Banks welcomes new credit union

Banking center already drawing dozens of new members in its first month

By Alana Kansaku-sarmiento

The Forest Grove News-Times, Jun 18, 2008, Updated Oct 30, 2009 (1 Reader comment)

Alison Gene Smith / News-Times

Oregon First Community Credit Union employee Chrystal Fox takes a call at the Banks location, which opened May 19. In the first 10 days the branch was open 25 new customers dropped by.

Banks residents wanting to get a little banking done in town now have another option.

Exactly two years after its grand opening in Forest Grove, the Oregon First Community Credit Union opened up a branch in Banks on Monday, May 19.

Within the first 10 days of operation in Banks, 25 new customers walked in the doors.

That rush of response pleased Erin Wallner, banking center manager. Wallner said the staff is pleased with how well the operation has gone so far, and is now looking for ways to engage the Banks community.

“One of our biggest goals is getting involved in more of the activities, trying to search for what we can do out there, what ways we can help,” said Wallner.

Ray Deeth, Banks Chamber of Commerce member, noticed Oregon First’s commitment to involvement as soon as the new branch opened.

“They are very community-minded,” said Deeth. “They approached and joined the chamber right when they came. They wanted to be involved with the community.”

Deeth said before Oregon First moved to town, the city of Banks only had one financial institution, U.S. Bank. Now residents have another option right next door.

“There's more business in town, and it’s more convenient for some people who are Oregon First members. It’s nice to have both a credit union and a bank,” said Deeth.

Of the 18 credit unions operating in Oregon, Oregon First has the most branches, the Banks location bringing the count to 22.

Every banking service is available to any credit union member, but unlike most financial institutions, credit unions are nonprofits owned by members. Upon joining, the new member deposits one dollar into a share account that is used to help contribute towards operating expenses, loans for other members, improved services, and more.

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