Bank, financial institution, mortgage lender, loan provider –these are just some of the names used to describe credit unions andwhat they mean to our members and those in the community.

Oftentimes, our staff and members don't realize the manyqualities of credit unions that set us apart from the other guys.While it's great to be seen as the financial institution in thecommunity, we want to be seen as more than that. We want ourcommunities to see credit unions as the financial partner ofchoice, the one that impacts not only the financial lives ofmembers, but makes a positive impact on the community. We aredifferent and we want the credit union difference to be seen andheard.

It's not that hard. There are nine credit union operatingprinciples that set credit unions apart from other financialinstitutions. Together, these nine ingredients form the “secretcredit union sauce” that you hear so much about.