Message From President and CEO

Hello ValleyStar members,

I hope you are enjoying your summer! Here at ValleyStar, the team is buzzing with excitement as we move forward with our vision to become the best in service and convenience. We know that financial freedom means something different to each of you, so know – we’re here for you.

In fact, we are kicking off a deal on share certificates. If you bring money to ValleyStar that isn’t already in an account with us – you can earn up to 3.04% APY. Check out our promotion at valleystar.org/share-certificate.

Great savings are just the start. We’ve prioritized connecting with our community and supporting local organizations that benefit the communities we serve. This year we have sponsored the Uptown Martinsville Farmers’ Market, The Bridge Street Food Truck Rodeo in Danville, Blue Ridge Library summer reading programs in Martinsville and other various events. We also hosted six free community shred days that resulted in recycling over 19,487 pounds of paper.

Also, our team members have awarded us the “Best Place to Work” in Martinsville. We’ve accomplished this as we continue to practice our mission of “Employees First. Members Benefit.” Just one example was the opportunity for four team members to attend the Virginia Credit Union League’s Emerging Professionals conference in Richmond. Danielle Kennett, Jett Hooker, Jordan Weatherholtz and Melissa Haynes brought back essential knowledge of how credit unions operate and how important advocacy is to our organization.

Last quarter, we had 19 internal promotions and added nine new team members who bring impressive qualities and will be valuable assets to us moving forward. We’re focused on hiring the right people in the right positions and retaining critical long-term employees. As financial stewards of our member’s money, the executive team streamlined employee compensation, while increasing the corporatewide minimum wage to $15/hourly. 

And finally, thank you for voting us the “Best Place to Bank” in Martinsville. Each quarter has brought new accomplishments, and I could not be more proud of the ValleyStar team’s achievements and are proud to serve you.

We wish you a happy and fun summer.

Sincerely, 

 

Mike Warrell | President and CEO, ValleyStar Credit Union


New Hires and Promotions

New Hires:

  • Tashah Davis, Underwriter
  • Jonathan Martin, Teller
  • Todd Taylor, Mortgage Loan Processor II
  • Adrean El Kadi, IT Specialist
  • Destiny Moyer, Teller
  • Cameron Stout, Records Management Clerk
  • Starlena Hodges, Teller
  • Katherine Kelley, Contact Center Specialist

Promotions:

  • Linda McAlister, Director of Risk Operations 
  • Stefanie Hogan, BSA/AML Fraud Manager
  • Beverly Jeffries-Howell, Loan Adjuster
  • Lauren Peters, Quality Control Officer 
  • Darlene Moore, Quality Control Officer
  • Matthew Davis, Director of IT & Cybersecurity 
  • Kimberly Leonard, Quality Control Manager 
  • April Young, Director of Enterprise Fraud 
  • Danielle Kennett, Collections Manager 
  • Michelle Lamm, Commercial Loan Processor II 
  • Andrea Foley, IT Specialist
  • Maria Vasquez, Teller Services Manager 
  • Giovanna Ramirez, Contact Center Specialist 
  • Rachel Beam, Relationship Specialist 
  • Melinda Taylor, Loan Adjuster 
  • Kayla Southern, Mortgage Underwriter 
  • Jordan Weatherholtz, VP of Data Analytics 
  • Rebeka Grimmett, Relationship Specialist Float 
  • Frank Ellis, Commercial Loan Processor

Congratulations

We speak low-risk-high-savings

Our rates on certificates are not a deal you want to miss! If you bring money to ValleyStar that isn’t already in an account with us – you can earn a high yield of up to 3.04% APY* on our share certificate. A share certificate is a credit union’s version of what banks call certificates of deposit (CD), and our returns are usually well above average as compared to other financial institutions. We also offer a tool for you to calculate savings on your earnings.

Calculate Your Savings

Update your information

We speak keeping you up-to-date. It is crucial to have an accurate mailing address and phone number on file and providing your email can expedite important communication from the credit union.

Contact us at 800.475.6328or [email protected] to update your info. You can also swing by a branch and let a team member know you need to update our records or update your info by logging in to your Online and Mobile Banking account.


"Best place to work" – Join the team

We’re grateful for being chosen as the “Best Place to Work” in the Martinsville Bulletin’s 2022 Readers’ Choice Awards! The good news is that we’re hiring new team members. Working for ValleyStar means that you’re a part of a team that truly cares about its members and each other. Not to mention, our benefits are beyond compare. Apply to join the team today!

Join the Team


ValleyStar donates $50,000 to Children’s Miracle Network.

Thanks to the support of sponsors, golfers and other Virginia credit unions, ValleyStar was able to raise $50,000 for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. The Big Tee Off golf tournament was a true example of camaraderie, especially among other credit unions that would typically be viewed as competitors of ValleyStar. What many don’t know is that there is a mutual understanding among credit unions that a bigger impact can be made by joining forces, and nothing stands in the way of credit unions doing what is best for the communities they serve.


Join us for the ValleyStar Credit Union 300

We look forward to you joining us for the biggest, richest and most prestigious NASCAR Late Model Stock Car Race this September 24!

Get Your Tickets

Holiday closures

Fourth of July
 July 4, 2022

Labor Day
September 5, 2022


Miss Virginia Sponsorship

We were honored to sponsor the 2022 Miss Virginia Pageant. The Miss Virginia pageant helps fund education and create scholarship opportunities for young women across Virginia.


Podcast 005: Federal Reserve rate increases

Have you checked out our podcasts? Our experts don’t shy away from discussing important financial topics, instead they help to make sure you have all the facts. Listen to our latest podcast about the Federal Reserve rate increases.


Gold Telly award

Our marketing team has also won The Gold Telly Award, an international award representing work from some of the most respected advertising agencies, television stations, production companies and publishers from around the world. This is the third award the marketing and communication team has received for their work on the new brand voice launched in 2021.


VACUPAC donation

We also presented $7,500 to the Virginia Credit Union Political Action Committee (VACUPAC) in addition to funds raised throughout the year. Our Board Members, Greg Hill and Norman W. Hill, were key contributors to the fundraiser. VACUPAC helps support credit unions statewide and also with federal legislation that supports credit unions.


We speak shift-gears-on-that-auto-loan

If you’re looking to pay your existing auto loan off faster with a better rate – we’ve got a deal for you! We’re offering 1% cashback up to $300 on refinanced auto loans for a limited time.

Learn More