Holyoke Community Federal Credit Union celebrates 85 years

It was no surprise on Monday, March 18, that the Phillips County Event Center was busy with various activities as the HCFCU hosted its annual dinner and Board meeting. Upon entering, approximately 220 guests were greeted with smiles from HCFCU employees who handed out gifts such as windshield visors, wooden cutting boards, pens and notepads, and booklets with 2023 year in review information. But the best was yet to come as guests enjoyed a delicious free meal prepared by The Outback Cookin’ Company of Haxtun. The tasty meal included salad, homemade mashed potatoes, green beans, and roast beef (that was as good as my mom made), and dessert! The owner of Outback Cookin,’ Jared Anderson, gave credit to his crew and the Phillips County 4H Club, The Challengers, for ensuring guests were quickly served this enjoyable meal.
Before the board meeting began, I went around the room and asked various attendees why they chose to be members of HCFCU and what they appreciated the most about it . I loved the answers I received! Three young adult women were sitting together and each of them said their grandmother started an account for them when they were young, and they have stayed with the credit union as “the employees are so nice and friendly.” One of them had compared car loan interest rates and HCFCU offered them the lowest rate. Additionally, they found the credit union’s app to be easy to use and it was convenient to have it available to them.
The family theme continued as I asked another person why they liked the credit union and she stated that her grandmother opened an account for her and her sisters when she was 4 years old, and they have been with the credit union since then…that was 52 years ago! She said it was nice to have a local bank for so long and when you enter the building, the employees know who you are and are quick to help you.
Once the board meeting started, approximately 147 attendees remained for the meeting and learned the credit union had above average growth in 2022–2023. Highlights of the evening included the Nominating Committee presenting Natasha Moreno and Mary Daise as candidates for Holyoke director positions; both were elected. Next, Josh Martin, Board Chair-person, provided updates and said “Every year there are new challenges and opportunities to improve the lives of our members,” and reminded the audience that the credit union’s motto is “People helping People.” He then recognized five members who have been with the credit union for 50 years and presented each of them with a certificate and a special gift. Next, Randy Hale, HCFCU President, informed the audience of exciting changes at the credit union such as cross-training of their staff, different departments being created to provide better customer service, and steps being taken to fight cybercrime. He also said that the staff at the credit union is “the best team I’ve worked with.” Before he concluded his remarks, he emphasized the ‘extra’ gifts received by guests was in recognition of the credit union’s 85th year as it was established in 1938. In a follow-up interview, Randy stated, “We would just like to thank everyone who contributed to the fun-filled evening and helped us to celebrate another successful year for your Credit Union.”
Board updates were followed with drawing ticket numbers for door prizes. A total of $2,139 in cash prizes was awarded to 41 people who chose to either enter the Money Machine or try their luck with a spin on the wheel of fortune. All in all, it was a great evening filled with delicious food, great information about the credit union, and a fun time with the wonderful people of Holyoke and credit union members. Congratulations, HCFCU on 85 terrific years!