Seeking members with a commitment to member service

By Beverly Anderson, OCCU Board Member and Nominating and Development Committee Chair
 

When I moved to Oregon in 1975, I joined U-Lane-O Credit Union. About six months later, my husband left me. I had a two-year-old child, no car, no income and no credit, having been at home with the baby for several years. I needed a car in order to get a job to support us. U-Lane-O was the only financial institution willing to take a risk on me, giving me a signature loan for $500. That was enough to buy an old used car, which got me to and from work for years.

I have never forgotten the impact that signature loan had on my life. Years later when I graduated from law school and had a bit of excess time, I wanted to give back to the credit union that helped me when no one else would, so I answered a newsletter announcement seeking volunteers. That was 24 years ago. I started as a member of the Supervisory Committee and am now a proud member of the Board of Directors.

My service to the Credit Union has been so rewarding. I value the relationships I've formed and the education I've received, but by far the most rewarding part has been seeing the Credit Union grow and become stronger, allowing member value and benefits to increase, ensuring the safety and security of members' funds, and providing opportunities to enrich our community. I am proud that as a financial cooperative we truly have an attitude of service to the membership. They come first and that is important to me.

I believe in the Credit Union’s mission to enrich lives and I am honored to be a part of it. For anyone who has some time to spare, serving is a great way to impact the health and soundness of our credit union.

To be considered for nomination, interested members must submit an application and meet these minimum eligibility requirements.

• Be a current member of OCCU and at least 18 years of age.
• Ability to pass a background check.
• Agree to maintain confidentiality of Credit Union information and protect member privacy.
• Not be employed by the Credit Union or its subsidiaries; or by another financial institution during the past two years.