CHRISTMAS VALLEY, Ore.–Pacific Crest FCU has offered an early present to residents of Christmas Valley, Ore.
With no financial institution of any type within 60 miles, the credit union has responded to a request from residents and one of the state’s senators and opened a new branch. Christmas Valley is approximately 125 miles northeast of PCFCU’s Klamath Falls, Ore. headquarters.
After hearing from constituents, Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) learned of the need for financial services options in Christmas Valley and looked to credit unions for the solution.
“When Senator Merkley’s office reached out through the Northwest Credit Union Association regarding the needs of this community last year, we felt Pacific Crest might be able to serve the people who live in north Lake County,” said Chad Olney, Pacific Crest FCU’s president/CEO. “Access to financial services is a vital thread in the tapestry of any community.”
“Credit unions across Oregon play a critical role in supporting our small businesses and rural economies,” said Sen. Merkley. “By opening this branch, Pacific Crest is bringing much needed reliable financial services and economic opportunity to the region.”
Also welcoming bricks-and-mortar services to north Lake County was Oregon State Sen. Dennis Linthicum (R – district 28) who helped to cut the ribbon.
The new branch has two full-time employees and one part-timer who will serve members on site. Technology will also allow the members to video conference with Pacific Crest FCU loan officers in Klamath Falls.
“We were fortunate that a lot of people in the community worked hard to bring fiber Internet service to the area,” Olney said. “This enables us to provide high tech, and high touch services in North Lake County.”
Olney said as he hopes the Christmas Valley branch model will serve as a blueprint that other credit unions can replicate as they work to provide financial opportunities to rural consumers in the Northwest.