Happy International Credit Union Day from BCSCU
Thursday, October 15, credit unions around the world celebrate International Credit Union Day. It's a day to recognize a simple idea that has lasted more than a century: people pooling their resources to take care of each other.
At BCSCU, that idea has a very specific focus. We exist to serve the people who serve Linn and Benton counties, and their families. Here's what that means, and why it matters.
The credit union difference
Banks answer to shareholders. Credit unions answer to members. When you open an account at BCSCU, you become a part-owner, with a voice in how your credit union is run.
Because we're not-for-profit, there are no outside investors waiting for a cut. Earnings go back to members in ways you can feel:
Better rates on savings and loans
Fewer and lower fees
Local decisions made by people who know you
Reinvestment in the communities where our members live and work
The credit union movement calls this "people helping people." For us, it's just how we do business.
Built for the people who serve
Membership at BCSCU is open to public service employees and retirees in Linn and Benton counties, along with their families. That includes teachers, firefighters, police officers, city and county staff, public health workers, and many more.
Public servants keep our communities running, often on demanding schedules and modest budgets. We think they deserve a financial partner that understands their world: the pay cycles, the shift work, the career milestones, and the transition into retirement.
And because membership extends to family, the benefits don't stop with you. Your spouse, your kids, and your parents can bank with us too, from a teenager opening their first checking account to a parent planning for the future.
What it looks like in our community
"People helping people" is easy to say. Here are a few ways it showed up this year.
Building better spaces for kids. This year, BCSCU joined other local credit unions to sponsor a remodel of the Games Room at the Boys & Girls Club of Corvallis. The updated space will be safer, quieter, and better suited for enrichment and literacy programs for local youth. When credit unions come together, our community grows stronger.
Investing in the next generation. BCSCU awarded five college scholarships totaling $2,400 to members' students this year. One recipient, Mirian, is headed to the University of Idaho to study Education, carrying the public service tradition forward. Applications for next year's scholarships open in February.
Showing up (with a ladle). Our team competed in the Annual Public Safety Cookoff at the Philomath Frolic Fairgrounds. Team "Hot Rates, Regrettable Bites" cooked 10 gallons of Amanda's Chicken Chili on-site, all day, alongside the first responders we're proud to serve.
Celebrate with us
This International Credit Union Day, we want to say thank you: to our members for trusting us, and to every public servant in Linn and Benton counties for the work you do.
Already a member? Tell a coworker or family member about BCSCU. If they work in public service in Linn or Benton County, or they're related to someone who does, they're likely eligible to join.
Not a member yet? Stop by a branch, call us, or click here to join. We'd love to welcome you to the family.