While our overall strategy includes targeted technology investments, our commitment to the people and places that define us remains unwavering. In Castlegar, we have taken a bold step forward with our flagship design project. Our Castlegar branch has been renovated through a significant investment of approximately $1,000,000—a clear demonstration of our deep commitment to the local community and our members. This project not only modernizes our location but also reaffirms our dedication to delivering the exceptional, personal service at the heart of our cooperative values.

Throughout 2024, our local teams worked tirelessly to transform the Castlegar branch. Despite the challenges inherent in such a major undertaking, the branch remained fully operational, and our members’ patience and support were invaluable. Partnering with Horvath Contracting and Design LTD.—a local firm renowned for its quality craftsmanship—we ensured that every detail of the renovation met our high standards. The result is a revitalized branch that enhances Castlegar’s core commercial area, offering a safe, modern, and accessible environment for all.

At the same time, we have invested in other physical location renovations, all in the name of improved member service. Our branches in Elkford, Slocan Valley, and West Boundary have also seen work and improvement over the year, with more scheduled in certain locations through 2025. We believe that modern technology should enhance, not replace, the personal connections that define our cooperative values. We are investing not just in equipment and infrastructure, but in creating spaces where our members can experience the warmth of face-to-face service, receive personalized advice, and feel truly supported by their local bank.

These physical investments, combined with our focused commitment to community, form a comprehensive strategy for sustainable, value-based growth. By modernizing our branches and investing in the people who serve them, we are reinforcing our promise to deliver the very best local banking experience—setting ourselves apart from larger financial entities. In doing so, we are responding directly to the evolving needs of our membership while laying the foundation for a vibrant future in our community.