Black Hills Federal Credit Union, based in Rapid City, S.D., has merged with CR Community First Federal Credit Union of Eagle Butte, S.D.
The $554,000 asset CR Community First was established in 2007 to serve the Cheyenne River Reservation in South Dakota, one of our nation’s largest reservations but with a sparse population of just over 8,000. The reservation encompasses the counties of Dewey and Ziebach, which according to census figures rank among the poorest counties in the nation.
Roger Heacock, president/CEO of the $950 million Black Hills FCU said his credit union was looking forward to the opportunity to serve the many unbanked or underbanked people living on the Cheyenne River Reservation. “This is an important merger for people who want to receive fair and equitable treatment from their financial provider. In the short time, we’ve been in Eagle Butte, we have found people are very interested in the not-for-profit, cooperative style of financial services. Our commitment to financial education, credit building and community involvement are much needed here.”
The merger became effective on Sept. 4.
Black Hills FCU is a community chartered credit union serving nearly 57,000 members. With this merger, the credit union serves 11 counties from 11 locations in western South Dakota. A ground-breaking for a 12th location in Pierre is planned for the fall.
