Credit union celebrates 55 years

Greater Nevada Credit Union is celebrating its 55th anniversary this week. The two-day celebration starts today, and the public is invited to visit any branch to join in the festivities.

"We're having cake, refreshments and raffle prizes," said Credit Union spokeswoman Kerstin Plemel. "We'd like people to swing by, check us out, and put their names in the raffle bowl."

Down vests, coffee mugs, sun shades and ice scrapers are just some of the items in "ditty bags" prepared for the occasion.

When the Carson City credit union was formed Jan. 24, 1949, it was a small financial cooperative for state employees and has evolved into a full-service financial institution open to residents throughout Northern Nevada.

Owned by members and overseen by a volunteer board of directors, credit unions are nonprofit cooperatives. Earnings are returned to the membership through better rates and lower fees - services not normally found at banks, Greater Nevada officials said.

"Credit unions have existed for more than 100 years," said Wally Murray, president and CEO of Greater Nevada.

"But there are a lot of misconceptions about what they are and who can join. We want people to know that credit unions can help nearly anyone with all of their personal financial needs."

With more than 50,000 members, $373 million in assets, eight branches and a nationwide network of ATMs, Greater Nevada Credit Union has become Northern Nevada's largest such organization.

At 451 Eagle Station Lane and 911 E. Second St. in Carson City, the branches are open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekdays. A third branch is at Carson High School, 1111 N. Saliman Road.

Call Greater Nevada at 882-2060 or go to www.gncu.org.

Contact Susie Vasquez at svasquez@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1212.