About Us
Together we’re better.
We have achieved our success not solely through our own expertise and abilities, but also by actively engaging with and supporting the communities to which we belong.
“Together we’re better” means being attentive and expanding the cooperative spirit between our members, our team, and the connections we build and grow within every city we’re located in.
Our History
Our Beginning
Our Beginning
On January 23, 1946, the Osoyoos Credit Union opened its doors for the first time. Our first charter members wanted to help farmers, small businesses and working people when they were denied mortgages and loans at a traditional bank. We’re proud of our history and our values, which still hold true today.
The 1950s
Embracing Modernization: The 50’sOCU set up its first chequing service for members in 1953. That same year, OCU purchased its first piece of office equipment – a small adding machine which cost $449. A couple years later in 1955, OCU moved out of the post office and had its own building for the first time. The first modern-looking building in Osoyoos, it was purpose built for the credit union. In December of that year, the Osoyoos Credit Union welcomed its 500th member.
Responding to Shifting Industry
Responding to Shifting Industry
In 1971 OCU celebrated its 25th anniversary. It came at the cusp of a turning point in history – the 1970s and 1980s would see the local economy shift, as trains stopped coming into town and the tracks were removed. The viticulture and tourism industry started to grow dramatically. Over the years OCU responded to the shifting industry and demographics, supporting families, farmers and businesses, playing an essential role in the growth and evolution of the area.
Our 50th anniversary!
Our 50th anniversary!
Expanding our reach
Expanding our reach
In October of 2019 we became a part of another vibrant community: Rock Creek. Not only was this great news for us for opening a new location, but it was also well received by the citizens of Rock Creek as it had been 90 years since the town last had financial services of their own.
75 Years in the community!
75 Years in the community!
What we value
OCU is the heart of co-operative finance, creating enduring legacies and fulfilling
dreams through accountability, professionalism, independence, and community spirit.
Community
We care about taking an active role in supporting local causes and programs however we can. This not only means volunteering but also actively looking for new ways to help others of all walks of life in the community.
Accountability
We’re committed to helping our members succeed in their financial goals—whether they’ve just signed on or have been a member for many years. When we come to work, we take pride in being as prepared and accurate as possible to provide useful, actionable advice to our members.
Professionalism
The financial world can be complicated for a lot of people, but we care about staying on top of it ourselves and making it understandable to others. We take into account that our members are our clients, but they are also people with their own lives, goals, and challenges.
Independence
Coming to work, we care about taking responsibility to sus out answers to our questions or challenges. We invest in our members and build relationships, support our team and help them hone their skills, and find opportunities to be environmentally sustainable whenever possible.
Higher pay. Better living.
Osoyoos Credit Union is proud to announce that we are certified as a Living Wage Employer! A Living Wage Employer is an organization that provides a “living wage rate” to its employees that reflects the “true costs of living in a community and that parents can earn what they need to support their families.”
As Living Wage Employers, we not only meet the requirements of providing a “living wage,” but we also strive to do business with other social enterprises wherever possible to help reduce poverty in our communities.
Join our professional community
Board of Directors
Diana Thomas
Chair
Althea Raum
Vice-Chair
Alan Bajkov
Director
Leo Callarec
Director
JF Launier
Director
Romeo Girardi
Director
Joanne Muirhead
Director
Chris Bower
Director
OCU Staff
Wendy Balogh
Maria Dias
Laura Brownjohn
Herman Gill
Roxanne Davyduke
Richard Alexander
Greg Sol
Liz White
Elaine Romaniuk
Trina Melanson
Aman Sandhu
Russell Comerford
Patt Costa
Sandra Hachey
Ada Bulhoes
Louise Toth
Anu Baliyan
Nathan Linders
Joy Weiss
Sheila Moore
Carolyn Huttema
Laurel Wagner
Harneet Kang
Danielle Kelliher
Ervin Berecz
Jacquie Witts
Our Locations
Our satellite branches in Oliver, Keremeos and Rock Creek are cashless branches. Cash services such as deposits and withdrawals are available through ATM only.