UNITY - Incorporated Aug. 28, 1941, Unity Credit Union celebrates their 80th anniversary in 2021. With the pandemic still in our environment and the uncertainty of it, no formal activity is planned at this time to mark this milestone occasion. However, they hope to be able to host some sort of safe way of marking this occasion during annual Credit Union Day that is part of co-operative week.
The original founders of this now 80-year-old business, once known as Unity andDistrict Savings and Credit Union Limited, each with one equal share included: E.L. Brathen, president (operator Power Commission – Sask.); Mrs. E.L. Brathen (wife of president); J.W. McAlpine, secretary-treasurer (manager of Unity Co-op Service Station); T. Olafson, vice-president (grain buyer); C.W. Gordon (secretary of Unity Co-op Association Ltd.); Peter Ottem (farmer); J.H. Morrison (grain buyer); C.E. Delahoy (manager of Co-op Hardware); Henry Nelson (farmer); Chas Sinclair farmer); K.W. Nelson (farmer); C.J. Greenwood (Farmer) and N J. Stephenson (farmer)
The original branch was located on Main Street, where the former Co-op administration office was located. This was the only other location of this credit union before relocating to where they are situated today, on Second Avenue West.
There have been 10 general managers over this business’s 80 years, including now CEO, Gerald Hauta.
The long history of this business includes many milestones. At the time of incorporation, Unity Credit Union held $52 in assets, with 54 members. In just 10 years, the credit union’s assets grew to $169,986 and in just 20 years from incorporation, 1961 showed assets for Unity Credit Union at $1.1M. Fast forward to 2021, UCU holds $326M in assets along with 4,486 members served by 35 employees.
In showcasing their history to the Press-Herald, Unity Credit Union says their first loan was granted for the amount of $30 to a prospective honeymooning couple.
In 1968, Unity Credit Union constructed a new building and introduced term deposits.
1982 was an exciting year as Unity’s Credit Union installed their first automated teller machine giving members the ability to withdraw money after normal business hours.
1998 was another big year as major building renovations were undertaken as well as UCU undergoing a data system conversion.
The list of products and services available to members grew with MemberDirect Online Banking introduced in 2000. In 2001, UCU evolved into a full-service financial institution.
The largest patronage payout to Unity Credit Union members of $700,000 was distributed and was this business’s 23rd consecutive year of patronage payout.
The speed of technology continued to drive the offerings of new products and services for Unity Credit Union members. In 2008 tax free savings accounts were offered, and in 2009, a new ATM that was CHIP compliant was installed and mobile banking was also introduced.
For their 70th anniversary, Unity Credit Union pledged $250,000 to the new community pool project, allowing for naming rights of the Unity Credit Union Aquatic Centre.
The 75th anniversary of Unity Credit Union had the staff team undertake 75 random acts of kindness for members and the community to help celebrate and recognize the milestone achievement. These efforts were in the continued mandate of the credit union in giving back to the communities they serve.
2020 saw a major building renovation and expansion.
This historic timeline is posted on the website www.unitycu.ca/about-us section.
Their vision, “Partnering to achieve success and build a better community,” has been reflected in a number of initiatives including an undertaking in 2020 with service charge refunds offered to members in the form of Unity dollars, wherein the recipient, rather than receiving cash back, received a certificate for the amount they earned redeemable at any Unity business. This initiative put thousands of dollars back into Unity’s business community that had been hit hard by the pandemic.
Unity Credit Union staff became part of the Unity Composite High School’s career fair as well as offering financial literacy education seminars with students. Staff and famous mascot, Fat Cat, are often part of community events.
Despite the pandemic, UCU staff were still able to volunteer more than 650 hours in their community.
Unity Credit Union is the 13th largest credit union and largest single branch credit union in the province.
In the Community
CU in the Community sees the organization sponsoring and donating to community events and activities as well as providing hands-on help in volunteering within their community.
Unity Credit Union tells the Press-Herald, “Some of the expansion and changes that have taken place include: Relationship pricing for members; working and partnering with other CUs; once the pandemic/COVID cases slow, we are looking forward to opening our board room for rentals and front space to allow new entrepreneurs to showcase their business and products. We are working to be more mobile and flexible for members in terms of being able to come to them – whether that be at home or the combine. We have invested in the technology to allow us to help our members near and far. “
Unity Credit Union adds, “There are lots of changes coming in the banking industry, including enhancing our digital presence, Consumer Directed Finance (0pen banking), and payments modernization, which will create change for all financial institutions and for our members, It is our goal to help members be comfortable with any changes that arise. Within our credit union, we will be rolling out a new digital experience in 2022, which will bring change but also exciting new features for members. We are always striving to provide competitive products and services, combined with exceptional member service. We are genuinely concerned about the financial well being of our members and being able to help them navigate and succeed on their financial path through every life stage. While larger institutions may be able to offer more through technology, we feel there is a need for the personal touch combined with the digital presence. We want members to know they can still talk to us for information, questions and understanding. “
CEO Gerald Hauta says, “Unity Credit Union is a locally owned and operated financial co-operative. That is legally who we are. What is important is what it means. What this really means is that we are here, our members are here, and we need to support each other. We experience the same things our members do because we live, work and play here. Our success has been driven by the support and confidence in the credit union shown by our members through the years. In return, Unity Credit Union has supported many facets of the community to help it grow, develop, and prosper. We have had to grow in the way we have provided service, but we have tried to remain true to our roots while still looking to the future. If our members and the community experience financial success, we do as well. We rely on our members’ support and are grateful for the support they have shown even through these most recent trying times.
Congratulations Unity Credit Union on this milestone anniversary and the community continues to benefit from a business that has evolved with the demands of today and the future as well as continuing to commit to offering hands-on help and resources for community needs.
