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The first credit union was established in 1864 by Friedrich Raiffeisen in rural southern Germany. Raiffeisen believed his neighbors and friends could enjoy an enhanced standard of living if only they had access to common funds. He proposed that all community members pool their resources so individuals in need of loans could easily access the necessary funds. Raiffeisen’s idea was well-received by his community and the first credit union model was soon established. 

In 1909, the credit union movement crossed the ocean to reach American shores. With Edward Filene serving as its pioneer, the movement gained momentum and continued its growth. 

Credit unions were gaining popularity and popping up all over America, but it was only in the 1930s that the credit union movement achieved federal recognition and national acceptance. When President Franklin Delano Roosevelt signed the Federal Credit Union Act into law in 1934, federally chartered credit unions in every state became legally authorized to create a system of not-for-profit cooperatives to promote thrift and sound financial practices. 

And, in June of 1939, a dream became reality. Farmer’s Union Federal Credit Union was established in Jamestown, ND with just 40 members. Fast forward to today, we are celebrating 85 years of success, the credit union movement and all of our employees that have embodied our values along the way.

One might ask, “Why is this important as it relates to Living our Brand in the year 2024?” Friedrich Raiffesen had a PASSION for helping people and for his COMMUNITY coupled with a GROWTH MINDSET. He was followed by President Roosevelt who recognized INTEGRITY in the not-for-profit credit union cooperatives. Our values truly started in 1939 and have led us since that time. Living the Brand demonstrates our approach to how we do business as well as builds meaning and purpose into our organization. Our brand is also our competitive advantage, in which our actions speak louder than the words.

Each year, FCCU has a "Living the Brand" Award where we recognize an individual who exemplifies what it means to live out our brand. This award winner is selected through a nomination process in which their passion for their work, community contributions, serving our members with uncompromised integrity and embracing a growth-mindset is considered. In essence, our values guide them every step of the way.

In 2023, Bree-Anna Kunze, Service Specialist Team Lead in our Valley City branch was selected as the recipient of the Living the Brand award. Bree was nominated by multiple employees for her willingness to go above and beyond for our members and FCCU family.

One nominee said, “Bree is the type of employee that FCCU is grateful to have. We have found a gem that will be a long-term staple within our brand. When you think of our four core values, Bree hits them with full force. Community - she is a staple in almost all our community events where FCCU is either the sponsor or just participating in at both Jamestown and Valley City. Integrity - Bree has a work ethic and loyalty to FCCU that is uncompromised. She displays this on a regular basis both at work and outside of work. Passion - She is passionate about helping members. That is her favorite part of her job. Growth - Bree has expressed that she wants to stay at FCCU and grow within our family.”

Just like our brand and culture here at FCCU is valuable, so are the employees who work here. Living the Brand is a mindset. We want to empower our employees to come to work each day with passion, growth, integrity and community at the forefront of the work they do for our members; and when they do, we believe they deserve to be recognized.

Thank you, Bree for “Living our Brand” each day and embracing our core values of Passion, Community, Integrity and Growth. 

Come join our growing team at myfccu.com/careers and live out your core values today!