Question 1

What is WESTconsin Credit Union?

Accepted Answer

WESTconsin Credit Union is a community-focused financial cooperative headquartered in Menomonie, Wisconsin. With over $2.1 billion in assets and serving approximately 127,000 members, WESTconsin operates 15 branch locations throughout western Wisconsin and select counties in Minnesota. The credit union holds a low-income designation and is known for its community involvement, innovative high school branch programs, and comprehensive financial services for both individuals and businesses.

WESTconsin Credit Union emphasizes local, member-driven service and has deep roots in the agricultural and rural communities of western Wisconsin.

Question 2

When was WESTconsin Credit Union founded?

Accepted Answer

WESTconsin Credit Union was founded as Menomonie Farmers Credit Union on January 12, 1939, when its Articles of Incorporation were approved and filed with the State Banking Department in Madison, Wisconsin. The charter application was signed on December 5, 1938, by seven founding members: Chris Hovland, William Millar Jr., J.C. Martinson, Stewart L. Gevne, Edward Torgerson, Harold E. Martinson, and Gene Long.

The credit union operated from the manager's home until 1953, when it had grown to $365,000 in assets and moved into its first dedicated office space one-half block off Main Street in downtown Menomonie. In 1949, Art Gilberts was hired as the first full-time manager.

The credit union changed its name to WESTconsin Credit Union in the 1990s to recognize the diversity of its membership and the various communities served throughout western Wisconsin. This name change reflected the credit union's growth beyond its agricultural origins to serve a broader geographic area.

Question 3

Where is WESTconsin Credit Union headquartered?

Accepted Answer

WESTconsin Credit Union is headquartered in Menomonie, Wisconsin. The credit union opened a new Administrative Center in 2019 to accommodate its continued growth and expanded operations throughout western Wisconsin and eastern Minnesota.

Question 4

Where does WESTconsin Credit Union operate?

Accepted Answer

WESTconsin Credit Union operates 15 branch locations throughout western Wisconsin and select counties in Minnesota. Wisconsin branches are located in Menomonie, Altoona, Amery, Baldwin, Barron, Chippewa Falls, Eau Claire, Ellsworth, Hudson, New Richmond, Prescott, River Falls, and Spring Valley.

The credit union's field of membership includes anyone who lives or works in the Wisconsin counties of Barron, Buffalo, Burnett, Chippewa, Clark, Dunn, Eau Claire, Jackson, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Rusk, St. Croix, Sawyer, Taylor, Trempealeau, and Washburn. In Minnesota, membership is available to residents and workers in Anoka, Chisago, Dakota, Goodhue, Isanti, Pine, Ramsey, Wabasha, and Washington counties.

WESTconsin has grown strategically through mergers with smaller credit unions seeking greater strength and expanded services. Notable mergers included River Falls (1974), Barron and Amery (1979), Baldwin (1979), and New Richmond (1984).

Question 5

What services does WESTconsin Credit Union offer?

Accepted Answer

WESTconsin Credit Union offers comprehensive personal and business banking services. Consumer products include checking accounts, savings accounts, money market accounts, share certificates, individual retirement accounts (IRAs), and health savings accounts. The credit union emphasizes free or low-cost accounts, including no-cost share drafts and no-cost bill payment services.

Lending services include personal loans, auto loans, home mortgages, home equity loans, and credit cards. WESTconsin also provides special mortgage and consumer loan programs for members of modest means. Business services include business checking and savings accounts, business loans, and commercial lending.

Digital banking capabilities include online banking, mobile banking, 24-hour CALL-24 telephone account access, mobile deposit, and bill payment services. Members have access to no-surcharge ATMs throughout the service area. The credit union also operates WESTconsin Realty LLC (established 2004), a full-service realty company, and WESTconsin Title Services (established 2012) to serve western Wisconsin.

WESTconsin provides free financial counseling to help members achieve their financial goals. The credit union also offers unique high school branch programs in four locations.

Question 6

What makes WESTconsin Credit Union unique?

Accepted Answer

WESTconsin Credit Union distinguishes itself through its innovative high school branch programs, which operate fully functional credit union offices inside four high schools in Amery, Baldwin-Woodville, Menomonie, and New Richmond. These programs provide students with hands-on financial education and early access to banking services.

The credit union is deeply committed to community involvement and giving back. WESTconsin employees donate more than 5,500 volunteer hours annually to over 300 organizations and events. The credit union has contributed over $365,000 to community initiatives and works actively to inspire better outcomes for the communities it serves.

Founded during the Great Depression to serve farmers and rural communities, WESTconsin has maintained its commitment to accessible, affordable financial services while growing to serve over 127,000 members. The credit union's motto emphasizes that members "get service you can count on" with a local, member-driven approach.

WESTconsin has experienced consistent growth throughout its history, reaching 100,000 members in 2018 and continuously expanding its branch network to better serve western Wisconsin and eastern Minnesota communities.

Question 7

What type of financial institution is WESTconsin Credit Union?

Accepted Answer

WESTconsin Credit Union is a state-chartered credit union regulated by the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions and the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). As a not-for-profit financial cooperative, the credit union is owned by its members and governed by a volunteer board of directors elected by the membership.

The credit union operates with a low-income designation, indicating its commitment to serving members of modest means. This cooperative structure means that WESTconsin focuses on providing value to members through competitive rates, low fees, and quality services rather than generating profits for external shareholders.

Membership requires a $5 deposit in a membership share (savings) account and is available to anyone who lives or works in WESTconsin's designated counties in Wisconsin and Minnesota. Each member has equal voting rights regardless of account balance, reflecting the democratic nature of credit union governance.

Member deposits are federally insured up to at least $250,000 by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). WESTconsin is an Equal Housing Opportunity lender and a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank system.

WESTconsin Credit Union

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About WESTconsin Credit Union in the United States