WESTconsin believes in Inspiring Better–for our members, employees, and communities.
As part of the Credit Union Difference, WESTconsin is people-oriented. This approach shows up in every aspect of our workplace, from how we treat our members to how we empower employees to how we focus on community outreach. Here are some highlights:
- We strive to make our members feel like more than just an account number. Beyond offering basic financial services, we offer inspiration, support, and educational resources that help individuals achieve financial wellness and pursue their dreams.
- We treat our employees like family. We recognize their achievements, offer scheduling and benefits that promote life-work balance, and even throw in some fun for good measure.
- We go outside our office walls to assist local communities. You'll find WESTconsin, with help from our employees, donating money to worthy causes, awarding scholarships, volunteering at local events, and providing financial education in schools.
Who We Are
We exist to serve the financial needs of our members and our communities.
- As a not-for-profit financial services organization, we are owned and operated by and for our members. That means that our top priority is creating a great member experience.
- We strive to give our members the highest level of personal service and build long-lasting relationships through our trusted, knowledgeable employees.
Where We Came From
Our history takes us back to primarily serving the Menomonie area agricultural community, then operating as Menomonie Farmers Credit Union. We expanded in membership base over the next several years and merged with other small credit unions in the region. In the summer of 1990, we recognized this growth by changing our name to WESTconsin Credit Union.
WESTconsin Credit Union celebrated 85 years in 2024. Today, our field of membership footprint includes 28 counties across west central Wisconsin and east central Minnesota with office locations in Altoona, Amery, Baldwin, Barron, Chippewa Falls, Eau Claire, Ellsworth, Hudson, Menomonie, New Richmond, Prescott, Rice Lake, and River Falls, Wisconsin.
What We're All About
Our unique not-for-profit structure allows us to reinvest our earnings back into our members and communities, resulting in better rates, fewer fees, and free financial education resources.
- Ownership: Credit unions are an economic democracy. Regardless of how much money or number of accounts a member has, they are an equal owner of the credit union and can vote on the organization's leadership.
- Volunteer Boards: Each credit union is governed by a voluntary board of directors, not stockholders. The board members are elected by and from the credit union's membership.
- Social Purpose: Credit unions exist to help people, not make a profit. Our philosophy of people helping people guides our leaders and encourages our employees to get involved in community charitable activities and worthwhile causes.
- Products and Services: Credit unions offer similar products as banks, like checking and savings accounts and various types of loans. People choose to become a member of credit unions because they can offer lower rates on loans and higher rates on deposit accounts.
How We Reach Out
This spirit is embraced throughout our organization and encourages our employees to get involved in community and charitable activities and worthwhile causes.
Sponsorships, Donations & Charitable Giving
- Volunteerism: In 2024 alone, our team members collectively spent 4,263 hours in volunteer activities.
- Non-profits: In 2024, we donated about $21,086 to local organizations.
- Schools: In 2024, we provided financial education classes or resources to about 10,500 students. Since 1995, we've provided more than $353,000 in scholarships.
- Community events: In 2024, we participated in some way in 854 community events.
We're Teachers, Too
- Each year, our financial coaches dedicate over 40,000 hours to helping over 25,000 members.
- Financial coaches assist members with anything from basic financial skills to working toward long-term goals.
- We partner with local schools to provide free financial resources, including sponsoring the use of Banzai!, awarding up to $15,000 each year to graduating high school seniors, offering student-run credit union locations in area high schools, and so much more!
WESTconsin Credit Union serves members in Wisconsin and in Minnesota. Find a location near you.
