President's Blog

by Kerry Wahlen, President/CEO

Goldenwest: A Tradition of Excellence

October 11, 2016

As the President of Goldenwest, I work closely with our Board of Directors, Officers, and Management Team to make certain our employees not only stand for excellence but also practice integrity in our interactions with the member-owners of the Credit Union.

We have several systems in place to monitor the lending and account opening activities of Goldenwest. Each year, NCUA conducts an exam of the Credit Union to ensure our policies, procedures and practices are within established federal guidelines that protect Credit Union members. The volunteer Goldenwest Supervisory Committee meets monthly with our internal audit team to provide oversight for the safety and security of the Credit Union’s assets. Our Records Department reviews each new account and loan to confirm established procedures were followed to protect both the Credit Union and the member. In addition, Goldenwest contracts with the independent accounting firm of Eide Bailly to audit our records. I’m pleased to report the audits and reviews confirm the Credit Union remains in a strong and secure financial position.

Our tradition of excellence has sustained Goldenwest as a leader in the financial services community. The strength of the Credit Union allows us to continue offering our members competitive rates on products along with online and mobile platforms that offer convenience and value. Our commitment of service has resulted in thousands of members improving their financial quality of life.

Throughout 2016 we have been commemorating our 80th Anniversary by honoring our Credit Union’s organizers and early members. We appreciate their fortitude in providing much-needed loan and deposit products to employees of the Ogden Railways and Depot. We are forever grateful to the original Credit Union founders: Volta D. Perry, Irving L. Christensen, Albert R. Sessions, Elbert J. Stephenson, John K. Van Woerkom, Alvin W. Foley and William H. Christensen.

While it is gratifying to reflect on our history as a Credit Union, at Goldenwest we are focused on the future. We are committed more than ever to bring our members the resources they need for financial success. At this time, I’m excited to announce we have broken ground for a branch in West Jordan. This will be our fourth location in Salt Lake County, and 29th office in our branch network reaching from Logan to St George.

On behalf of all employees of Goldenwest, we welcome your suggestions on how we can better serve you as members. Our doors, phone lines, and email boxes are open to render service and respond to your needs. As always, I look forward to reading your suggestions at president@gwcu.org and invite you to follow me on Facebook and Twitter. Thank you for a wonderful 80 years. The best is yet to come!

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