110 degrees magazine - Index

110 degrees magazine - magazine - Index

EDITORIAL I RIGHT ON THE MONEY
Known as the land of coal and copper, Antioch
has a rich history that has continued to blossom
since 1850. Part of what has made
Antioch’s history so plentiful is the city’s
family-minded values and neighborly attitude.
That is why Dow Great Western Credit Union —
a not-for-profit, member-owned financial
cooperative that is celebrating their 70 th
Anniversary this year — recently expanded their
services in East County to encompass anyone
who lives, works, attends school, or worships in
Antioch, Brentwood, and surrounding areas.
The Board decided to open a location in Antioch
with the strategic goal of growing in order to
better serve existing members and attracting
community membership.
Owned by its members, Dow Credit Union
separates themselves from the likes of banks in
many ways. For instance, the Board of Directors
is a volunteer committee and their goal is to
promote thrift. Additionally, 40-percent of Dow
Credit Union’s memberships are comprised of
families, making it a true family institution.
In light of our current economic condition, a
common question that people ask today is,
“How can I guarantee my money will be safe?”
During the real estate boom that hit East
County earlier this decade, Dow Credit Union
was one of a few institutions that did not
engage in risky lending. That is, they did not
offer credit-challenged members loans that
overextended their budgets. This ethical prac-
58 www.110mag.com September/October 2008
“ACTIONS AND DEEDS SPEAK LOUDER THAN
WORDS; IT’S ABOUT PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
WITH A PERSONAL TOUCH.”
tice of discernment for loan qualification is part
of what preserved Dow Credit Union’s ability
to keep rates low and to continue to protect
their members’ assets. Dow Credit Union has
also upped the ante by being insured by the
National Credit Union Administration (NCUA),
which is similar to FDIC for banks, for up to
$100,000 per account, per ownership. This
means each member can protect larger
amounts of money. With the number of banks
being absorbed
and with financial
security becoming
a major concern
these days, that’s
a notable service.
Dow Credit has
also become the
face of community
service and
development
through multiple
philanthropic en -
deavors. Dow CU
fielded the team,
the Dow CUTies,
that entered the
Antioch Relay for
Life fund raiser hosted earlier this year.
In addition to honoring an employee who
battled cancer, Bonni Bergstrom, Dow Credit
Union CEO, and others at Dow Credit Union
felt it was equally imperative to show support
for others in the community that were facing
similar battles with cancer. Dow also actively
participates with the Children’s Miracle
Network by collecting food and monetary
items for Contra Costa and Solano County
food banks. Bonni is currently organizing a
school supply program, Project Ready to
Learn, in conjunction with the Contra Costa
Times in order to collect school supplies for
less fortunate kids in our county.
“We believe in our motto ‘People Helping
People,” says Bonni. “We are big yet we’re small.
I love the interaction and relationships we’ve built
with our members and with the community.”
And that is why Dow is excited to be a part of
the greater East County. Not only is Dow Credit
Union the only financial institution headquar-
tered in East Contra Costa County to exclusively
serve our area, they are firmly committed to
bringing the community together. °
To learn more visit Dow Credit Union’s Antioch
branch at 4041 Lone Tree Way, Suite 100 in
Antioch or visit www.Dowcu.org, or call 925-331-
1010. Check out www.ncua.gov for more information
on insurance. Contact editors@110mag.com
with comments on the article.