Centra named most outstanding business by the NAACP

Centra Credit Union has been awarded the NAACP outstanding business award in the large business category for 2023! The award recognizes businesses of action who help eliminate social injustices in the Bartholomew County area and is presented by the NAACP Columbus Branch.

“Credit unions were created to build our Communities and create a better future for everyone. These efforts are close to my heart personally, and I see that same passion resonating with our Team Members at Centra and with the NAACP,“ Centra President and CEO Rick Silvers said. “We’ve appreciated having the opportunity to work with the NAACP and other organizations who are focused on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.”

Centra Credit Union has supported the NAACP and the Black community in many ways, including participating in the Bartholomew County Targeted Investment in Minority Entrepreneurs (TIME) program, partnering with the NAACP and Su Casa to present a financial success workshop and donating to the NAACP through Centra’s Team Member nominated donations.

According to a Columbus Chamber news release, the TIME program provides “expansive resources for Black business owners including personal development opportunities, business development coaching and financial resources through grants, microloans and forgivable loans.”

The Financial Success Workshop was held in December 2022 for small business owners identified by Su Casa and the NAACP to provide educational resources. The workshop focused on banking, applying for a business loan and information about taxes and accounting from Blue & Co.

Each year, Centra and the Centra Foundation donates to non-profit organizations throughout the communities it serves. These non-profit organizations are nominated by Team Members who are passionate about the organizations’ missions. In 2022, Centra’s Contact Center Team, which includes phone and Interactive Teller Machine (ITM) agents, nominated the NAACP Columbus Branch to receive a $2,500 grant.