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To Parker's surprise, Kuni caught a fish while the group filmed Columbia's commercial. (From Left: Jim, Julie, Kuni and Parker) |
You know something “fishy” is going on whenever members Jim Swatosh, Julie Swatosh Berge and Kuni Masuda get together – they’re all fly fishing enthusiasts who get a real “buzz” from casting flies in area lakes, rivers and streams. The threesome can be seen fishing with Columbia Credit Union’s CEO Parker Cann in Columbia’s latest round of commercials.
They take regular fishing excursions together and with other members of the Clark-Skamania Flyfishers Club, enjoying trips as far away as Alaska. “We go on about six major outings a year,” said Julie. “We all get along great. It’s a real easygoing group.”
Though they all share a love of fly fishing, this diverse group discovered their shared passion in different ways and for different reasons. Jim was searching for something new after breeding and racing quarter horses for 20 years. Julie was searching for a way to spend more time with her dad, Jim, and found that she really enjoyed relaxing and spending time on the water.
And for Kuni, fly fishing takes on a special significance of its own. “It’s a way for me to connect with nature emotionally and physically,” explained Kuni, who became interested years ago after attending a fly fishing presentation by noted conservationist (and son of Ernest) Jack Hemingway. “In a way, it’s spiritual, like a meditation.”
In addition to connecting with nature and enjoying time spent on the water with family and friends, this group shares another common bond: their appreciation of the great financial products and outstanding service they receive at Columbia Credit Union!
Because he holds RewardsPLUS checking and a money market account, Jim really enjoys redeeming all the discounts available in the free Entertainment Book he receives from Columbia every year. “We keep our book in the car, so it’s convenient to have a meal when we’re out or to purchase big ticket items,” explained Jim. “We have a limited income, and we have to be careful with our money; that’s why we like Columbia Credit Union.”
Like her father, Julie appreciates convenience, especially the large number of branches available and the ease of online banking and bill pay. “I really like scheduling my bill payments in advance,” shared Julie. “And it’s nice to know that I can find a branch anywhere I need to go.”
In addition to convenient branch locations, Kuni cites a deep appreciation of the service he received from Financial Service Representative Karen Gibbs when he recently opened a home equity line of credit. “Karen was great! She had a professional manner, was accurate and kept her word. I really felt that she was someone that I could count on. I have a lot of respect for people like that!”
Like Jim, Julie and Kuni, we hope you too are enjoying great rates, convenience and outstanding member service at Columbia.
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