HALL OF FAME CREDIT UNION
R EDWOOD CREDIT UNION
“I believe we have earned our members’ trust every day over the past 74 years, and we never take that for granted. We will continue to go out of our way to provide them with the service they deserve.” —Brett Martinez, president & CEO
By Rosie Padilla
C redit unions offer a more personal style of banking as a not- for-profit member-owned financial cooperative—prioritizing dedication to members. Redwood Credit Union is one such financial cooperative that continues to stand out among the crowd because of its allegiance to members and commitment to its core values. RCU’s continued success in NorthBay biz’s Best of the North Bay competition has elevated it into the inaugural class of Hall of Fame inductees. With over 35 first- or second-place wins since 2005, RCU has solidified itself as the best of the best among North Bay credit unions. Through values like leading with heart and empathy, RCU makes sure to vet its potential employees and hire compassionate individuals. Brett Martinez, president & CEO of RCU, describes how the credit union employees continue to put members first. “We hire passionate people who genuinely care about the wellness of our members and community, and whose personal values align with our organizational values,” says Martinez. “They are empowered to make a positive impact.” One of the benefits of being a credit union is not having to answer to any investors or stockholders regarding growing profits. “[RCU] is an $8.5 billion not-for-profit financial cooperative, which means we’re owned by our 465,000 members and operate solely to serve their best interests, as well as our communities,” says Martinez. Originally called Sonoma County Employees Credit Union (SCECU),
RCU has earned over 35 awards in the NorthBay biz annual readers’ poll.
are committed to meeting our members where they are. We prioritize finding personalized solutions for our members’ unique individual needs, ensuring they feel supported and empowered to succeed.” How does RCU separate itself from the competition? Martinez points to the additional services RCU offers: an in-house insurance agency, wealth management, a full suite of banking services for businesses and a licensed auto dealership. “[RCU offers these services] so people can take care of all their financial business in one place, save money and experience the RCU difference,” says Martinez. RCU also keeps the safety and security of its members data/ information at the top of mind. One example of this is the recent update to the credit union’s digital-banking platform—again, solidifying the dedication to giving RCU members the best possible service. “Prioritizing our members and staying focused on their needs is what drives our organization,” Martinez continues. “I believe we have earned our members’ trust every day over the past 74 years, and we never take that for granted. We will continue to go out of our way to provide them with the service they deserve. v
the business was formed in 1950, operating out of an office on Santa Rosa’s Courthouse Square. The first official branch of SCECU opened in 1967 at 370 Administration Drive in Santa Rosa and in 1982 was rebranded Redwood Credit Union—eventually growing to serve members living in Sonoma, Marin, Mendocino, Lake and Napa counties in 1997. As of 2023, RCU has 21 branches and continues to collect accolades for its success. Adds Martinez about the priorities of RCU employees: “We
Brett Martinez
redwoodcu.org
Best of the North Bay 2024
Northbaybiz 21
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