THRIVING DURING UNPRECEDENTED TIMES 2020 ANNUAL IMPACT REPORT
World Headquarters, Cheyenne, Wyoming – Opened December 2020
TABLE OF CONTENTS Unprecedented Year
pg 4
Financial Strength
pg 5
Unprecedented Growth
pg 6-7
Strengthening Communities
pg 8
Award-Winning Credit Union
pg 9
Unprecedented Humanity
pg 10-11
Unprecedented Service
pg 12
Unprecedented Teamwork
pg 13
Executive Leadership Team
pg 14
Board of Directors
pg 15
Unprecedented Possibility
pg 16
Supervisory Committee Report
pg 17
2020 Statement of Financial Condition
pg 18
2020 Statement of Income
pg 19
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MEMBER GIVEBACK
11,368,481
$
Total member DIVIDENDS PAID
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UNPRECEDENTED YEAR
President and Chairman of the Board Report Last year, it was easy at times to fall prey to pessimism, or the sense that we individually just did not have the strength or grit to persevere. But powerlessness is corrosive to hope and hope plus work is what is required in trying times. Amid the multiple disruptions of 2020, what was made clear is that we had a oncein-a-generation opportunity to harness our collective strength to define Blue for the next generation, those that will not easily recall the struggles of the past year. It is because of this belief, being grounded in the potential of the future due to our current strength, that we remain optimistic.
Stephanie Teubner President and Chief Executive Officer
From our founding over 70 years ago, Blue has worked to bring together people with common interests and goals—people who also share ownership, vision, and are on similar pathways. Blue exists to serve you, our members, in pursuing that vision and owning your future. Regardless of what happened or what’s going on in the world around us, our cooperative still exists to serve our members and those who live in the communities in which we serve. In addition, we had the foresight and courage to engage in longrange strategic thinking during the height of the pandemic. With our partner, Corona Insights, we held firm to our conviction to lead the legacy. Our values inspire us to envision a purpose-full mission and an exciting strategy.
Tom Reiman Chairman
We discover pathways to realize possibilities for our members. That mission, and our shared values, compel us to act boldly for the future. We are excited to have you join us. The year 2020 taught us that we can achieve more than we had ever envisioned. The best is yet to come. On behalf of the Board of Directors and each Blue employee, we are honored to have served you in 2020 and look forward to being your lifelong champion. Thank you for being a member of Blue!
Stephanie Teubner President & Chief Executive Officer
Tom Reiman Chairman of the Board of Directors
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FINANCIAL STRENGTH
Treasurer's Report
The financial standing and strength of the credit union was on full display throughout 2020. During one of the most volatile years in recent memories, Blue remained secure in its positions. Profitability, as measured by net income, ended the year more than $400,000 ahead of budget, ending 2020 at $9.4 million. Return on average assets, a measure of how well the credit union is using its assets to generate income, ended the year at 0.83% against a peer average of 0.67%. With $11,368,481 in dividends paid, dividends grew by more than 7% over 2019. Strength during challenging times can be hard to convey to members; regardless, Blue was able to pay out industry-leading dividends in 2020.
RELIEF FOR OUR MEMBERS
Total balance of deferred payments on 46,053 LOANS
PAYMENT PROTECTION PLAN funds allocated to our members
643.5 MILLION
$
3.5 MILLION
$
650,000
$ WAIVED member fees
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UNPRECEDENTED GROWTH
The year 2020 was a time of growth and new beginnings for Blue. In the early months of the year, positive changes took place within the organization. With the merger finalized with Liberty Savings Bank, Blue gained two new branches - one in Granby, Colorado, and the other in Denver, Colorado. This was a huge undertaking and was very successful on all levels. By the end of the year, over 93% of transitioned members kept their membership with Blue - a remarkable and almost unheard-of retention rate. In parallel with acquiring the two former Liberty branches, Blue also expanded its footprint by building a new branch in Erie, Colorado. This new branch location was selected to better serve the Colorado Front Range and be a central location for our Denver Metro and Boulder Metro members. Finally, Blue opened its 6th branch in Cheyenne, located at the Blue Diamond Center, next to World Headquarters. This central location allows us to better serve the Cheyenne community.
