CCU receives Portland District award from U.S. Small Business Administration
Columbia Credit Union, with 12 branch locations in Clark County, was named Credit Union Lender of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration's Portland District – an area that includes Southwest Washington.
"SBA lending plays an important role in serving the total financial needs of our members and we're doing our best to provide businesses with lending solutions," said CCU chief credit officer Jim Brekke.
CCU was honored at an awards ceremony at the Small Business Week Awards Gala held on June 2 at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland.
"By keeping their commitment to small business during this rough economic climate, Columbia Credit Union is playing a critical role in the area's economic recovery," said SBA district director Harry DeWolf.
The 58-year old organization was also recently designated "Best Overall Customer Service" provider for 2010 in Clark County – an honor CCU vice president Laurie Kusch partly attributed to the credit union's commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly business practices. "We're a full-service financial institution committed to sustainability, the community and providing our members with the tools they need for financial success," Kusch said.
Kusch also touted CCU's "green" construction practices, with several Clark County branches receiving Leadership for Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Certification.
The credit union regularly surveys its membership, with the latest tally reporting a 96 percent member satisfaction rating for 2009, according to Kusch.
As part of its community outreach, CCU plans to offer new products and programs, such as a free online budgeting tool and financial planning workshops on how to eliminate debt and build wealth, scheduled for fall 2010.
