THREE RIVERS, Calif.–Valley Oak Credit Union has been marking its 80th anniversary with a weeks-long celebration.
The $80-million credit union, which was established in 1944 by local co-op grocer George Burcham, was established to serve the agricultural workers of Tulare County and its communities, even operating out of a garage at one point “as so many successful startups tend to do,” the credit union said.
“The resolve of Valley Oak Credit Union remains strong and true,” President/CEO Alan Cortum said in a statement. “We aim to provided service with integrity so our members may have financial stability for a lifetime.”
Loan Specials
To mark the milestone, Valley Oak CU said all three of its locations and their staff hosted members and communities with a weekslong celebration of loan and savings specials, sweet treats, drawings for prizes – as well as a ribbon cutting ceremony lead by the Tulare Chamber of Commerce. Along with several representatives from the Chamber, local businesses and other community members, Valley Oak said it also received words and certificates of recognition during the ceremony from Josh Golden, a representative from the office of California State Sen. Melissa Hurtado; Patrick Burks, representative for the office of Supervisor Pete Vander Poel; Matt Gee, representative for Rep. Devon Mathis of the California State Legislature; Mathew Casarez, representative from the office of California State Sen. Shannon Grove, and City of Tulare Mayor Terry Sayre.
Mayor Has Similar Birthday
“I was born in 1945, so soon I’ll be 80 years old, so I know the longevity and what that means as a lifetime for me, and that you’ve been in business,” Sayre said in remarks at the credit union. “We’d like to show our appreciation with giving you a certificate of recognition in celebration of your 80th anniversary and thank you for choosing Tulare as one of your locations. To provide employment opportunities for our citizens and our residents and opportunities for them to prosper and your investment in our community is greatly appreciated. Congratulations and best wishes and continued success, thank you so much.”
‘Rooted in Financial Health’
Added CEO Cortum, “With a new Tulare branch opening before the end of 2024, along with our Three Rivers and Visalia locations and staff – we are looking forward to continuing our efforts to help our communities grow, and to continuing to support our wonderful staff, many of which have been with the credit union for over 20-years. Since the beginning, Valley Oak Credit Union has been rooted in the financial health and well-being of our members from generation to generation – and that vision continues to this day and beyond.”
The credit union has approximately 6,000 members.