Who We Are

The Credit Union Idea: 130 years old

In the mid 1800's, the first credit union was created in Germany when poor farmers got together to pool their money to escape from the hold of local moneylenders. This idea soon spread to other parts of the world. In 1900, the first North American credit union was organized in Canada. Nine years later, the first U.S. credit union opened its doors in New Hampshire. With the passage of the first credit union law in 1934, credit unions were soon organized in all parts of the country. Credit unions demonstrated that ordinary people could organize cooperatively to provide for their own financial security.

Who we are?

Tri-Lakes Federal Credit Union was chartered in 1978 to help meet the changing financial needs of the surrounding area. Based on the overall credit union philosophy of "People Helping People," our mission remains the same today.

Mission Statement:

Consistently deliver prompt, courteous service to our members, achieve superior, long-term overall value for our members and create an environment that promotes and rewards the development and positive contribution of our employees.

How are we different from other financial institutions?

Unlike banks and other financial institutions, credit unions are not-for-profit. This means that instead of having to produce a high profit for a few exclusive shareholders, credit unions return excess earnings to their members. This is done in the form of higher dividends on savings and investments, lower interest rates on loans, and through the addition of new products and services. Another unique difference is that a volunteer Board of Directors oversees each credit union. These directors are elected annually from the membership and are truly concerned with what is best for the credit union, not what's in it for them.

Get involved!

Be an active member of your credit union! Many members have made the credit union movement a lifelong personal interest. Being a credit union volunteer is an educational and rewarding experience. You can play an important role in securing your financial future and that of others!