Kalamazoo, MICH — Consumers Credit Union is taking a number of measures to serve its business members impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.

Most notably to date, Consumers has booked 677 Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans worth more than $46 million for West Michigan area businesses through the U.S. Small Business Administration, including over 400 loans in the first round of critical funding.

“The joy of hearing our business members express their appreciation for the attention they’ve received from us has been heartwarming,” said Kit Snyder, Consumers CEO and president. “So many expressed relief for keeping their businesses afloat another day.”

In all, the credit union reports it helped preserve more than 4,500 local jobs.

Additionally, Consumers is boosting its business partners through a variety of other resources and services.

• The credit union has created more than 20 social media posts and videos (and counting) in an effort to support business members who are open and doing business under the hashtags #CUatLocalBusinesses and #CUatMemberBusinesses. Nearly 17,000 people have been reached.
• The organization has created a number of dedicated landing pages on its website for businesses, including the following which have seen nearly 6,000 views:
  • Resource center for businesses, including funding options, quick links to chambers and COVID resources, tips for managing remote employees and more.
  • PPP information, including guidance on the application and forgiveness.
  • Business partner “Return to Work” human resources, including example signage, return to work plans, financial wellness information and more.
• Consumers has delivered podcasts (500+ listens) from a number of local business partners and experts regarding COVID-19 and its affects on communities, including hearing from Ken Miller, CEO of Millennium Restaurant Group; Christy Buck, executive director of the Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan and founder of BeNice.org; Joe Jones and Lisa Knight from the Grand Rapids Urban League; Carolyn Cassin, president and CEO of Michigan Women Forward; Brian Calley, president of the Small Business Association of Michigan; and several interviews with our Consumers’ executive team.
• The credit union partnered with its business member Nothing Bundt Cakes to deliver more than 1,500 bundlets to frontline healthcare and first responder units across the region.

“Support of our businesses doesn’t stop with a business loan,” said Snyder. “Our business team partners with marketing who partners with HR and other departments to offer wholistic services to our members, which is a true showcase of our servant leadership and the great organizations we serve.

“It’s easy to celebrate and highlight local businesses who are doing such great work in our communities.”

Those with business banking questions should contact Consumers’ commercial loan officers or call 800-991-2221. During the coronavirus confinement, drive thrus are open for ATM access 24/7 with teller availability from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Saturday. Additional services are available online, by phone and by appointment at select offices equipped to maximize safety.

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