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Clackamas Federal Credit Union Honored for Outstanding Service to Members

CEO Aaron Goff delivering food boxes to those in-need.

The Northwest Credit Union Association (NWCUA) and the Credit Union National Association recognized Clackamas’ volunteerism and service in the last year.

Clackamas was honored with a regional “Louise Herring Philosophy-in-Action Member Service Award,” named for one of the Credit Union Movement’s pioneers. The Herring Award recognizes credit union efforts to improve members’ lives through outreach programs.

“Clackamas Federal Credit Union committed more than 150 volunteer hours and $10,000 to local organizations at the height of COVID-19,” said Christine Ruzzi, NWCUA’s Assistant Vice President of Enterprise Engagement Resources. “While they were caring for their members, they did the same for their employees, providing additional sick time as needed, thank you bonuses, and a safe work environment.”

Throughout the pandemic, we have donated critical funds to nonprofits, supported first responders with meals and gift cards, hand-delivered food to those in need, and distributed personal protective equipment. Because of our efforts, we went on to win a national, second-place Herring award from the Credit Union National Association!

The credit union also was recognized for being among the first financial institutions in the Northwest to help members through COVID-19, with reduced fees, loan payment deferments, and emergency relief loans. Clackamas also processed more than $16 million in Paycheck Protection Program loans that helped businesses to continue to pay employees, even though many had to close during the state’s “Stay Home, Save Lives” quarantine period.

“Credit unions were built for tough times,” remarked Clackamas CEO Aaron Goff. “We love to help, and while it’s been an incredibly difficult year for many, we are incredibly excited about, and proud of, our efforts to step forward and help our members through the many challenges of 2020.

Those weren’t the only services showcased during the NWCUA’s annual gala.

“When the State of Oregon asked financial institutions to help distribute $35 million in emergency, $500 payments to 70,000 Oregonians, Clackamas Federal Credit Union was one of eight credit unions to step up and help get the job done,” Ruzzi said. “They helped their members, and non members alike who were in need. This was really about living the credit union mission of ‘People Helping People.”