INSPIRING THE COMMUNITY
54,327
$
When Adam Cordell’s Boston Marathon race was canceled in 2020, he ran a marathon, Cheyenne style. Partnering with Blue, Adam helped raise over $50,000 for the Food Bank of the Rockies by running 26.2 MILES through the streets of Cheyenne, Wyoming.
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UNPRECEDENTED GROWTH (CONTINUED) In response to the numerous challenges that our communities faced in 2020, Blue extended historic levels of financing to ensure our members could pursue their dreams. Between the upheaval caused by the pandemic and historically low interest rates, a record number of members improved their lives by purchasing a new home for their families or refinancing their primary residence. In just twelve months, Blue extended more than $100 million in mortgage financing – the highest yearly total ever for Blue, and an increase of an astounding 69% over the year prior. Demand for auto, RV, unsecured and other loan types also soared, with total originations growing by more than 30% over 2019. In addition, Blue also served as a safe haven for our members’ savings in 2020. Total deposits grew by more than 28% during the year as members turned to the strength and stability of Blue over volatile financial markets. This level of trust from our existing members also attracted new members to Blue at a growth rate of more than 10%, leaving total membership count at nearly 100,000. As a result, total assets grew by 24.95% over 2019 to end the year at $1.44 billion, serving as further affirmation of Blue’s endless commitment to the unlimited potential of our members.
I opened my first account with Blue when I was 16 years old. I just got my first job and my Mom said it’s time to get my own bank account to put my paycheck in! Now, 10 years later I am still with Blue because they take such good care of me. I will remain with Blue through my future financial endeavors! Danielle P. - Farmington, UT
YEAR IN REVIEW
555.6 MILLION
$
Loan Production:
30.82%
101.3 MILLION
$
Mortgage Loan Production:
69.78%
1.44 BILLION
$ Asset Growth:
24.95%
98 ,985 MEMBERS Member Growth:
10.03%
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STRENGTHENING COMMUNITIES With all the closures, postponements, cancellations, and deferrals that took place in 2020, Blue still saw opportunities to be present in the community. During the past year, Blue employees and affiliates volunteered a cumulative 2,500+ working hours to projects in every community we serve. From hosting virtual gatherings, to packing food for drive thru events, we served charities and non-profits from a variety of industries and needs. Doing Good does not stop when challenges present themselves, but rather, new possibilities arise that still need to be addressed. Blue’s ‘Do Good Army’ heeded the call and improved communities throughout Wyoming and Colorado. Business Development preparing COVID relief care packages.
Blue Do Good Army volunteering in the community.
VOLUNTEERING & CARING
2,500+ HOURS
Blue employees delivered 750 CARE PACKAGES and volunteered in every community we serve.
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AWARD-WINNING CREDIT UNION
Blue continues to lead the pack.
Named your FAVORITE CREDIT UNION in Cheyenne for the 5th year in a row.
Recognized as the regional 2020 recipient of the DORA MAXWELL SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD by the Mountain West Credit Union Association.
Named the BEST CREDIT UNION in Northern Colorado for 2020 by NOCO Style Magazine.
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UNPRECEDENTED HUMANITY
Our communities are at the heart of Blue. This past year, when the call for help came, Blue answered with full heart. One of the biggest and quickest community support programs in 2020 was the ‘Double Your Impact, Double Your Good’ COVID-19 Relief campaign. Blue Federal Credit Union and the Blue Foundation each pledged $100,000 that would be granted when nine pre-selected community partner organizations raised funds. By the end of the campaign, over $525,000 was raised and much needed relief was given. The response also had the distinction of being one of the biggest community outreach successes in credit union history.
DOUBLE YOUR DOUBLE YOUR
IMPACT GOOD! $200,000 BECAME $400,000 WITH YOUR HELP!
DONATED DIRECTLY TO: United Way of Laramie County
Blue Federal Credit Union and the Blue Foundation pledged a total of $200,000 in matching funds to these organizations. With your help, we exceeded our goal of $400,000, reaching over $525,000.
