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Since 1952, Columbia Credit Union has been committed to our members. We uphold our fundamental responsibility to serve people within our field of membership and, as appropriate, the communities they live in. We deliver a range of products and services, which reflect the diverse economic and social composition of our members and potential members. We continually seek better ways to reach out to the under served in our field of membership and demonstrate the value of membership in Columbia Credit Union.
We communicate our service to members in a meaningful way, so members, potential members, legislators, regulators and the community at large will understand and appreciate the unique role financial cooperatives play in their lives.
Throughout Columbia Credit Union’s strategic plan, we will put forth every effort to enable our members to become financially self-sufficient and successful. We will place high importance on consumer education and the teaching of financial thrift.
This Statement of Commitment to Members is consistent with our credit union principles of “Not For Profit, Not For Charity, But For Service” and our philosophy of “People Helping People.” This statement represents good business practices that ensure the financial strength of our credit union on behalf of our members.
Section 1: Service to Members
Columbia Credit Union strives to provide services that improve the economic and social well-being of all members from all socio-economic backgrounds as well as services that return financial value to all our members.
Website
Columbia Credit Union provides a financial information-rich website which includes products and services, identity protection information and tools, budget calculators, online loan applications and other valuable tools and links.
Savings
Columbia Credit Union members enjoy special programs such as our Holiday Club to help save for holidays or other goals and Achievers Club, to establish healthy saving habits for youth under 19.
Checking
Columbia Credit Union offers convenient, free account access and value-added features to its checking accounts. Two examples include our Free For All checking account designed for high-use, low-balance members, or RewardsPLUS checking with benefits for members age 50 years or better, including free ATM usage.
Online Services
Online banking, e-statements and bill pay are free for Columbia members. Online banking includes free check ordering and images, market portfolio monitoring, and scheduled transfers and alerts.
ATM Access
Columbia Credit Union offers ATMs at all of its branches as well as five off-site locations. In addition, members benefit through the credit union’s participation in the Co-Op Network. The Co-Op Network offers surcharge-free ATMs at more than 28,000 locations across the U.S. and Canada, including approximately 5,500 7-Eleven stores.
SBA Preferred Lender
Columbia specializes in and is designated as a Small Business Administration (SBA) Preferred Lender. We offer a full range of SBA loans to help businesses.
Business Services
Members have the opportunity to bring their business deposit and loan relationships to Columbia Credit Union. We offer business savings, checking, money market, time deposits, and ancillary services as well as a full range of business loans.
Home Loans
In addition to traditional choices, members have unique mortgage options such as our custom construction, Living Green and first-time home buyer programs. The My Community Mortgage Program and the Home$tart Program are designed for first-time buyers.
Green Loans
Columbia Credit Union rewards members who drive environmentally gentle autos by reducing their approved auto loan rate. In addition, members may receive a home loan discount for energy-efficient homes.
Auto Services
Members can bid on repossessed vehicles from Columbia Credit Union. Members may also use a local auto broker to find their next car.
Investment and Insurance Strategies
Columbia’s Wealth Management Department is staffed with Registered Representatives working with Financial Network Investment Corporation. Members can make a no-obligation appointment at Columbia branches for customized strategies using non-deposit investment products to work toward their financial goals.
Member Focus
Columbia conducts member surveys and participates in benchmarking surveys on member satisfaction and product use. This information is valuable to ensure products and services meet members’ needs.
Sustainability
Offering our members a healthy branch environment is as important as optimizing the preservation of our natural resources. Columbia consciously operates in a sustainable manner and rewards members for doing the same. Members have access to two award-winning branches certified as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold.
Section II: Member Education
Columbia Credit Union is committed to member and consumer financial education. In addition, we are committed to educating the communities we serve about the credit union difference.
Financial Workshops
Free financial workshops are available throughout our branch network for members and non-members. Subjects include investments, insurance, debt reduction, home financing, budgeting, and electronic service demonstrations.
Online Learning and Tools
Columbia’s website offers a variety of online educational articles, free tutorials, calculators and tools to help Web-users learn smart money management tips.
Newsletters
Columbia produces a member newsletter, in print and online to keep members informed of products and services, events, and beneficial financial stories.
