We moved to Portage la Prairie in August 1988 and I started working at Portage Credit Union soon after. At the time, Larry Lowman was the General Manager and his wife, our real estate agent, suggested I apply at PCU for employment.
I started as a part time teller until February 1989 when I became a loans clerk. In 1992 I took my Commercial Lending course and over the past few years I have also branched into Agricultural lending.
Portage Credit Union has been really good to me. They provided me with the opportunity to advance and have helped me to achieve my career goals. It’s been a great partnership.
Over the years Portage Credit Union has also been very supportive of my family life. At the time I started we had young children and PCU allowed me to balance my family commitments around my job. You also develop lasting friendships being employed somewhere for so long. I know Portage Credit Union and they know me.
Working here has also had an impact on my family. My children are all credit union members and they understand the credit union philosophy. They have seen me move ahead and strive to advance and have seen how Portage Credit Union has helped me with my career. They understand how important it is to find a good place of employment. Working here has set a good example for my children.
I have always been proud of working for a predominant member of the community like Portage Credit Union. Our company is very community oriented and a strong corporate supporter. I enjoy being involved in the community, I am a member of the Rotary Club, I sit on the Wee World Day Care board and I am now on the 2010 Winter Games Protocol committee. Portage Credit Union is very good at allowing me time during work hours to be a part of the community. In my professional and in my personal life I always represent the credit union because I am proud of where I work. Portage Credit Union takes pride in our community and I take pride in being part of this company.
From a local perspective Portage Credit Union is "making a difference". For example; look at our support of the PCU Centre, our new building is quite predominant and shows our commitment to the downtown beautification initiative.
From a member’s stand point, we go that "extra mile" for them. When you pick up the phone you may get my voicemail but I’ll return your call within a short time and you’ll be talking to someone local. My members have my direct line and I really do try to go "the extra mile". Service is what sets us apart from other financial institutions. There is personal contact at PCU and our decisions are made locally. Our membership also shares in our success & profits by receiving Patronage shares.
Portage Credit Union believes in their staff, their membership and the community. Working here has been a journey, a successful one. Portage Credit Union and I have a good working relationship and I’m looking forward to the future.
