In its 75th year in business, Unity Credit Union was incorporated Aug. 28, 1941 as Unity and District Savings and Credit Union Limited.
At the time of incorporation, Unity Credit Union held $52 in assets with 54 members. As of Dec. 31, 2015, Unity Credit Union held more than $209 million in assets with 4,662 members and 33 employees.
The first loan granted was for $30 to a prospective honeymooning couple.
The original board of directors included president E. Brathen, vice-president T. Olfason, secretary-treasurer J. McAlpine, C. Delahoy, F. Silver and C. Greenwood. Together, they formed the first public co-operative banking institution for Unity and district.
In 1968, Unity Credit Union constructed a new building and introduced term deposits. It had $3.3 million in assets, with loans of $2.7 million.
By 1980, the Credit Union was sitting on approximately $18.7 million of assets with $10.8 million in loans. This was the year Unity Credit Union amalgamated with Tramping Lake Credit Union and staff increased to 13.
In 1982, Unity Credit Union installed its first ATM. Assets reached $27.7 million.
The family of Ethical Funds mutual funds and MasterCard were introduced in 1992. Assets reached $56 million and loans reached $32 million. Staff increased to 20.
In 1998, major building renovations were done and Unity Credit Union underwent a data system conversion. Assets were $77 million and loans were $54 million. Staff increased to 28.
MemberDirect Internet Banking was introduced in 2000.
In 2001, Unity Credit Union evolved into a full-service financial institution. Assets reached $83 million and loans $54 million.
2006 marked the largest patronage payout – $700,000 – to members and was Unity Credit Union’s 23rd consecutive year of patronage payout. Assets increased to $107.5 million and loans to $73 million.
In 2008, assets grew to nearly $127 million with loans at $88.5 million. Unity Credit Union piloted the conversion to a new banking system and introduced new tax-free savings accounts.
A new ATM to be CHIP-compliant was installed and mobile banking was introduced in 2009.
In 2010, CHIP cards were introduced.
Celebrating its 70th anniversary in 2011, Unity Credit Union pledged $250,000 to the new community pool project. Assets grew to $159 million and loans grew to $121 million.
In 2013, Unity Credit Union offered credit unions CONNECT, allowing members to be served at any Saskatchewan credit union, and Interact e-transfer. Assets reached $185 million and loans grew to $144 million.
General manager, Gerald Hauta, commented, “We have had milestone anniversary celebrations in the past and we aim to continue the tradition in 2016. We are proud of our organization and our staff who contribute to our community by volunteering at a number of events or activities; as well as hosting our own events throughout the year.”
Starting off the anniversary year will be recognition of this milestone event at the annual meeting March 22.
Another part of these celebrations includes Unity Credit Union’s goal to create awareness of their 75th anniversary by giving back to the community and to their members. They aim to complete 75 random acts of kindness throughout 2016. Some of these have already included delivering meals on wheels with gifts, supplying gum for the UPS Telemiracle fundraiser, handing out fresh baked cookies to members and surprising members born on Leap Day with birthday gifts.
A 60th anniversary was first recognized as a “diamond” anniversary in 1897, when Queen Victoria celebrated her diamond jubilee. However, there is a second diamond anniversary on the calendar for those who reach their 75th year, because nothing beats a diamond.