United Way of Albany County
After School for Kids
United Way of Larimer County
Mile High United Way
RECORD GIVING
525,000
$
Blue Federal Credit Union and the Blue Foundation pledged $200,000 in matching funds to nine community partner organizations.
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UNPRECEDENTED HUMANITY (CONTINUED)
Unfortunately, the next opportunity to serve our communities came shortly thereafter with the devastating wildfires that took place in Colorado and Wyoming. This time Blue partnered with the American Red Cross of Colorado and Wyoming and pledged an additional $200,000. By the end of the campaign over $436,000 was raised that helped deliver emergency funds for affected families. At last tally, over 500 Colorado and Wyoming families were positively impacted by Blue’s giving. In both cases of matching funds, other organizations and credit unions followed suit by offering up their own matching programs, effectively helping more people. Through all the challenges, Blue’s response was unprecedented, whether in speed of deployment, amounts raised, or specific causes supported. Giving back is core to Blue and 2020 was an opportunity for that to be brought to the forefront of our business. We are always on the lookout for causes and sponsorships that support, grow, and improve our communities.
COLORADO & WYOMING
FIRE RELIEF FUND
YOU HELPED US RAISE OVER $400,000
RECORD GIVING
436,000
$
Blue Federal Credit Union and the Blue Foundation pledged $200,000
in matching funds to the American Red Cross of Colorado and Wyoming.
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UNPRECEDENTED SERVICE
At Blue, our number one priority is providing excellent service to our members. Our staff strives to ensure our members have a positive experience. With all of that hard work comes excellent results. In 2020, Blue recorded the highest percentage of member satisfaction ever on our Net Promoter Score surveys! This performance ranks us better than 73% of other credit unions.
It’s so nice to have bankers know our names and care about our family. We really enjoy banking at Blue. Personal service is extraordinary. Further, I really enjoy going to the branch as they are so friendly. I feel like they are truly glad to see me. Thomas A. - Denver, CO
I am always treated the same each time I stop in. Even if I have to wait, it is usually for a short time and I am acknowledged as soon as I come in. I know they are treating the person in front of me just as special as they will treat me when it’s my turn. The business is such an open and friendly environment that you can see the staff enjoys working there and taking care of their customers. Susie A. - Fort Collins, CO
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UNPRECEDENTED TEAMWORK
At Blue, we understand that taking care of our employees leads to a positive experience for our members. The year 2020 presented many challenges to our organization and culture we have worked hard to build. With the excellent leadership of our executives, every staff member was empowered to take those challenges head on. Throughout the year, our entire staff adapted to the many changes that came up and embraced the new ways in which we did our jobs. The safety, flexibility, and positive engagement of our employees was a high priority and allowed us to continue working hard for our members.
EMPLOYEE CULTURE
268 EMPLOYEE
CARE PACKAGES
All Blue employees received VIRTUAL CARE PACKAGES including food and entertainment gift cards, when they were deployed to work from home.
429.4
POUNDS LOST
53 EMPLOYEES participated in the 2020 ‘Slimpossible’ weight-loss challenge.
35,717 MILES
walked during the employee "SPRING FEVER" walking challenge.
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EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP TEAM
Stephanie Teubner President and Chief Executive Officer
Kim Alexander Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Raj Madan Chief Marketing Officer
Kent Richard Chief Information Officer
I joined the credit union when I worked at the Rocky Flats Plant, probably around 1982-1984, and the credit union was known as Community Financial Federal Credit Union. I don't remember everything I financed there, but cars and motorcycles were some of it. I continue to save money and will finance whatever is next. Thank you, Blue. Thomas S. - Emmett, ID
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Tom Reiman Chairman
Michael Ryan Vice Chairman
Jeffie Wiggins-McMullen Secretary
Eric Harris Treasurer
Deanne Vogel Board Member
Robert Luna Board Member
Sean Dougherty Board Member
Raymond Wade Board Member
Teresa Kunkel Board Member
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UNPRECEDENTED POSSIBILITY 2020 Scholarship Recipients The Blue Foundation is proud to highlight the 2020 scholarship recipients. This was made possible by those who donated. It is because of these efforts that Blue Foundation gave a grand total of $235,500 to future generations. It is always an honor and a privilege to award funds so students can pursue their goals and unlock their possibilities. These bright Blue members were chosen based on their merit, commitment to the community, and dedication to furthering their education. We truly believe they have blue skies ahead.
