Happy New Year! From all of us at SESLOC, we hope your holiday season was enjoyable and that you are looking forward to a prosperous 2026. Whether you are just starting your financial journey with us, or have been a member-owner for years, we’re glad that you are starting your year as a part of SESLOC.
I’d like to share a few updates as we closed out 2025. During the federal government shutdown last fall, our team took action to offer Emergency Loans to those directly affected. These low-interest loans embody the credit union spirit of people helping people, and how a community financial co-op can help the greater good when called upon. When emergencies arise in the future, we have this loan option to keep you and your neighbors financially stable.
Scams never take a holiday, and neither does our response to fraud prevention. You can keep track of trending scams through our updated Fraud Center online at sesloc.org and, please, always report suspicious activity you see or hear by calling us at (805) 543-1816 or sending a Secure Message through Online Banking.
Our Education Grant program continues to support learning across the communities we serve. In 2025, we funded over $24,000 in education grants, including supporting a Family Math Night at Templeton Elementary, purchasing stethoscopes and blood pressure monitors to help students study the circulatory system at Fesler Junior High in Santa Maria and buying essential classroom supplies for mental health service programs at Judkins Middle School. Since the program began in 2013, we’ve given back more than $225,000 to expand student learning beyond school budgets.
Finally, please join me in welcoming Jolie Ditmore to your volunteer Board of Directors. Jolie comes to us with decades of board experience with non-profits on the Central Coast, including service to People’s Self-Help Housing, San Luis Obispo County Economic Vitality Corporation and REACH. I’m excited about the energy and expertise she will bring to your Board in the years to come.
I hope you have a new year filled with excitement and happiness and thank you again for your membership.
Mike Quamma
President & CEO