In this episode of Main Street Mavericks, host Nick Dreyfus and co-host Rick Wilson, CEO of the San Diego Regional East County Chamber of Commerce, sit down with Denise Cuellar, Vice President of Business Development at East County Schools Federal Credit Union.

Founded in 1956 by employees of the Grossmont Union High School District, East County Schools Federal Credit Union has spent seven decades serving school employees, retirees, volunteers, and their families across San Diego County. Their mission has always been the same: to support and strengthen the financial lives of those who teach, guide, support, and protect our students.

Denise brings over two decades of banking experience and deep community roots to the conversation. She chairs both the Chamber's Travel Committee and its Ethics and Business Committee, sits on the Women in Leadership Luncheon Committee, and serves as Chair-Elect for the 2027 Chamber Board of Directors.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

• The origin story of East County Schools Federal Credit Union and how a school-employee credit union has evolved over 70 years
• What sets a member-owned credit union apart from big banks and fintech competitors
• How programs like Bite of Reality connect financial education to the next generation of students
• What the Chamber's Travel Committee is and why members should get involved
• Denise's vision as Chair-Elect for the 2027 Chamber Board of Directors
• Why the Women in Leadership Luncheon matters for women in East County business

NOTABLE MOMENTS

"We bring the credit union to your school."
"We know our members by name."
"Embrace fintech to stay relevant."

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to Main Street Mavericks
04:07 The Story of East County Schools Federal Credit Union
08:55 Community Contributions Beyond Banking
11:45 Unique Travel Programs for Educators
13:59 Engaging the Next Generation
17:48 Leadership and Vision for the Chamber
19:46 Adapting to Changes in the Financial Landscape
21:14 Empowering Women in Business
22:42 Future Plans and Community Engagement

RESOURCES

East County Schools Federal Credit Union: https://www.ecsfcu.org
San Diego Regional East County Chamber of Commerce: https://www.eastcountychamber.org
Bite of Reality Financial Simulation: https://www.ecsfcu.org/financial-education
Women in Leadership Luncheon: https://www.eastcountychamber.org/women-in-leadership

CONNECT WITH DENISE

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-cuellar

ABOUT THE SHOW

Main Street Mavericks is the official podcast of the San Diego Regional East County Chamber of Commerce, spotlighting the local business leaders who make East County what it is. Every episode uncovers the story behind the storefront, the passion behind the product, and the impact these businesses have right here in our community.