The $1.2 billion GoldenwestCredit Union of South Ogden, Utah, celebrated the openingof its new operations center with a ribbon cutting ceremony Dec.23, 2015. More than 150 people attended the event, including creditunion board volunteers and employees, Ogden/Weber Chamber ofCommerce officials and area dignitaries.

The 25,000 square foot operations center will be the primaryworkspace for as many as 200 employees in support departments,including information technology, accounting, operations,facilities and call center services.

In addition, the building is designed with a state-of-the-arttraining facility for credit union staff. The Goldenwest corporateoffice, located about one block north, will continue to house thecredit union's member-facing platforms including a retail branch,mortgage lending, commercial services and insurance.

“The operation center stands as a symbol of our mission topreserve and grow Goldenwest Credit Union for generations to come,”said President/CEO Kerry H. Wahlen said. “We are confident the newworkspace will have a positive impact on our ability to collaboratemore efficiently across many credit union functions, whileproviding premium office space for our employees.”

In the past 15 years, Goldenwest's assets have grown six-fold.In addition, both membership numbers and branch locations havequadrupled during the same time period. The credit union's highrate of growth, combined with the advances in technology within thefinancial services industry, resulted in the Goldenwest board ofdirectors and administrative team expanding the corporate campuswith the new operations center.

“Our highest priority continues to provide excellent memberservice and financial products at competitive rates,” Chairman BillHart said. “Giving our employees the resources they need to helpour members achieve their financial goals is an important part ofour plan for success as a credit union.”

During the grand opening event Wahlen announced USU CreditUnion, a division of Goldenwest, committed $2 million to the UtahState University football stadium renovation. Wahlen said thedonation is indicative of the credit union's commitment to itsinvestments in Cache Valley and Utah State.

Robert Behunin, vice president for advancement at Utah State,spoke at the ribbon cutting ceremony and thanked the creditunion board and administration for their ongoing support of theuniversity.

“We are delighted to partner with the credit union on anoteworthy project that will have a significant impact on students,alumni and visitors to campus,” Behunin said.

The stadium gift comes in addition to USU Credit Union'sprevious commitment of just more than $3 million to construct a newUniversity Welcome Center, which is currently underway.