Credit union puts focus on its members

Soigna, pronounced "swan-yea," is a word that has been bandied about lately, especially in the world of fine dining about dishes that are elegantly designed.

Its origin goes back to the French word soigner, which means "to take care of."

In either case, I think we could safely say the Boulder Dam Credit Union is very soigna.

Last week, the financial institution held its annual membership meeting and dinner. Between the bountiful buffet and the report on the credit union's state of affairs, it was very obvious that members were being well taken care of and that the direction of its business plan has been carefully designed and executed.

I'm sure that the handful of those working on the Hoover Dam who started the credit union 76 years ago with just a few dollars never imagined it would become such a trusted and integral part of the community.

According to Dale Imlay, chairman of the board of directors, Boulder Dam Credit Union is and has been the most honored financial institution in Boulder City.

The numbers presented that evening by President Eric Estes revealed exactly why.

Now the fifth largest financial institution in the state, the credit union also is the 456th largest establishment of its type in the United States. It has nearly $6 million in net earnings and has been steadily increasing the amount of dividends paid to members over the past four years.

In fact, according to Estes, this was the first time in the past eight years that there were no negative earnings in the four-year summary/annual report of the credit union's financial health.

He also told those assembled that Boulder Dam Credit Union is the 33rd most efficient credit union in the United States. That means it uses its money wisely. Something that the credit union also teaches its members and prospective members.

And that is what being part of the credit union is all about, he said.

"We're not here to be the biggest or the most profitable. It's not about the numbers. It's about the members. It's about the community," Estes said. "It's about our commitment to make a better way of life for all. It's where our passion meets your trust."

That commitment starts in the classrooms at the local schools where children are taught about personal financial responsibility and continues in the credit union's support of numerous community events.

Just look around and you can see the credit union's green logo in the list of sponsors of practically every major event around town.

It also can be found in the new event the financial institution will introduce to the community in May. Barry Thompson, a nationally known expert in fraud, will be in Boulder City to educate members, especially senior citizens, on how to protect themselves and their assets.

Through all that, there is still more. True, the credit union is a financial institution. But it wouldn't be the place it is today without the people. From the more than 22,000 members in every U.S. state to every single staff member, it's the people that make the difference.

You can't go into the credit union without someone saying "hello" or offering a smile. There is always a can-do attitude and staff seem to make it a personal mission to make sure they handle every customer's/member's needs.

Hali Bernstein Saylor is editor of the Boulder City Review. She can be reached at hsaylor@bouldercityreview.com or at 702-586-9523. Follow @HalisComment on Twitter.