Credit unions are built on several principles; once a member always a member, and not for profit but service, to name a couple. Each member is part owner in this financial cooperative.

 

To continue with the same principles, we hope to expand membership by making sure all are aware of and have the opportunity to join the credit union, constantly searching for the best services to provide members, improve technology and hope to relocate to a more accessible location.

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In June of 1970, a few HSU employees formed the credit union. The Charter members were:

Alex Freedman                Dr. Manuel Ramirez
Frank Steelman               Dr. Mary Stephenson
Dr. Emory Wesley            Hillquit Lynch
Guy Hays                            Dr. Ankrum

 

This handful of committed co-workers saw the need for helping one another, worked hard and began to grow as a credit union. The credit union worked to expand it’s membership by incorporating two groups who work hand in hand with HSU, the Aramark Food Services and Dawson Education Coop employees. Other workgroups have also requested membership opportunities for their employees, such as Arkadelphia Human Development Center and the HSU Alumni Association. More recently, our friends at Ouachita Baptist University have offered our services to their employees. Family members of these groups are also welcomed to join. The expansion to these groups have allowed the “people helping people” philosophy to reach many in our community. Thanks to these members and all who have continued the credit union movement we are over 1700 members strong and assets of over $15 million.

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What is a Credit Union?

The idea for credit unions was based on the simple principle that ordinary people could pool their money and make loans to each other. Credit unions are financial cooperatives, owned by the people who save and borrow there. Once you deposit money in a credit union, you become a member. Credit unions normally serve groups that share something in common such as where they work, live, or go to church.

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The Credit Union Timeline

Credit Unions evolved in early 19th century Europe: the first financial cooperative organized in England in 1844. In 1909, the first credit union was organized in New Hampshire, USA. The Federal Credit Union Act was passed by Congress in 1934 to facilitate the organization of credit unions across America. The Henderson State University Federal Credit Union was formed in 1970.

 

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Not For Profit but For Service

The credit union shares the wealth with members by giving the earnings right back to members in the form of affordable loans, competitive rates on savings, and other added services.

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