VyStar Savings Challenge Helps 31,000+ Members Build Stronger Savings Habits, Earning Top Ragan Zenith Award
VyStar Credit Union’s commitment to helping members build financial confidence and reduce financial stress has earned national recognition. The 2025 Ragan Zenith Awards honored the VyStar Savings Challenge with the top award in Content Marketing for its impact in helping individuals and families create durable saving habits during a year marked by rising costs and economic uncertainty. Through actionable steps, practical tips, and personalized guidance, the 90-day Savings Challenge helped more than 31,000
VyStar Credit Union Launches “When in Doubt, Just Reach Out.” Campaign to Partner with Members for Fraud Prevention
VyStar Credit Union launches its “When in Doubt, Just Reach Out.” fraud-prevention campaign during International Fraud Awareness Week. This member-focused initiative strengthens VyStar’s partnership with members by giving them easy to use tools, and clear guidance to identify fraud and find help when something feels suspicious. The message is simple, direct and action-oriented. If something doesn’t feel right whether it’s a phone call, text message, email, online seller or payment request, members should
The Orlando Magic Celebrate Unity Nights Throughout 2025-26 Season
The Orlando Magic announced 20 different theme and unity nights at games spread out across the season. The unity nights provide a way to honor and celebrate the diverse Central Florida community. 2025-26 Orlando Magic Unity/Theme Nights*: Diwali Night: October 24 vs. AtlantaSeats for Soldiers presented by L3Harris: November 10 vs. PortlandWord of Life: November 14 vs. BrooklynMagic on the Yard: November 20 vs. Los Angeles ClippersMental Wellness: December 1 vs. ChicagoBig Give: December 26 vs.
Good is everywhere: VyStar Honors Members through a Month of Giving and Community
Thousands of people across Florida and Georgia came together to celebrate community and giving during VyStar’s award-winning Good is everywhere initiative. The month-long initiative honored VyStar’s members and partners while amplifying its purpose to Do Good in the communities it calls home. As part of the celebration, VyStar thanked members for their loyalty by offering free experiences at local attractions including museums, science centers, sporting and music events. It also highlighted VyStar’s deep
VyStar Credit Union Expands Award-Winning Academy of Business Program with 20th High School Branch, Opening in Brevard County
VyStar Credit Union is proud to announce the upcoming opening of its 20th VyStar Academy of Business High School Branch, scheduled for August 2026 at Melbourne High School in Brevard County. The School Board for Brevard Public Schools approved the strategic educational partnership in August, marking a significant milestone in VyStar’s ongoing commitment to empower students with financial education, career readiness, and real-world experience. Since 2006, VyStar’s Academy of Business High School Branch
Comfort in Every Cuddle: VyStar and Ronald McDonald House Rally Community for Teddy Bear Mission
VyStar Credit Union and Ronald McDonald House are teaming up across Florida and Georgia to bring comfort to hospitalized children through a Teddy Bear Drive. From October 6-24, VyStar branches will serve as collection sites, making it easy for members and the community to donate a brand-new teddy bear. When a child and their family arrive at Ronald McDonald House, it’s often during one of the most frightening and uncertain times of their lives. But before they even unpack, they’re greeted by a soft,
VyStar Credit Union Stands Ready to Support Members During Possible Federal Government Shutdown
With a possible government shutdown beginning Wednesday, October 1, VyStar Credit Union is prepared to provide immediate financial relief to members who may be impacted.VyStar’s assistance options are designed to help members who may be impacted during this period of uncertainty. The credit union has a history of helping members navigate financial uncertainties and remains committed to offering financial assistance to those who may be affected. These services include emergency relief loans, payment
Kids House of Seminole Recognized at Professional Women's Luncheon
Yesterday, we were inspired to hear the life story of Kay Rawlins. She's been a key leader in Central Florida since she arrived and we were honored to have her at our Professional Women's Luncheon. Thanks to the generosity of VyStar Credit Union, another non-profit of the Seminole County Chamber, Kids House of Seminole, was selected by our speaker to receive a check for $2,500 to help them provide their services to the community. If you are unfamiliar with Kids House, it is dedicated to preventing
VyStar Credit Union Earns 2025 Finovate Award for Savings Challenge Impact
VyStar Credit Union has been awarded the 2025 Finovate Excellence in Sustainability Award for its innovative Savings Challenge, which helped more than 31,000 members and community participants build emergency savings and collectively set aside more than $5 million in just 90 days. Finovate celebrates standout innovation and impact, and this prestigious recognition places VyStar among a select group of industry leaders shaping the future of financial services. The VyStar Savings Challenge empowered
