About Us - Our Mission
When you join Northwest Community, you’re part of a not-for-profit financial cooperative,
where members share resources to offer low cost loans to other members. Net profits come back
to you as higher savings rates, lower loan rates, and better service. That was the way it has
worked since the original 29 members founded our credit union in 1949.
Northwest Community's History: Our roots run deep
1949 - Our Credit Union was Founded
We began our organization with in 1949 as Weyerhaeuser Credit Union. We started
out with 29 members and served just one company for our field of membership.
In the decades that followed, we added new members from other companies and industries.
1973 - We changed our name to Wood Products Credit Union
By 1973 we were serving hundreds of select employer groups and a field of membership
that included construction and other manufacturing trades. That’s why, in 1973, we changed
our name to Wood Products Credit Union. In the years to follow, we served more and more
Oregonians that worked in industries outside of construction or forest products industries.
In fact, we had hundreds of select employee groups that ranged from fitness clubs to
hospitals.
2002 - We changed our name to Northwest Community Credit Union
This expanded field of membership had grown so much that “Wood Products Credit Union”
was no longer an accurate description of our membership. In addition, a 2000 state
regulation made it possible for more credit unions to seek “community” fields of
membership. We have long been a part of a 12-county region throughout Oregon , and those
counties were a natural fit when we applied to become a community credit union. In
addition, the name “Northwest” better reflects the many industries and families we serve.
On December 16, 2002 , we were approved to serve 12
Central and Western Oregon counties. We began an exciting chapter in our history
when we changed our name to Northwest Community Credit Union.
Our name change has changed nothing about the way we do business. We still put
members first. At Northwest Community, you’re a member, not an account. When you join,
you became a member-owner in our financial cooperative. Membership also gives you
voting rights. Each member’s vote is equal, and members--like you--run for election to
the volunteer Board of Directors. Board
members set policies and hire a President to oversee daily operations. With this
organization, the President truly works for the members. Our structure ensures that
we act only in your best interest. We wouldn’t have it any other way--after all, you
own the place.
Our Goals Focus on Member Satisfaction and Education
A lot has changed since 1949, but we’ve held on to our goals. Today, we have nearly
69,000 members and over $600 million in assets. Despite keeping pace with changes in
technology and financial shifts, we’ve never strayed from our wish to provide the best
personal service and greatest financial returns to our members.
Our main goal is to be a member-focused, value-driven partnership. Our fundamental
principles are:
- Always provide you with high quality, value and convenience
- Help you achieve consistent long-term financial growth and the best possible
return
- Treat you with dignity, honesty and courtesy, while providing service which
is fair, friendly and sincere
- Maintain strong teamwork through mutual commitment, dedication and loyalty
- Remain professionally managed, innovative and competitive to best meet your needs
Our Charter Means Service
We are a member-owned, not-for-profit organization with branches throughout Oregon .
We provide a full range of financial products and services. Membership is open to anyone
who lives or works (or is related to someone who lives or works) in the following counties:
Benton, Clackamas, Coos, Crook, Deschutes, Douglas,
Jackson, Jefferson, Josephine, Lane, Linn, Klamath, Marion, Multnomah, and Washington.