The friendly face of Susan Bentley–often seen behind the counter or at the drive-up window–has been less visible during March 2019. As new President and CEO, her office takes Bentley out of view by members who are served by Advantage One Credit Union, 204 N. Jackson Street, Morrison, IL. Bentley now heads this cooperative, not-for-profit financial organization.
Bentley is from Macomb, IL. She moved to Morrison in 2001 and was employed by the AOCU in 2006. “It’s nice knowing people” we serve. “I need [to work with our] people. We’re like family,” she stated.
She means it. Bentley crafted the new tagline: “Our Commitment. Your Advantage.” Additionally, several years ago, Chamber of Commerce Administrator Corinne Bender was impressed with Bentley’s comment about offering good customer service, “not because it’s easy, but because nice matters!” The Chamber of Commerce Customer Service Award still carries that slogan.
Her career path began immediately, by joining the Illinois Credit Union League her first year. She held various positions and is now Chapter Treasurer. “The Chapters are across the State,” she stated. “We meet and network a lot in order to work together” as Credit Unions.
In 2007 Bentley earned a Bachelor Degree in Business from Western Illinois University. She has worked as part-time Teller; Business Development Coordinator; Electronic Funds Transfer/Member Services Representative Manager. She explained, “Member Services Representative Manager is Head Teller.”
“I always like to learn; I like the diversity of learning. I haven’t given up on earning a Master’s.”
She is in the second year of a three year, CUNA Management School summer program, at University of Wisconsin in Madison, WI. “There are about 100 people in each class; [we] keep in touch between summer sessions on Facebook and support each other.” At the time of this interview, Wednesday, March 27, Bentley needed to complete a 90-page research document by Monday, April 1. She will be graduated next summer as a Certified Credit Union Executive.
Bentley’s first day as President and CEO was Monday, March 18, although she recently “took internal training on different aspects of the CEO job,” prior to the departure of President and CEO Barbara Wisowaty. The latter is credited with acquiring the Advantage One Credit Union ATM machine recently installed at DQ Grill & Chill, 200 N. Sawyer Road, Morrison. It is equipped with a camera. “It’s almost ready,” but it is not functioning yet. Although staff need to be tested, AOCU members as well as the community will find it “running in April if not earlier.”
Wisowaty began a rebranding of AOCU, with a new logo on signs, correspondence, and the updated website, to give “a new presence. We want people to know who we are. It’s all part of the Credit Union movement,” stated the new President/CEO.
A Credit Union is a not-for-profit owned by its members; there are no “customers.” All profits go back into the Credit Union, to allow lower loan rates and update services.
No minimum balance is required to be kept in the member’s checking account. Earned income allows any fees usually to be less than banks charge. Credit Unions have fewer fee charges overall. Advantage One does not charge members for counting coins; faxing documents; collecting property tax payments twice a year; many other services.
Bentley added, “We offer the conveniences of mobile banking and electronic bill pay. Come in, call 815-772-7215, or visit our website www.adonecu.org. When you call, you will reach an employee, not an automated service. We’re here for you.”
Morrison General Electric Employees Federal Credit Union originated on June 2, 1960. Its guiding commitment of “People Helping People” was a strong belief of the Founder, William E. Brady. New State and Community Charters in 1998 opened the membership door to anyone within a 35-mile radius of Morrison. The new name, AdvantaGE One Credit Union, capitalized two letters to recognize the efforts of General Electric Appliance Control Department employees. The Credit Union’s Community Charter was expanded in 2017, to include anyone who resides, works, worships, or attends school in Bureau, Carroll, Henry, Lee, Ogle, Rock Island, or Whiteside County, IL. Membership also is open to family members of current members, and “once a member, always a member.”
Today’s member-based financial institution will celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2020, firmly rooted in “people helping people.”
President and CEO Susan Bentley is no longer required to work on the weekend. However, Advantage One Credit Union members will see her occasionally on Saturday mornings, inside or at the drive-up window. “I will keep a teller drawer open,” she said, in order to serve Credit Union members. “I still am able to connect with our members.”
Susan Bentley will have some impressive news to share this year, at her 30-year High School Class Reunion.
