A Tradition of Service

In 1967, ten IBM Austin employees started the credit union with a total of $600 in deposits, which was kept in a shoe box! Approval of Charter Number 18304 was granted for IBM Austin Employees Federal Credit Union on September 5, 1967 by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA).

 

In 1987, the Credit Union celebrated its 20th anniversary. Between 1987 and 1989, the Credit Union had accumulated $50 million in assets, and a new branch location was opened in central Austin. Two new services, the LOGIC ATM Network and EZ Link bank-by-phone, were then introduced.

 

AMPLIFY welcomed the new millennium in 2000 with $191 million in assets, and 27,000 members. With its successful transition to the new year, the Credit Union was poised to continue its tradition of excellent service in this millennium and beyond.

 

In 2002, a new branch opened at Pond Springs, and AMPLIFY continued to grow, with assets reaching $280 million. Contact Center and E-Branch are formed to meet the touch-point needs of the increasing Membership.

 

2003 saw many new products added to the AMPLIFY Products and Services line: Home Equity Lines of Credit, Vehicle Service Contracts (VSC), Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP), e-Statements, E-mail Alerts, and online check image viewing. Branch hours were expanded for more convenience and assets reached $306 million.

 

In 2004, more new products were added: Free Checking, Platinum credit cards, Quick Cash loans, Member Benefits program, and Rapid Funding Home Improvement Loans. The field of Membership was opened to include everyone in the 5-county Austin area. A branch in South Austin was acquired, and the San Antonio & Albuquerque branches were closed. Assets reached $320 million.

 

In 2005, it was decided that in order to compete in a fast-paced banking environment, AMPLIFY would undergo a total re-branding. We began an indirect auto lending program which proved to be an enormous asset. The credit union also added a Business Services division, offering loans, checking accounts, deposit accounts and other services for small business owners. As the year drew to a close, AMPLIFY had assets of $350 million and our membership reached 35,000.

 

2006 was a year of dramatic change and growth as the credit union officially changed its name to AMPLIFY and added two new branches: Cedar Park and La Frontera. The credit union underwent a complete facilities redesign to better reflect the spirit of AMPLIFY. The lobbies became open, welcoming spaces where AMPS (Account Management Professionals) came to the members, assisting them on wireless notebook computers. Free wireless internet service was provided in all lobbies, as well as freshly-brewed gourmet coffee blended specifically for AMPLIFY. The credit union also introduced Mobile Banking, which enables members to do their banking from any web-enabled cell phone or PDA; and rolled out a product which makes it possible for members to open and fund accounts entirely online. Assets reached $400 million.

 

In 2007 the credit union celebrated its 40th anniversary with the community launch of its new name and look. Each AMPLIFY location hosted a free concert featuring well-known Austin musicians. This provided existing and potential members an opportunity to experience AMPLIFY, and served as a reminder that we are a locally-owned financial institution and an integral part of the community. We unveiled MoneyTracker, a free web-based software program that enables members to easily track and manage their finances. We introduced Amplified Checking, which pays tiered interest rates on the balance in the account; as well as three new business checking accounts.. AMPLIFY added a fifth location on Palm Valley Road, near Dell Diamond in Round Rock. And AMPLIFY sponsored Austin's first Ice Cream Festival. We ended 2007 as a $425 million dollar financial institution serving more than 40,000 members.