Avista Corp. CU Chooses ESP
Spokane Valley, WA – June 17, 2020 – When Avista Corp. Credit Union sought a new core processor they ended up finding the perfect fit in their own backyard.
Avista Corp. Credit Union has been around since 1934 and serves the regular employees, retirees, and family members of the regional energy provider Avista Corporation and its subsidiaries. Their branch is conveniently located in the lobby of Avista headquarters in Spokane, WA. It proudly serves 3,900 members and managing $66,000,000 in assets and positions itself as a stable and progressive credit union in Spokane.
Besides providing great rates on dividends and loans, Avista Corp. Credit Union seeks to serve members by offering the right products, placing those in members’ hands, and never selling them something that they don’t need.
Chris Jentges, Assistant Manager of Avista Corp. Credit Union, was a key member of the discovery team seeking a new core processing provider. Before they sought their first RFP for a new core, he helped the credit union carefully craft an outline of goals and values that would dictate the direction of their search process.
“We were looking for a partner that met our core values. That being honesty, integrity, transparency, and doing the right thing. We also wanted a vendor that would have the ability and position to help us grow.”
– Chris Jentges
After a rigorous due diligence process, Avista Corp. Credit Union chose ESP’s FORZA3™ Core platform to serve its 3,900 members.
As the crow flies, ESP sits a mere five miles away from Avista Corp. Credit Union.
“Honestly, proximity was not the deciding quality of why we chose ESP. Even if they were halfway across the country, we’d get the same kind of service. 98% of our decision came because we determined they’re the right partner and 2% because they’re right down the street. It may just be the icing on the cake, but the cake is pretty exciting.”
– Chris Jentges
ESP has been providing core processing services strictly to credit unions for over 24 years. Avista Corp. Credit Union is now the 7th Washington-based credit union on the platform and an exciting addition to a local presence.
Proximity also provided the opportunity for Avista Corp. Credit Union to bring their IT staff in for a “meeting of the minds” with various teams at ESP. Alexander Ray, ESP’s Network Security Engineer, was impressed by their technical aptitude and was challenged by their degree of specificity and concern for information security.
“After meeting with the Credit Union, I went on with renewed focus to implement a number of security measures: the use of a 24x7x365 Security Operations Center in coordination with a more advanced Security Information and Event Management platform, a new Intrusion Detection System, and new controls and procedures to govern our information security program. I’m looking forward to how our partnership evolves and challenges us to improve!”
– Alexander Ray
Avista Corp. Credit Union is on the calendar to convert in the 1st quarter of 2021.
“ESP is part of our staff. They’re part of our family and they care about my members just as much as I do.”
– Chris Jentges
ESP’s President, Shaun Murray, who was integral to the process, stated that everyone at the Avista Corp. Credit Union was an absolute pleasure to work with. He claimed that there is a beautiful balance of playful work atmosphere, attention to planning and business, and a clear focus on the future. He added that their atmosphere and direction mirrors ESP’s objectives.
“I have always enjoyed the sales process with credit unions, and this was no exception. Avista Corp. Credit Union’s process was one that I admired. There was a lot of work on our part but it was well worth it. They properly drafted all partnerships and needs. This allowed those involved in the RFP process to address these areas directly and subsequently provided the Credit Union with exactly what they needed to make a decision. They were transparent, honest, and extremely helpful during the entire process. One more reason, I look forward to going live together in the 1st quarter of 2021. I know it is going to be a perfect partnership.”
– Shaun Murray