TVFCU and Elan Volunteer at JA BizTown

On April 14, a group of 15 employees from Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union (TVFCU) partnered with Elan Financial Services to volunteer with Junior Achievement of Georgia at the JA Discovery Center of Greater Dalton.

As part of Junior Achievement’s immersive JA BizTown program, 115 sixth-grade students from Dalton Public Schools participated in a hands-on experience designed to teach financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and career readiness. With guidance from JA staff and volunteers, students spent the day learning how to start and operate their own businesses.

Each student was assigned a role within a simulated local business—such as CEO, CFO, sales associate, or safety officer—representing real Dalton-area and statewide organizations including Georgia United Credit Union, Georgia Power, Mohawk, Dalton State Community College, Hamilton Medical Center, and Chick-fil-A.

Throughout the day, students opened bank accounts, applied for business loans, paid taxes, marketed products and services, and worked to repay loans while turning a profit. In addition to running their businesses, students were able to spend their earnings, participate in civic activities like voting, and make charitable donations—further reinforcing important financial and life skills.

“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.

Tammy Zumbrun, 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. It’s incredible to have a business partner like Elan that aligns with programs like BizTown to inspire learning, responsibility, and long-term financial understanding at an early age.”

To learn more about the Elan Charitable Giving program visit elancharitablegiving.com. For more information about the JA Discovery Center of Greater Dalton and JA BizTown, visit georgia.ja.org.