Servus Credit Union in Mundare Turns 15

Servus Credit Union in Mundare Turns 15

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

Spring was definitely in the air Feb. 28. The temperature was a balmy plus eight degrees celsius and perfect weather for the outdoor barbecue Servus Credit Union in Mundare hosted to celebrate its 15th anniversary.

Mundare area resident Kathy Simmonds was on hand for the event. “I’ve been a member since they opened. I’d recommend it to anyone. Darrel Harder, who also resides near Mundare, said he joined the credit union when his granddaughter started working there. He said it’s very convenient and he is very satisfied with the service.

Natasha Sokolan, senior relationship manager with Servus Credit Union in Edmonton, came out for the event and was very impressed that staff are on a first name basis with their members.

Nazim Manji, District Manager for the North East Region, said the Mundare Servus Credit Union is a full service branch, and currently has 1,100 members. There are 300,000 members and 102 branches throughout the province. The profit sharing aspect of the Alberta based organization is at its core, and members get a percentage of the company’s profits back each year. On average, members receive 25 per cent back on any ongoing service fees. Last year alone the overall pay out to members was over $51 million. There is a 100 per cent guarantee on all deposits.

For anyone who sets up an account with Servus Credit Union between now and the end of April, they will receive an entry form in its $1 million dollar giveaway. Manji said the promotion began last year has been very popular.

The credit union has been in operation for the past 82 years. “We have always believed in sharing our profits with the members who contribute to the success of their organization. The reason we come to work every day is to shape member financial fitness and help Albertans feel good about their money. Every interaction is viewed through the eyes of our members and we strive to ensure our members are reaching the goals they want to achieve. We work with our members to find appropriate solutions to their problems and help them achieve the goals they prioritize with us,” stated Branch Manager Shelly Taylor.

Servus Credit Union staff and managers pose for a photo outside the Mundare branch during 15th anniversary celebrations Feb. 28. Back row from left to right: Justina Homeniuk, Rod Ozirney and Natasha Sokolan. Front row from left to right: Melissa Gisle, Russell Crowe, Shelly Taylor, Danielle Murray, and Nazim Manji.

“Our branch began in 2005 as Capital City Savings, which merged with Servus Credit Union in 2008 after CIBC closed the location and left the town without a full service banking option. The mayor at the time was Ed Stawnichy and he approached our CEO to open a branch in Mundare. The council and management of Servus Credit Union held joint meetings to make this happen,” added Taylor.

“My career started in 1996 at Battle River Credit Union in Vegreville. I came to Mundare in March 2009 as the branch manager with a goal of investing in the people of Mundare and building relationships. We focus on ensuing every person feels respected, valued and informed.”

Members of Taylor’s team always greet members with a smile and have a genuine appreciation for each and every one of them Team members include: Financial Advisor Melissa Gisle, Member Service Representatives Justina Homeniuk and Russell Crowe, Business Specialists Natasha Dombrosky, Tracy Northrup, and Rod Ozirney, and Wealth Specialists Rick Chan and Jamie Holmes. We have an incredible community with a vibrant downtown and agricultural producers who contribute to the success of our branch,” noted Taylor. Every year the branch hosts a Farmer’s Day breakfast in June and Harvest Appreciation in the Fall. “We engage with the students of the Mundare School throughout the year volunteering to host sessions with each grade, field trips to the branch, and various donations for programs…For Agri Daze, we volunteer with the Fire Department to serve breakfast and participate in the parade. We’ve made well over $30,000 in donations over the 15 years to various Mundare organizations helping to sustain the community,” added Taylor.