On May 13, 2016, we marked the 80th anniversary of the formation of Goldenwest Credit Union. Our modest beginnings included 25-cent membership fees and a meager $10.50 in assets. Today, we are among the strongest credit unions in the nation.

Goldenwest was originally known as the Ogden Railway and Depot Company Employees Federal Credit Union. Karl S. Little was the founder, with seven carmen playing key roles in organizing the Credit Union: Volta D. Perry, Irving L. Christensen, Albert R. Sessions, Elbert J. Stephenson, John K. Van Woerkom, Alvin W. Foley and William H. Christensen.

These men had little business experience or clerical training, yet were determined to provide a much-needed financial co-op for their fellow railroaders who could not get loans elsewhere. We are grateful to these Goldenwest pioneers who boldly went forward with the Credit Union charter during the economic turmoil of the Great Depression and opposition from other lenders in the Ogden area.

Some of the other notable members who played keys roles in the early years of the Credit Union were: Stan Bushell, LaMont Call, Max Creer, Clyde Decker, Daniel DeGroot, Harold George, Percy Hadley, Glendon Hansen, Jack Morris, Lloyd Murdock, Henry Poce, Joseph Roberts, Lawrence Roe, Velma Saunders, Cyril Stanger, and Harold Stevens.

Currently, Goldenwest operates 27 branch locations throughout Utah, serves a membership base of more than 108,000, and will soon surpass $1.2 billion in assets. Today’s branch, member, and asset size provide scale that allows the Credit Union to innovate in an industry driven by technology, and expand product offerings attractive to every generational segment from traditionalists to millennials.

The volunteer Board of Directors, along with the Credit Union administration and staff, are proud of our railroad heritage. More important, we are grateful to the original organizers and early members for their vision and support that laid the foundation for a thriving Credit Union today. We are honored and humbled by the stewardship that has been placed in our care to continue the legacy of Goldenwest.

During this year of commemoration and celebration, we invite members to share their personal Goldenwest Credit Union experiences. If you have ancestors who are among the original founders and members of the Credit Union, or have a four- or five-digit account number, please reach out to me with your stories and photos at president@gwcu.org. We will choose one of the submissions to receive a $100 12-month certificate of deposit from the Credit Union.

We have amazing women and men who stand ready to serve you. We are recognizing Louise Worsley as our employee of the month. She is one of our incredible back-office employees who make it possible for our members to receive Goldenwest financing at auto and RV dealerships throughout Utah. Our Credit Union approves and funds more than $10 million in loans each month through dealer partnerships.

Our USU Credit Union “Welcome Center” branch on the Utah State campus in Logan is almost complete. With this office, we are launching a new branch model featuring personal teller stations. If you are visiting the Utah State campus in the next few months, we invite you to stop by and check out the future of in-branch service.

For those of you who enjoy social media, I can be found on Facebook and Twitter. I invite you to follow me for the latest in Credit Union news as well as some of my favorite quotes. Best wishes for a fabulous summer!