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Volunteers from Elan and credit card partner, Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union (TVFCU), recently came together in Dalton, Georgia, to support more than 115 local students participating in Junior Achievement’s BizTown program. The daylong volunteer event helped students experience firsthand how a community and economy function.

“Volunteering alongside TVFCU allowed us to help students build confidence, teamwork, and financial skills they’ll carry well beyond today. These experiences are a powerful way to invest in the next generation and strengthen the communities we serve alongside our credit card partners,” shared Aaron Melnarik, Director of Client Relationships at Elan.

During the event, 6^th grade students went through the process of running their own town by running business storefronts, balancing accounts, and even electing their own mayor.  Volunteers served as business mentors guiding students as they solved real‑world challenges. The hands‑on support helped ensure each student could confidently engage in the experience and see how classroom learning translates into practical life skills.

Tammy Zumbrum, Director of Marketing and Community Relations at TVFCU said, “BizTown gives students an incredible opportunity to experience how careers, businesses, and financial decisions work together in the real world. Being here with Elan has amplified that impact, both with their financial contribution and physical presence. It’s incredible to have a business partner that aligns with program and events like this that inspire learning, responsibility, and long-term financial understanding at an early age.”

The event is part of the Elan Charitable Giving program, which celebrated Credit Union Day 2025 with a $15,000 donation to Junior Achievement of Georgia on behalf of our partner, Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union. An additional $5,000 donation was made during the event to deepen the impact.

Giving back to the communities of our credit card partners is a strong commitment for Elan and we are thankful to work with partners who share that goal. To learn more about the Elan Charitable Giving program visit www.elancharitablegiving.com.