VyStar Credit Union Good is everywhere STEM Festival Sparks Innovation for Young Minds
VyStar Credit Union invites members of the media to the Good is everywhere STEM Festival, a hands-on celebration of science, technology, engineering, and math designed to ignite curiosity and inspire the next generation of innovators. This event is part of VyStar’s annual Good is everywhere celebration, showcasing the credit union’s commitment to education, innovation, and social good. Through interactive STEM stations, students will explore robotics, drone flight, 3D printing, coding, and more, all
VyStar Brings Back Good is everywhere: Connecting Members and Community Partners Through Purpose
VyStar Credit Union is celebrating its 4th year of Good is everywhere, spotlighting the good that is being done by non-profits across our communities. From September 10–30, individuals across Florida and Georgia will get to experience local non-profits by enjoying free access to 30 cultural, educational and sporting events made possible through community partnerships. Additionally, employees will invest thousands of volunteer hours across partner non-profits throughout the community.“VyStar members are the
VyStar Credit Union Earns National Ragan Award for Transforming Youth Financial Education
VyStar Credit Union has received the 2025 Ragan Corporate Social Responsibility Award in the Education or Scholarship Program category, recognizing its innovative and impactful efforts to empower youth through financial education and scholarships. Presented by Ragan Communications, a leading voice in organizational communications, these awards celebrate excellence in public relations, marketing, and corporate social responsibility. VyStar was recognized among top organizations nationwide that set the
VyStar Credit Union Expands Everyday Heroes Mortgage Program to Support Community Champions Amid Housing Affordability Crisis
In response to the growing housing affordability crisis across the Southeast, VyStar Credit Union is expanding its Everyday Heroes Mortgage Program to provide community champions in Georgia and Florida more pathways to homeownership. This expansion reinforces VyStar’s commitment to putting members first by delivering financial solutions that make a real difference in their lives and strengthen the communities it serves. Recent reports rank Atlanta, Jacksonville, and Orlando among the most financially
From Housing to Healing: VyStar Foundation Supports Veteran Services in Central Florida
VyStar Foundation recognized three outstanding nonprofit organizations in Central Florida for their unwavering commitment to supporting military members, veterans, and their families. As part of the Foundation’s overall $217,000 investment to support veteran services in 2025, each of these organizations received funding to expand their vital programs that address food and housing insecurity, work force development, and mental health.“At VyStar Foundation, we believe honoring our military means more than
Greater Orlando Sports Commission Announces Award Winners for 2025 Celebrating Women in Sports Luncheon Presented by Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute
The Greater Orlando Sports Commission (GO Sports) has announced five award winners that will be honored during the 2025 Celebrating Women in Sports luncheon presented by Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute. The 7th annual luncheon will be hosted at UCF’s Addition Financial Arena on Wednesday, September 17 at 11:00am. The luncheon will recognize the honorees in three categories: Chrissy Elliott (Florida Citrus Sports), Heather Fagan (City of Orlando), and Sherry Wheelock (Special Olympics Florida)
VyStar Credit Union Expands Financial Fitness Efforts with “Smart Spending Giveaway” Initiative Following Savings Challenge Success
Building on the overwhelming success of its VyStar Savings Challenge, which empowered tens of thousands of people to improve their financial health, VyStar Credit Union is launching Smart Spending Giveaway. This education-based campaign is designed to help individuals use credit cards responsibly and confidently, especially as more people rely on credit for everyday purchases and seek ways to maximize benefits while avoiding unnecessary debt. As more individuals use credit cards for everyday purchases,
VyStar Credit Union Empowers Youth in Foster Care Through Hands-On Financial Fitness Reality Fair
yStar Credit Union, together with Family Partnerships of Central Florida and the Orlando Magic, will host a Financial Fitness Reality Fair to empower youth in foster care with real-world money skills. Taking place on Friday, June 20, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Kia Center, the event offers youth aged 13-23 an immersive experience to build confidence in managing personal finances. This engaging hands-on format helps participants navigate everyday budgeting decisions in a supportive environment that
VyStar Credit Union Invests in Florida’s Future Through Path to Prosperity Scholarships
