TRUST AND SERVICE ABOVE ALL Will Prest, Financial Analyst and Compliance Officer, emphasizes that the institution isn’t focused on providing cutting-edge technology or competing solely by offering the lowest rates. He notes, “Generally, our place in the market is being a trusted financial institution for our members. The service that we offer is the main differentiator, we go well above and beyond.” Oshawa Community Credit Union prides itself on its welcoming approach, where staff greet people by name. “I feel like everyone will start talking about their life before they start talking about their business. It’s not just small talk, it seems more like friends conversing,” Prest illustrates. INCLUSIVE MEMBERSHIP AND GLOBAL REACH As an open-bonded institution, Oshawa Community Credit Union welcomes members from all demographics and job areas. Brandon Medina, Member Services Representative, shares that while the majority hail from the Durham Region, their reach extends far beyond, with members across Canada and internationally. “We’re open to anyone that wants to become a member. And we want to include them in what we have going on here,” he depicts. THE COOPERATIVE ADVANTAGE As a cooperative model, the credit union prioritizes people over profit. Along with paying annual dividends to members, understanding their individual financial needs is part of the service. “We do what is best for our members. We don’t have any targets that we need to meet, we don’t get a bonus or cash incentives if we sell a certain amount or a new product,” explains Sarah Broderick, Administrative Officer.“Our goal is to listen to our members, discover what they need and what works best for them, and provide that service to them.” Staff tenures of 35, 40, and 45 years, further enhance connections within the credit union. “That’s been able to allow us to develop a really good relationship with our members, where I know a lot of banks might not be able to say the same,” Broderick remarks.“We 3 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 09 OSHAWA COMMUNITY CU
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