This year, Columbia Valley Credit Union celebrates 70 years in Golden and the Columbia Valley.
It’s a milestone that gives us the chance to share stories and fun facts about our history and impact.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Watch our anniversary video:
___________________________________________________________________________________
How it all started
In 1955, a group of 22 people met at the Catholic Parish Hall to discuss the idea of starting a credit union in Golden. They applied for a charter for this credit union, which was to be known as Columbia Valley Credit Union.
At the time, total assets for the credit union equalled $150. Loans were limited to $50 and had to be repaid within 6 months.
Since that time, our assets have grown by leaps and bounds. In 2024, total assets for CVCU were $224 million. This growth and our size allow us to be there for our personal and business members, supporting your banking needs, loans, mortgages and more.
One of the defining features of a credit union is that we give back to our members. At CVCU, dividends paid to members began in 1956 and the payment of dividends continue to this day, with nearly $59,000 in dividends paid to our members in 2024.
In 1987, rebates on the interest paid by members on their personal and business loans began. Just like dividends, when your credit union is profitable, it is still our practice to provide loan rebates to members which equaled $174,268 last year.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Invested in our community
Giving back is the foundation of Columbia Valley Credit Union. It’s what makes us unique among financial services providers and allows us to stand out in our community.
CVCU has a long history of giving bursaries to local students bound for post-secondary education. The first bursary was awarded in 1969 in the amount of $100. Since that time, CVCU has given out $170,500 in bursaries to 121 students.
CVCU donates money, sponsors key initiatives and events, and many of our directors and employees generously give their time and energy back to our community. In the last 12 years alone, CVCU has given more than $573,000 in donations and sponsorships, including close to $51,000 last year.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Thank you….
Our history and these facts speak to the power of CVCU, and how credit unions and cooperatives can be difference makers in the community.
CVCU would not be where it is today without our employees and members. Our employees care and they are dedicated to delivering highly personalized service. We thank our employees – both past and present - for their energy and effort.
To our members - you choose to bank local when you choose to bank with Columbia Valley Credit Union. We recognize you make a choice and we are grateful that you choose to bank with us. Thank you for your trust, confidence, and business. Your support has made 70 years possible, and we look forward serving you in the next 70.
