Northeast Community Credit Union: A True Community Partner

ELIZABETHTON, TN, August 21, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- The handful of Elizabethton, Tennessee teachers who formed what is now Northeast Community Credit Union (NCCU) in 1952 would find much in common with its more than 12,000 members today. Like the founders, local NCCU families, businesses, and organizations are still pooling their funds to financially empower fellow community members. 

As a safe, secure alternative to traditional banks, NCCU is a nonprofit organization that provides modern banking services and products with a member-focused mission. Rather than paying dividends to stockholders, NCCU returns profits to members by offering fewer or lower fees and highly competitive savings and loan rates. Independent rating firm BauerFinancial once again awarded NCCU a 5-Star rating, placing it among the nation’s top-tier financial institutions.

“In addition to saving members money, we also cultivate personal relationships regardless of the size of someone’s account,” said David LeVeau, president and CEO, a 26-year financial veteran who left a career in traditional banking three years ago to join NCCU. LeVeau initially made the move to the credit union in 2023 to implement a commercial lending program, then was promoted last year when the former president and CEO of nine years retired.

These personal connections give members a competitive advantage. While lending officers at traditional banks may have more restrictions on them to lower the risk and be more profitable, NCCU aims to be flexible, caring, and compassionate in its decision-making. 

Management is determined to find the best financial solutions for its members. Recently, a self-employed member needed a loan to purchase a commercial building at auction within a week. When it wasn’t possible to secure a business loan large enough due to a commercial loan regulatory restriction, NCCU’s loan officers swiftly brainstormed an alternative solution that included HELOC funds to make financing work for the member — just one of the many success stories.

All About Members

NCCU is experiencing rapid growth and making tremendous investments in technology, such as recently updated telebanking services, digital onboarding, and improvements to mobile and home banking. These upgrades have resulted in increased efficiency and a more streamlined member experience. 

“At the same time, we will never sacrifice the high-quality service credit unions are known for,” says LeVeau. “We meet members’ needs, whether they prefer the convenience of banking entirely online or feel more comfortable speaking in person with caring professionals at a branch.”

Out and About 

Beyond financial services, NCCU serves the community by donating funds and volunteer hours to local efforts that improve quality of life throughout Carter, Johnson, Washington, Unicoi, and Sullivan counties. 

As a community development financial institution, the credit union operates low-
income and financial assistance programs. It has a special interest in financial literacy initiatives, teaching classes and operating NCCU branches in all six local high schools. The credit union also awards monthly Helping Teachers Teach grants to local educators, annual scholarships to students, and contributions to several nonprofit organizations.

In 2024, Hurricane Helene devastated NCCU’s 19E branch, leaving a highly populated area of Carter County without easy access to critical financial services when they needed them most. NCCU quickly set up a temporary branch on the property until the old branch was rebuilt. It became a lifeline for impacted families and businesses who needed emergency loan adjustments.

“We’re flexible in responding to members’ special needs because we are not motivated primarily by profit, but by service,” concluded LeVeau. “That’s something large banks headquartered far away just can’t do.”

About Northeast Community Credit Union

Northeast Community Credit Union has served the community since October 1952, when it was chartered by the State of Tennessee. A not-for-profit financial cooperative, Northeast Community Credit Union serves individuals who live, work, worship or attend school in Carter, Johnson, Washington, Unicoi and Sullivan counties, as well as their immediate family members. For more information, visit www.BeMyCU.org.

Media Contact

davidleveau@bemycu.org