VyStar Credit Union is proud to help open doors to higher education for four exceptional Florida students by awarding them two-year scholarships through the Path to Prosperity Scholarship Program. This life-changing opportunity, made possible in partnership with the Florida Prepaid College Foundation (FPCF) and the Florida Chamber Foundation, helps break the cycle of poverty by providing students in Florida’s most under-resourced communities with a pathway to academic and personal success. VyStar’s
Seminole County Chamber Facilitates $10,000 to Local Non-profits
Chamber partners with VyStar Credit Union to build lasting impact from event sponsorships(May 15, 2025) Lake Mary, Fla. – At most chamber luncheons, corporate sponsors fill goody bags with a wide range of promotional products in the hopes that attendees will use their pen, magnet or notebook to remember the brand.However, last year, the Seminole County Chamber worked with VyStar on something very different - a program showing the credit union’s commitment to the community through a $2,500 donation to a
Over $5 Million Saved: VyStar Savings Challenge Empowers Thousands to Take Control of Their Financial Future
What could you do with more savings and less financial stress? For more than 31,000 participants - both VyStar members and community members across Florida and Georgia - that question just got easier to answer. VyStar Credit Union is proud to celebrate the success of its inaugural “VyStar Savings Challenge”, which empowered people to build better financial habits and take real steps toward a stronger future. Designed to tackle rising consumer debt and strengthen savings habits, the challenge came at a
VyStar Employees Embody Purpose-Driven Culture Through Unmatched Volunteerism
At VyStar Credit Union, “Do Good” isn’t just a phrase — it’s a purpose. It’s a shared commitment that fuels how we serve our members, support our communities, and show up for one another. In 2024, that purpose came to life through more than 40,000 employee volunteer hours, an unprecedented total for our credit union. This time was spent in support of causes that uplift and transform lives. Through our Pay It Forward program alone, employees directed $119,000 in donations to support local nonprofits.
Empowering Heroes: VyStar Foundation Opens Annual Grant Applications for Military Support
VyStar Foundation is committed to honoring and supporting the brave individuals who have served our country. We are proud to open our annual Military Grant Cycle, which provides funding to nonprofit organizations dedicated to improving the lives of active-duty military, veterans, and their families. This year we are prioritizing programs that address critical challenges such as food and housing insecurity, employment opportunities, small business support and access to mental health services. By
Empowering Teens with Real-World Money Lessons: VyStar’s Financial Fitness Fair at the Kia Center
Hundreds of students across Central Florida participated in the VyStar Credit Union Reality Fair at the Kia Center on Saturday, February 1. The immersive simulation was designed to give teens a taste of adult financial responsibilities. Each participant was assigned a hypothetical salary, credit score and monthly expenses, then challenged to balance their budgets while navigating unexpected costs – like a broken dishwasher or a last-minute medical bill. "They had to make lifestyle choices based on their
VyStar Foundation Awards More Than $200,000 in Grants to Nonprofits Supporting Youth Empowerment
VyStar Foundation announced $202,621 will be distributed among 11 nonprofits in its fourth youth programs grant cycle. These funds focus on organizations that support youth-focused programs, prioritizing those dedicated to helping young individuals (ages 12-18) achieve academic success and personal growth. The investment underscores VyStar’s commitment to strengthen communities by providing wraparound services in key areas such as:Food and housing assistanceCareer counseling and skill developmentMental
VyStar Credit Union Launches $1 Million Savings Challenge to Address Critical Financial Needs in Our Communities
Participants Will Have the Chance to Enter to Win One of Ten $1,000 Cash Prizes JACKSONVILLE, FL – VyStar Credit Union is launching the VyStar Savings Challenge, a powerful and proactive initiative designed to tackle the financial challenges faced by individuals and families in its communities. Jacksonville (#10) and Atlanta (#8) are listed among the top 10 U.S. cities with the most financially distressed residents according to WalletHub. Additionally, 70% of American households are considered financially
VyStar Credit Union Unveils 'Through Your Life' Campaign: Empowering Members to Bank Better at Every Life Stage
VyStar Credit Union announced the launch of its inspiring new brand campaign, “Through Your Life,” designed to celebrate life’s moments – big and small – while reinforcing VyStar’s commitment to its members. At the heart of this campaign lies VyStar’s purpose to uplift and empower its members and communities it serves. From a first savings account to planning for retirement, and all the moments in between, VyStar supports every milestone, helping members achieve financial confidence and a brighter future.
