Edition improved their financial pictures by more than $120,000, in just eight months, and the Creekmores were selected as the $10,000 Grand Prize winners. The other three finalists didn’t walk away empty handed, though. Along with an improved financial picture, each finalist also received $2,000 to honor their efforts throughout the eCO Savings Race.

“We have been so thankful to see the impact this program has had on participants, as well as the community,” said Melissa Stewart, eCO Marketing Director. “In six years, we have directly impacted twenty-eight families or individuals through the eCO Savings Race, and during the Race, families and individuals have improved their financial pictures by more than $496,000. We look forward to seeing how this continues to impact generations!”
eCO Credit Union still plans to prioritize financial education with members and through the eCO Credit Union Foundation.

“While the eCO Savings Race is coming to a close, it is not the end,” said Joey Hand, eCO CEO. “eCO Credit Union exists to make our communities even better, and we plan to continue our investment in the community and education. Our doors are open for you.”

About eCO Credit Union ēCO Credit Union is a not-for-profit, democratically controlled financial cooperative, which exists solely to provide safe, cost-efficient and personal financial services to its members. ēCO Credit Union was founded in 1939, and today has over 15,000 members and over $130 million in assets. ēCO proudly serves members in Jefferson, Shelby, Cullman, Walker and Blount counties. Additional information about ēCO and its line of products and services can be found at www.ecocu.org.