Vermilion Credit Union CEO Dave Eremko (center) presented long serving staff with plaques to staff members from left, Dawn Jackson, Laurie Barlow, Tammy Snelgrove, Trina Fisher, Carrie Barlow, and Elaine Poliakiwski on March 10.
Celebrating a long history of community involvement and support, approximately 150 members and guests attended the Vermilion Credit Union’s 75th Anniversary and AGM on March 10, at the Elk’s Hall.
Opening in 1943, the Vermilion credit union has grown significantly with originally only a few members to now have 4,136 members. Credit Union’s in Canada were the first financial institutions to lend to women in their own names during the 1960’s, the first to have full service ABMs, first debit card service, first fully functioning online banking, and the first to offer registered education plans, among more innovative practices.
Members of both Vermilion and Mannville branches were in attendance along with Vermilion Mayor-Caroline McAuley, and Vermilion-Lloydminster MLA-Dr. Richard Starke. Speakers noted the many changes and accomplishments throughout the years, and guests enjoyed a catered meal by Red Feather Ridge, draws for a Bulova watch and Hillberg & Berk jewellery set, complimentary wine glasses, and a dance.
Mayor McAuley presented CEO Dave Eremko with a plaque on behalf of the Town of Vermilion.
From left, Devon Whitten, Caroline McAuley, and Dave Yaremko.
“It took courage and foresight at a time that wasn’t very easy to have clients pool their resources to provide financial services through the Credit Union movement. The Vermilion Credit Union is a tremendous supporter of the community on an annual basis to a wide variety of organizations in part because you don’t have shareholders, you have members,” said MLA Richard Starke.
Long term service recognition awards were given to Dawn Jackson and Laurie Barlow for 10 years of service, Tammy Snelgrove for 15 years of service, Trina Fisher for 20 years of service, Carrie Barlow for 30 years of service, and Elaine Poliakiwski for 40 years of service. Sonja Matechuk was acknowledged for her diligence and commitment as she will be stepping down from the board after 15 years.
In the past year, the Vermilion Credit Union has donated $34,000 to various organizations, $75,000 to the Vermilion Valley Lodge’s modernization project, and had staff provide 1,100 volunteer hours.
“We believe community support is one of our fundamental responsibilities. Fat Cat has been participating in the Accelerated Reading Program with community youth for 12 years now, and the Charity Golf Tournament has been held for 17 years. I think the lodge donation is our crowning achievement because it pays homage to our members both past and present. We thank the opening members for their shared vision, and our goal is to continue this tradition by making lives easier for our members through technology and innovation,” said Dave Eremko, Vermilion Credit Union CEO.
Vermilion-Lloydminster MLA, Dr. Richard Starke at the Vermilion Credit Union's 75th Anniversary on March 10.