Buy Local Spend Local is a regional program that connects Credit Union members to locally-owned businesses in the community, encouraging and rewarding members to not only BUY LOCAL, but to also SPEND LOCAL by using their Credit Union’s debit or credit card for purchases.
This unique program benefits local business owners, local Credit Unions and Credit Union members.
How Does it Work
Participating local businesses are listed, by category, on a customized, turnkey site. The credit union commits to reimbursing select, random transactions when members use their debit card to patronize participating stores, restaurants, service providers, and other businesses.*
About Forest Area Federal Credit Union
Forest Area Federal Credit Union was organized on September 19, 1983 and located in Larr’s Sporting Goods in Fife Lake, MI until an alternate location could be found. At the end of the first month of business, Forest Area FCU had a total asset size of $4,049.42 and expenses for the month of $10.00. At the end of 1983, assets had risen to $105,320.89! In January 1985, the office was moved next to Kimball’s Market, and in December 1993, the office was moved once again, this time to its current location at 638 Boyd St. in Fife Lake. We opened our Kalkaska branch in 1987, to be followed 10 years later by our Kingsley branch in 1997. Our Manton branch was added in 2001, followed later by the Mesick and Lake City branches in 2019. Since those humble beginnings of 1983, Forest Area FCU continues to grow together with our amazing communities.
Today, FAFCU serves 18,000+ members and holds $235 Million in assets. Membership in the credit union is open to all who live, work, worship or attend school in Antrim, Crawford, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Missaukee and Wexford County, MI.
*All debit card transactions conducted with participating businesses are automatically entered to be randomly selected for reimbursement of up to $25. Transactions for less than $25 will be reimbursed at the actual value of the transaction. Winners are selected and reimbursements post in the member’s account the month after the transaction. Winners may not be notified beyond recognition on the credit union’s social media. No purchase necessary. To submit an alternative entry; print your name, credit union, address, telephone number and age on a post card or piece of paper and mail it to: Forest Area Federal Credit Union Attn: Marketing Contest 638 Boyd Street, Fife Lake MI 49633.