This Spotlight originally appeared in the Summer 2024 edition of the 503. Magazine. Click here to read the entire edition online.
As a community financial institution with each member’s unique needs squarely in its focus, Heritage Grove Federal Credit Union understands that a “one-size-fits-all approach to saving, lending, and investing just doesn’t work.” Instead, Heritage Grove takes an individualized approach to banking in communities that appreciate, but more importantly, require a more personal touch.
By putting its members first, the institution has grown its business from $40,000 in founding member assets to over $150 million since it was originally chartered as Oregon Employees Federal Credit Union in 1964. While it has proudly served state employees in Salem since its founding, Heritage Grove’s more recent growth has allowed it to expand its services to residents of Benton, Clackamas, Marion, Polk, Washington, Multnomah, and Yamhill Counties.
“We love providing innovative financial services to help members achieve their financial dreams,” said Vice President of Marketing Kirsten Conway. “It could be a member’s first debit/checking account or savings account, financing a loan, helping with financial education, or developing a plan to help resolve a financial issue.”
Despite increased interest rates presenting some challenges in lending, Heritage Grove’s member-centered approach and commitment to exceptional service provide it with the agility to find opportunities to save members money — including through refinancing current loans. For Heritage Grove and its 31 employees at its Salem branch (located at 631 Winter Street NE), the work is driven by Heritage Grove’s mission: “Standing tall to deliver value and innovative financial solutions to our community, one member at a time.”
Heritage Grove is fulfilling that mission every day by building and growing each member relationship based on its core values, which include “Confidence, Dedication, Improvement, Respect, Integrity, and Inclusion.” By leading with these values for decades, Heritage Grove has earned the loyalty and trust of, not only its members, but also of local residents, like-minded organizations, and community partners.
“The Salem community has supported Heritage Grove throughout the past 60 years,” said Community Relations Officer Sam Parra. “We are forever grateful for our local communities’ support! We support a variety of local non-profits, including Marion Polk Food Share, State Forests Trust of Oregon, and local grade-school events.”
As Heritage Grove continues to make powerful connections within the community — including with fellow Salem Chamber members at weekly Greeters meetings — it looks forward to serving even more Oregonians in the future by providing access to its impressive suite of digital tools, mobile banking app, and budgeting and financial education resources.
“We know that, for many people, banking is a chore,” said President & CEO Jim Mau. “At Heritage Grove Credit Union, we understand that our members’ time is valuable and strive to make banking fast, easy, and as enjoyable as possible.”
Learn more about Heritage Grove Federal Credit Union and its services by visiting ourgrovecu.com.