Recipients
Jamie Luna Graduated: Centaurus – Lafayette, CO Attending: California Polytechnic State University Aspen Amador Graduated: Thornton High School – Commerce City, CO Attending: University of New Mexico Nolan Reid Gerdes Graduated: East High School – Cheyenne, WY Attending: University of Wyoming McKenzie Boltz Graduated: Central High School – Cheyenne, WY Attending: University of Wyoming Braxton Olson Graduated: Prospect Ridge Academy High School – Cheyenne, WY Attending: Southern Utah University Caleb Jenkins Graduated: Windsor High School – Greeley, CO Attending: University of Northern Colorado
Shirley Howard/Blue Foundation Scholarship Brooke Nesvik Graduated: East High School - Cheyenne, WY Attending: Laramie County Community College
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SUPERVISORY COMMITTEE REPORT The Supervisory Committee is comprised of five elected volunteers. Its primary responsibility is to safeguard member assets by overseeing the financial and internal control systems and policies related to credit union operations. In 2020, we achieved our objective in two ways. First, we retained the services of CliftonLarsonAllen LLP to perform our audit for 2019. Second, with the assistance of the credit union’s Internal Audit Department, we conducted and reviewed various audits and researched questions from the Board of Directors and credit union members. It is our opinion that your credit union continues to run in a safe and sound manner.
Milton B. Uribe Chairman
Correspondence can be addressed to: Blue Federal Credit Union Supervisory Committee 2401 E Pershing Blvd. Cheyenne, WY 82001
Milton B. Uribe Chairman of the Supervisory Committee
I moved to Cheyenne in August of 2005 and opened my account shortly after that. The staff was, and still is, so amazing. I heard of Blue from my step dad who has recently just passed of cancer this month, but was there longer than me. I just want to thank you guys for being such an amazing bank. Y'all definitely treated me like family. Jena L. - Cheyenne, WY
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2020 STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL CONDITION ASSETS
2020
2019
Cash & Cash Equivalents
98,084,973
62,885,841
Investments
90,389,479
10,839,465
Loans, Net
1,100,095,399
975,097,561
Premises & Equipment, Net
32,659,037
29,676,041
NCUSIF Deposit
11,058,641
8,460,219
Other Assets
107,911,926
65,658,599
TOTAL ASSETS
$1,440,199,455 $1,152,617,726
LIABILITIES & MEMBERS’ EQUITY Members’ Share & Savings Accounts
1,290,931,691
1,001,767,984
Other Liabilities
21,197,325
34,220,933
Members’ Equity
128,070,438
116,628,809
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS’ EQUITY
$1,440,199,455 $1,152,617,726
BECAUSE WE CARE • • • • •
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Branch safety initiatives for members Appointment scheduling Employee work-from-home deployments Extra cleaning and fogging COVID pay for employees
2020 STATEMENT OF INCOME INCOME
2020
2019
Loan Income
53,702,849
48,236,241
Investment Income
1,241,865
589,771
Other Income
17,493,586
15,776,164
TOTAL INCOME
$72,438,300
$64,602,176
Employee Compensation and Benefits
20,674,805
18,583,000
Other Operating Expense
19,386,239
17,537,266
TOTAL EXPENSE
$40,061,044
$36,120,266
Provision for Loan Loss
9,135,099
4,848,256
Cost of Funds
12,454,353
12,310,439
TOTAL NON-OPERATING EXPENSE
$21,589,452
$17,158,695
NET INCOME (Loss)
$10,787,806
$11,323,214
Expense
Non-Operating Expense (Income)
(Income)
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