TUCSON, Ariz. (May 6, 2016)
Vantage West Credit Union, southern Arizonas largest credit union, held its Annual Meeting of the Membership on Wednesday.
During the meeting, Chairman Charles H. Matthewson and President and CEO Robert D. Ramirez presented the 2015 annual report, which embraced Vantage Wests 61-year legacy and focused on strategic plans for the future of the credit union. Matthewson and Ramirez discussed how Vantage West invested in new technologies in 2015, while it also offered nationally-competitive loan and deposit rates and strengthened its ties to the communities it serves. Looking ahead, Matthewson and Ramirez alerted the membership to Vantage Wests growth and acquisition goals, while upholding an unwavering commitment to member service. At the close of 2015, Vantage West reached more than 136,000 members with assets totaling $1.5 billion.
Some of the noteworthy accomplishments cited during the meeting were:
- The credit union contributed 1512 volunteer hours to the community.
- 52 financial literacy classes held.
- 47 credit union employees volunteered at various community organizations.
- $64,000 in charitable donations given to 126 community organizations.
- DepositAccounts.com awarded Vantage West with an A+ rating for achieving the highest level of financial stability among all U.S. financial institutions.
- Junior Achievement named Vantage West its Community Partner of the Year for the support the credit union provided to the financially-focused youth organization.
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Arizona Daily Star readers named Vantage West as the Best Bank/Credit Union and recognized the credit union for offering the Best Adult Enrichment Classes.
- Vantage West became the first credit union in Arizona to receive the Juntos Avanzamos designation for its commitment to serving the needs of the Hispanic market.
- Vantage West showed strong growth over the past year with an 11.8 percent increase in assets and an increase of 13 percent in net loan growth.
Ramirez and Gary W. Smith, board treasurer, both noted Vantage Wests fiscal strength, as supported by the credit unions five-star rating from Bauer Financial. In addition, Ramirez detailed how Vantage West makes an impact in the communities it serves, by supporting military families and education efforts, and by playing an active role as a champion of financial readiness for the community. The organizations community impact statement for 2015 was also presented to the membership.
At the close of the meeting, members of the 2016-2017 Board of Directors were confirmed, as follows: Charles H. "Matt" Matthewson, Chairman; Eugene Santarelli, Vice Chairman; Gary W. Smith, Treasurer; John R. Driskill, Secretary; Gloria R. Gonzalez, Director; Ana (Solis) Archer, Director; Dr. Paul Melendez, Director; Mitchell S. Pisik, Associate Director; Gregory E. Good, Associate Director. The election of officers for the Board of Directors will take place within the next month.
A copy of the Vantage West 2015-2016 Annual Report was also distributed, and is available at
http://vantagewest.org/files/2015_Annual_Report.pdf.
About Vantage West Credit Union
Vantage West Credit Union is a $1.5 billion financial institution in Arizona, which serves a growing membership of more than 136,000. Vantage West serves its membership via online channels and branches across Arizona, offering consumer and business banking services. Vantage West is federally insured by NCUA.www.vantagewest.org
