In the top right-hand corner of the REGIONAL Federal Credit Union website, there are two small flags: an American one and the flag of Spain. In one click, the entire website becomes translated into Spanish, making any financial inquiries and transactions much easier for those who prefer the Spanish language.
Irma Torres, the Vice President of the Portage branch, said the growth of Spanish-speaking populations in Porter and Lake County has been increasing steadily for the last eight to 10 years.
“There are a number of our members and potential members who want information to open accounts or get loans, who do speak a little English, but prefer to speak in Spanish.”
Torres herself learned Spanish as her first language, and knows being able to accommodate to this population has been a goal of the company, in its efforts to reach and support everyone’s needs within the community
Starting on Monday, July 10th, the choice between English or Spanish became available for all members.
“We want to be able to service them and now the website can be translated into Spanish if you prefer that,” she said. “It is a great step forward to be able to do that.”
Torres, and several team members at the Portage branch and amongst the other Northwest Indiana branches, enjoy being able to service the Spanish-speaking population for a couple of reasons. One of which, is that it gives them ability to speak the language more!
“I love speaking in Spanish, and since it is my first language I speak it very well. I enjoy it when a member comes in and they want to speak in Spanish because I can’t utilize it as much as I like and I love being able to service them,” she explained. “I am more than happy to do that.”
When team members know the language, it makes the sometimes-tricky financial issues a lot easier to explain and understand. Members or potential members are more comfortable with any transactions, when they can and can be understood, Torres explained.
“I know the culture and can service them better because I know their culture and mindset,” she said. Torres is able to help overcome any obstacles and difficulties that may arise, especially any differences that come up between the financial market in the U.S and other countries.
Just like with any new member, the team must sit and earn their trust. When a language barrier hinders any chance of a smooth relationship, it makes it that much harder to help that individual and support the community.
A Spanish-speaking website makes earning trust just one click away.
To learn more about the services offered by REGIONAL Federal Credit Union, click here, and if you or someone you know prefers to read in Spanish, Haga clic en la bandera española roja y amarilla!
