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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

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Dort Financial Credit Union

Branch Manager
Flagler Credit Union

We are proud to spotlight chamber member Melissa Deacon of Flagler Credit Union.

What are your business’ core values, goals, and overall mission?

Flagler Credit Union incorporated in the state of Florida in 1999 and in 2000 they officially opened doors as Flagler Bank. The financial institution saw changes and growth in the mid- 2000s and eventually settled in the North Palm Beach, Florida area. In 2018, Flagler opened its third branch in West Palm and its fourth branch in Boca Raton in 2022.

Effective December 15th, 2023, the credit union became Flagler Credit Union, a division of Dort Financial, and is strongly suited with products and services for both commercial and personal accounts in Michigan and Florida. 

Flagler Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative whose mission is enriching people’s lives…members, employees, community. We stand behind our values, as they help drive our mission and vision for the credit union.

As a member of Flagler and Dort Financial, each member owns one share of the cooperative, represented by the initial deposit made to a primary savings account. Unlike other financial institutions, credit union ‘profits’ are returned to the membership in the form of lower loan rates, higher dividend rates, and affordable services.

Credit Unions (like Dort Financial and Flagler Credit Union) are not-for-profit financial cooperatives, serving members who share something in common: employment, association membership, or residence in a particular geographic area. Anyone who lives, works, attends school or worships in the state of Michigan or in Palm Beach, Martin, Hendry, and Broward counties in Florida can join the credit unions.

Share some unique facts about your business. What makes your business stand out?

Flagler Credit Union plays a vital role in supporting our communities by actively engaging in volunteer work and charitable donations. Through our Community Crew Volunteer Program, donating funds to nonprofits, schools, and other local initiatives, Flagler Credit Union is helping to foster stronger communities and connections among our neighborhoods.

Dort Financial Credit Union acquired Flagler Bank in December of 2023 and now operates four branches in Florida as Flagler Credit Union, A Division of Dort Financial. Flagler Bank and Dort Financial have had a strong history of supporting the communities in which they serve.

Dort Financial has been extending a helping hand to its communities in Michigan for over 70 years. We are honored to be a part of the Florida community and to support the region with our philanthropic and volunteer efforts.

Credit Unions are grounded in the credit union philosophy of “people helping people”. Flagler Credit Union has donated nearly $55,000 to support our Florida communities. Our employees are actively volunteering at community events and have volunteered over 150 hours already in 2025.

You can count on Flagler Credit Union to make a lasting impact on all aspects of the community.

The credit union movement was founded on the philosophy of “People Helping People”. In keeping with our philosophy, Dort Financial Credit Union’s student scholarship program was established to help our members achieve their higher educational goals. We offer fifteen (15) $2,000 scholarships each year to graduating high school seniors or older students seeking to further their education after high school. Stay tuned for more information about the 2025-2026 program

What products or services do you offer companies or individuals?

Flagler Credit Union is committed to providing quality financial education to our members and communities. From financial calculators and interactive learning courses to financial education articles, we are your source for financial tools, resources, and education.

Because we are a not-for-profit, cooperative, we charge less when you need to borrow money to purchase a car, buy a home, make home improvements, take a vacation, or make other large purchases.

Personal and business banking options will help you manage your finances and simplify your banking needs. With Flagler Credit Union, you can conveniently access and manage your finances knowing your account is secure.

Add on the benefits of no minimum balance requirements, FREE* checks, the convenience of a debit card, and direct deposit and you’ve got the ideal account– no matter how many checks you write!

*Receive up to two boxes of free checks per year with direct deposit enrollment and a cumulative account balance of $1,000, or, direct deposit enrollment and an active loan. Member will be responsible for shipping costs of checks.

Boost Checking is a high-rate checking account that allows you to earn 7.00% APY* on balances up to $10,000 when you meet the 3 simple requirements.**

That’s up to $700 back in your pocket annually!

What accomplishments are you most proud of?

Florida Atlantic: Partnership in Paradise

Florida Atlantic Football’s Home is Now Flagler Credit Union Stadium

By Michael DeGeorge

When the Florida Atlantic University football team takes the field this fall, it will be at Flagler Credit Union Stadium. Florida Atlantic Athletics and Flagler Credit Union have come together in a 15-year naming partnership for the former FAU Stadium.

“Since FAU Stadium opened in 2011, we have been looking for the right naming partner and I am very proud to share that we found that partner in Flagler Credit Union,” said then-Interim FAU President Stacy Volnick. “We have signed a 15-year naming rights deal, worth $22.5 million, and FAU Stadium will now be named Flagler Credit Union Stadium.”

Flagler Credit Union is a division of Dort Financial Credit Union, headquartered in Grand Blanc, Michigan. Dort Financial began operating its Florida branches under the Flagler Credit Union name following its acquisition of Flagler Bank in December 2023. Founded in 1951, Dort Financial Credit Union serves more than 110,000 members and manages assets exceeding $2 billion across 16 locations in Michigan and Florida. It offers a full range of financial services designed to meet the diverse needs of its members. Flagler Credit Union has branch locations in Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, North Palm Beach and Lake Clarke Shores. Membership is open to individuals who live, work, worship, attend school or conduct business in Palm Beach, Martin, Hendry and Broward counties.

“We are excited and honored to formalize an incredible partnership with Flagler Credit Union,” said Brian White, vice president and director of athletics. “This is a historic agreement for Florida Atlantic. It not only speaks to the remarkable momentum of the university, but to the leadership at Flagler Credit Union. They have deep ties to our area and have been a trusted community partner for nearly 25 years. We welcome Flagler Credit Union, its employees and its members to the Owl family and look forward to the affiliation for many years to come.”

At the time of the signing, the term and value of the naming rights deal was the largest corporate sponsorship in the American Athletic Conference for a football stadium. It also is among the largest in the Group of Five conferences, which includes the American, Conference USA, Mid-American, Mountain West and Sun Belt.

Florida Atlantic will continue to honor the late Howard Schnellenberger, who founded the football program and served as its inaugural head coach from 2001 to 2011, with the playing field remaining designated as Howard Schnellenberger Field.

“This is a transformational partnership, not only for Florida Atlantic Athletics, but for the entire university,” said Volnick. “The generosity of Flagler Credit Union will have a lasting impact on our student-athletes and athletics programs. We are incredibly thankful to Flagler Credit Union and its board of directors and leadership team for their belief in our vision and very excited to forge this long-term collaboration.”

In addition to football stadium naming rights, Flagler Credit Union will become the official credit union of Florida Atlantic Athletics and Florida Atlantic Alumni when the deal fully commences on July 1. The relationship also includes an extensive multimedia arrangement with Florida Atlantic Athletics. Additionally, Flagler Credit Union will participate in student and alumni engagement opportunities and have marketing activations with Florida Atlantic’s Career Center and business mentoring program.

“We are thrilled to partner with Florida Atlantic University on the naming rights for Flagler Credit Union Stadium. The partnership underscores our commitment to supporting our community,” said Brian Waldron, president and CEO of Dort Financial Credit Union. “This stadium is more than just a venue — it’s a place where memories are made; where athletes, alumni and fans come together to celebrate teamwork, dedication and excellence. We are honored to partner with a university that shares our values of supporting community and enriching lives.”

Why are you a member of the Black Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County?

I am a member of the Black Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County for a multitude of reasons. I would like to benefit from the resources the Chamber offers to its members such as networking with other business professionals, receiving advocacy for my organization’s business interests, and increasing my institution’s visibility and marketing opportunities. I am also passionate in community engagement. I am interested and seeking opportunities that support social responsibility and overall well -being of the Black and Minority communities.