Section III: Governance
Columbia Credit Union is committed to preserving credit union democratic principles, including demographic representation and volunteer participation in credit union activities.
Annual Meetings
Meetings are held in the evening to enable the greatest attendance possible. They are also located at convenient locations with good parking, such as at hotels.
Volunteer Training
Columbia provides special training for volunteers including in-house training, industry resources and conferences.
Democratic Process
Columbia offers uncomplicated alternatives to encourage voting when there are more candidates than open positions. Along with paper ballots, Columbia also offers online voting. Members who lack computers can also visit any branch to cast their ballot.
Section IV: Diversity
Columbia Credit Union recognizes the value of demographic diversity in staff as well as in volunteers. As such, we strive to bring people of diverse backgrounds and experiences into leadership and other roles at the credit union.
Volunteer Representation
A Call for Applicants using newsletters, branches and community outreach is the first step in looking for Columbia’s volunteers. Columbia’s volunteers represent the communities we serve, and they are elected by the membership.
Membership
Columbia is well diversified in membership, like its community, and ensures segments have programs and services that meet their needs.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Columbia values the diversity of our local population and strives to nurture a work environment where everyone respects the dignity and work of their fellow employees. Columbia firmly upholds equal employment opportunity and job access for all individuals regardless of their race, ancestry, country of origin, creed, sex, color, nationality, religion, disability, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical handicap, age, citizenship, family or marital status, political beliefs, sexual orientation, veteran status or other factors included in human rights legislation on a federal, state and local level.
Section V: Commitment to the Credit Union Movement
Columbia Credit Union will work to build and strengthen our unique credit union movement by actively advocating the credit union difference at all levels of government and in other appropriate public forums.
Political Activity
Columbia promotes and provides support to our elected officials on the Credit Union difference. Involvement ranges from contributing to the Credit Union Legislative Action Fund; financially supporting the credit union movement; or participating in political and regulatory advocacy at the state and federal levels.
Leadership Roles
Columbia staff and volunteers are encouraged to take an active role in the Washington Credit Union League, Southwest Washington Chapter of Credit Unions and other credit union leadership networks.
Cooperative Advertising
When opportunities exist, Columbia will work toward credit union cooperative advertising campaigns within the communities we serve.
Section VI: Community Involvement/ Corporate Citizenship
Credit unions exist to provide financial services for improving members’ lives and the communities where they live and work. Columbia Credit Union is committed to improving the quality of life for the families living and working in our branch communities. Through financial contributions and staff volunteering, Columbia Credit Union is committed to creating a strong, healthy community through support of civic and philanthropic causes.
Children and Families
Columbia believes in supporting and empowering children and families in many areas including crisis management, education, and opportunities for participation in safe, healthy and fun community events.
Business/Industry/Economy
Columbia supports organizations that benefit the overall livability of Clark County and provide opportunities for the creation of jobs in positive work environments through development, networking and legislation.
Arts & Cultural
Columbia believes that the combination of our differences as well as our unity builds character and strengthens our community. Through various outlets, our community is able to educate themselves about different cultures, beliefs and artistic styles.
Health
Columbia supports organizations that offer support for community members with their overall health, physically and mentally.
Housing
Columbia supports organizations that offer assistance in providing better living conditions in Clark County through new home construction, affordable housing, homeless shelters, and home-buyer education.
Environment
Columbia supports organizations that focus on providing green space for people and animals, providing more desirable places to live, work and play.
Multipurpose Community/Civic
Columbia supports organizations that raise and distribute funds back into the community where it will benefit the overall livability of where we live, work and play.
Some of the areas and organizations we support include:
- ACE Housing
- Columbia River Economic Development Council
- Columbia River Mental Health Foundation
- Columbia Springs Environmental Education Center
- Community Housing Resource Center
- Credit Unions for Kids
- Early childhood education programs
- Identity Clark County
- Loaves & Fishes/Meals On Wheels
- Local Chambers of Commerce
- Local food banks through food drives and financial contributions
- Clark College Foundation and other local schools
- Parks Foundation
- Share – serving the hungry and the homeless
- Snowman Foundation offering music for our youth
- SW Washington Medical Center Foundation
- Rotary Clubs throughout Clark County
- Second Step Housing
- YWCA of Clark County
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