History

Columbia Credit Union has a history of providing outstanding member service and has grown to become one of Clark County's leading financial institutions. Follow our growth and progression over the years from serving railroad employees in our founder's basement to where we are today.

Planting Seeds
In 1952, Delbert Thompson started the SP&S Federal Credit Union in his basement to serve SP&S Railroad employees. Delbert kept it on track for six years before the credit union grew into its first office and hired a president - Ed Gard, Jr. followed by Marvin Showalter. The charter changed in 1975, enabling the credit union to serve both railroad employees and community members. Thus, Columbia Credit Union took root.

Fruits of Innovation
As a progressive organization, Columbia has evolved to meet our members' changing financial needs by offering innovative products and services while updating old standbys. Our vision continues to evolve but serving our community and delivering value remains at the heart of our organization. In 1975, we were the first credit union on the West Coast to offer checking accounts, demonstrating a pioneering spirit and prompting a 20-year growth spurt.

We were among the first credit unions to offer innovative banking conveniences like ATMs, money market accounts, online banking, e-statements, online mortgage tools, business banking and wealth management. In 2011, we proudly introduced mobile banking, allowing members the convenience of banking from their mobile phones.

Sprouting Green Branches
In 2007, we embraced our environmentally friendly principles and became the first Clark County financial institution to build branches according to LEED standards set by the U.S. Green Building Council. We welcomed members to our sustainable Washougal and Grand Central branches in 2008. Today, our commitment continues with new procedures and standards planned to increase our sustainability while decreasing our environmental footprint throughout all our facilities. In 2012, we earned recognition as a Clark County Green Business for our Grand Central branch.

Community Giving Grows
We’re proud to contribute to the success of our members and our community. Our core purpose, “Making Life Better,” guides our approach to everything we do. Whether we’re making a donation to a worthy cause or performing volunteer service, we’re committed to improving the quality of life in our branch communities. In recognition of our efforts, we were awarded the Nonprofit Excellence Award for Corporate Community Support by the Nonprofit Network of Southwest Washington in 2011.

Helping Members Flourish
Today, the credit union philosophy of "people helping people" is strong and thriving at Columbia. We listen and respond as only a locally owned financial institution can, and our members have noticed! According to our latest independent member survey, nearly 96 percent of members rate our overall service as "satisfactory or highly satisfactory." This rating is a benchmark for the financial institution industry! In addition, we were recently voted Clark County’s Best Financial Institution, winning the title five years in a row from 2009 - 2013 in The Columbian newspaper’s annual poll.

True to our roots
Columbia has served the financial needs of Clark County families since 1952. Throughout, we’ve cultivated strong ties to the community and grown 12 branches strong. While we're poised for additional growth and change in the future, we’re proud to offer members continued value, award-winning service and dedicated employees for all their financial needs.