This week I celebrate 30 years in the Credit Union system (with a short hiatus as an independent financial advisor). I started my career with Westminster Savings, working through mergers with other Credit Unions like Dogwood & Maple Ridge Credit Union and now they are Prospera Credit Union. I am now with Interior Savings where we have had several mergers with Spruce Credit Union, North Peace and this week, after a merger with Gulf & Fraser we are excited to launch Beem Credit Union after the culmination of so much work amongst so many people.
Here are 3 reasons why I choose to work for a Credit Union:
1. Profits stay with Members (customers), the business or the Community. Credit Union's don't worry about quarterly shareholders calls, billionaire shareholders or quarterly dividend payments. They work closely with the community, sometimes as a main sponsor, and sometimes just closing our branches and quietly working at non-profits or at homes of vulnerable seniors on Credit Union day. To see just a small impact, ask someone about Interior Savings (now Beem) million dollar bursary.
2. We are owned by our customers (members). Some companies say they are customer first, but Credit Unions truly put their money where their mouth is. The entire board of directors and every owner of a Credit Union is a customer. When you are speaking to the board, you are speaking to customers. The member's voice is always top of mind and always heard.
3. The Culture. When you are owned by members and your leadership is entirely made up of members, as employees, we have the privilege of truly being member first. The great thing is that everyone you work along side with (and I have and currently do work with some amazing people) has the exact same passion and privilege of being member-centric. This culture does not stop at the walls of the Credit Union. Credit Unions across the province and country have the same attitude and collaboration and sharing is key amongst Credit Unions. We have some great collaborations with Coastal Community, Summerland Credit Union and Osoyoos Credit Union. I have met so many member-centric credit union wealth leaders through our collaborations with Aviso Wealth
I have been blessed with my 30 years and look forward to many more with Beem Credit Union.
I wish everyone a very happy, healthy and prosperous 2024.
#somechoicesmatter #creditunion