Teens and Parents, Don't Miss the VyStar Financial Fitness Reality Fair To Master Essential Financial Skills
The one thing teens and parents seem to agree on is the importance of knowing how to manage money. Financial knowledge is considered important to achieving life goals by 93% of teens and 97% of parents. The VyStar Financial Fitness Reality Fair will teach those important financial skills at a unique, free event designed to engage more than 200 teenagers (ages 13-18). This immersive simulation exposes participants to real-world financial challenges, with a focus on budgeting and creating financial
Greater Orlando Sports Commission Announces 31 New Board Members For 2025
The Greater Orlando Sports Commission (GO Sports) has announced 31 incoming members to its Executive and Advisory Board of Directors, bringing the total to 137 board members. Incoming members will provide leadership, influence and counsel, and play a vital role in supporting the organization’s mission on behalf of the City of Orlando and Lake, Orange, Osceola and Seminole Counties. “As Chairman, I am proud of this organization’s ongoing success in bringing together some of the most diverse, talented, and
VyStar Credit Union to Host ‘Access to Capital Forum’ with US Department of Commerce Regional Minority Business Development Agency
Capital is crucial for the growth and success of any business, particularly for small, local, and diverse enterprises. To provide valuable insights into financial opportunities and support the journey of these businesses, VyStar Credit Union, in partnership with the US Department of Commerce’s Regional Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Business Center based in Orlando, will host the 2025 Access to Capital Forum. This event is scheduled for Wednesday, January 15th, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at VyStar
Greater Orlando Sports Commission Reveals Winners Of 2024 Sportys During Broadcast On WKMG-Tv News 6
The 2024 SPORTYS: Greater Orlando’s Night of Champions presented by Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute aired last night on WKMG’s ClickOrlando.com. Viewers watched as 12 category winners were revealed from a field of 68 finalists. The Greater Orlando Sports Commission also hosted an in-person Watch Party and Sports Industry Reception, sponsored by AAU, at the Orlando Museum of Art to coincide with the broadcast. See below for the complete list of winners. The 2024 SPORTYS honored sports business
VyStar Credit Union Recognized as a Top Workplace for Technology Professionals: Ranked Third Among Midsize Organizations on Computerworld's 2025 Best Places to Work in IT List
Jacksonville, Florida — VyStar Credit Union has been recognized as one of the top workplaces for technology professionals, earning a spot on Foundry’s Computerworld 2025 Best Places to Work in IT list. Ranking third among midsize organizations, this honor highlights VyStar’s commitment to fostering an innovative environment where IT professionals thrive. Computerworld surveyed large, midsize and small organizations to find the top IT employers that encourage innovation, creative problem solving and
VyStar Celebrates 2024 National Veterans and Military Families Month
Jacksonville, FL – VyStar Credit Union is honored to celebrate National Veterans and Military Families Month and Veterans Day by offering free experiences for veterans and active-duty military, hosting community events, and recognizing the invaluable contributions of past and present military members and their families in North and Central Florida and Georgia. VyStar was founded at Naval Air Station Jacksonville in 1952 by 12 people with $60. It was started as a place to help military and civil service
VyStar Credit Union and Orange County Head Start Honored with Prestigious Sargent Shriver Award by Florida Head Start Association
VyStar Credit Union is proud to announce that it has been awarded the prestigious Sargent Shriver Excellence in Community Service Award by the Florida Head Start Association (FHSA) in recognition of its outstanding partnership with Orange County Head Start. This award, one of Head Start’s most esteemed honors, celebrates the credit union’s significant contributions to ensuring inclusivity and accessibility by fostering a sense of unity and shared responsibility for promoting financial education as part of a
