Jody Burk: StellerVista CEO
Today is About the MEMBERS!
Today, here and around the world, is International Credit Union Day. While the day itself doesn’t necessarily come with a lot of fanfare, it is a very important reminder of why we’re here and why it matters. Today is a celebration of something much bigger than financial services—it’s a celebration of community, of people coming together to solve common issues and build something meaningful. Almost all the locations we represent today were born from the idea that when local people join forces, they can make a lasting local impact.
Built on the cooperative business model, the foundation of seven core cooperative principles have helped us maintain our purpose through all the growth and all the changes that come with eight decades of operation. We are here to improve the quality of life for our members, neighbors, and the entire community. One powerful example of our commitment to community is our StellerImpact Grants program.
Open to all non-profit organizations operating within our service area, this program provides an inspiring glimpse into the passion, dedication, and hard work that fuel so many in our communities. Recognizing the impact of these efforts and the shared values between us, we offer grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. This year, 18 community groups across the Kootenay and Boundary regions have been awarded a total of $48,000 to support projects that will create meaningful change in our towns.
It’s what it’s all about—using our collective resources to help people, to strengthen our communities, and to help make the places we live as good as they can be.
On this International Credit Union Day, we celebrate you—the members, the neighbors, the families, and the local organizations that make our communities thrive. It’s your contribution, your dedication, and your belief in the power of community that keep the spirit of cooperation alive.
Thank you for your trust in us, and we look forward to working with you for eight more decades (any beyond).
Respectfully,
Jody Burk
CEO, StellerVista Credit Union