CUs grow and do good in the community

Cornerstone League recognizes member credit unions’ news about their growth, expansion, and community endeavors to exemplify the “people helping people” philosophy.  

Vantage celebrates Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition and ‘A Place to Call Home’ 

St. Louis-based Vantage Credit Union recently celebrated the Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition (FACC) and “A Place to Call Home,” a special segment airing on KSDK, for their work in supporting foster and adoptive families in the local community.  

Vantage leaders presented the FACC with a $1,000 donation to support their mission and commemorated the 500th youth placement through “A Place to Call Home” by opening an account and funding it with $100 for one of the youths who found his forever family after being featured.     

The credit union has been a proud supporter of the FACC and their mission for 25 years, raising donations for the organization, and has sponsored “A Place to Call Home” since 2020. The program highlights some of the wonderful children in the St. Louis community seeking stable, permanent homes and brings their stories to life on camera.               

“Through the efforts of our organization and our amazing sponsors like Vantage Credit Union, we’re able to share our mission and touch the hearts of families in our community—families who may have the ability to welcome a foster child into their family forever,” said Summer Renne, director of Families United, Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition. “We’re thrilled to receive this donation from a valued partner who is committed to making an impact in the community.” 

“We believe in the philosophy of ‘people helping people,’ and what better way is there to embody that philosophy than supporting an organization that aims to find forever families for children in foster care,” said Eric Acree, president/CEO of Vantage Credit Union. “We’re proud to celebrate FACC successfully placing 500 youths, including Aiden. Together with our members, we’re committed to making an impact with continued community outreach efforts.” 

Vantage has more than $1 billion in assets and 72,000 member-owners. As an active member of the local community for more than 65 years, Vantage delivers everything from clothing and food drives, teacher appreciation events, school supply drives, holiday toy drives, a college scholarship program, and more.  

Raiz FCU breaks ground on state-of-the-art business services center 

El Paso’s Raiz Federal Credit Union has announced the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Raiz Business Services Center. This significant event took place on Sept. 22 at 6610 Continental Drive, across from El Paso International Airport. 

Strategically positioned in the lively Central East Business District, the Center will be a beacon of financial empowerment. It will offer innovative services and personalized support to Raiz FCU’s members and further its commitment to being a trusted financial partner.  

“This new building we are about to construct represents far more than just bricks and mortar,” said Alejandro Yu, VP of marketing. “It is a symbol of our unwavering dedication to serving this vibrant community, not only today but for generations to come.” 

The 10,000-square-foot building will house the Raiz Business Services team and the offices of Mammoth Rock Capital. Additionally, it will feature an extra 2,000-square­foot tenant space available for lease. The Raiz Business Services Center will primarily occupy the center suite, with a multifunctional space designed for various purposes. 

The first sod was turned by Raiz Board of Directors, Raiz Senior Management, Medlock Construction, and Steve Franco, the building architect.  

Formerly El Paso Area Teachers Federal Credit Union, Raiz FCU serves more than 70,000 members. 

First Missouri Credit Union breaks ground for a new building 

The 1600 block of Lemay Ferry Road in St. Louis will take on a new look in 2024 when the First Missouri Credit Union building is complete. At a groundbreaking ceremony held on Sept. 8, First Missouri President Steve Poniewaz says the new building will more fully serve the credit union’s members, as well as the Lemay community.   

“We’re planting our roots even deeper into our community,” says Poniewaz. “Our plan is to be a fixture for our members and the area for years to come.” 

The new building will replace the credit union’s current space at 1690 Lemay Ferry Road, which was built in 1981 and will remain open during construction. Keely Construction, headquartered in St. Louis, is the builder for the project.   

“We have outgrown our current space,” says First Missouri Credit Union Board President Mike Stemmler. “The new location will be modern with better access and more space.” 

First Missouri Credit Union has more than $108 million in assets and serves more than 9,000 members. 

  First Missouri Credit Union broke ground for its new        This exterior rendering shows how the new First 
  office on Sept. 8. From left to right: Board Facilities            Missouri Credit Union main office will look in 2024. 
  Chair Tom Diebold, former Board Chair Tom Marval,
  President/CEO Steve Poniewaz, Sen. Doug Beck
  (MO-District 1), St.Louis County Councilman Ernie
  Trakas (District 6), former Board Facilities
  Chair/Board Chair Phil Brown, Board Chair Mike
  Stemmler, and Vice President Jesie Wildhaber.