Who is Freedom?

We live in a society that likes to labels things. Some, like nutrition labels, are good so you know what you’re putting in your body. Of course, they can be misleading if you don’t watch out for the “per serving” deception. That’s where you think something is good for you then realize you have to multiply the calories, fat, carbs, etc., by eight. Not so healthy after all. There are other labels that are not so innocuous. They try to define people we don’t know anything about or define something with which we have no real experience. Those labels are an attempt to make sense of the things based on preconceptions, assumptions or emotions rather than a genuine understanding gained from engaging, listening, and learning. Consider this for those who would label Freedom “just another bank” when nothing could be further from the truth. Banking is what we do not who we are; so rather than accept this label let me tell you who Freedom is.

Freedom is over 75 employees who care about our members, the organization and each other to the extent that we focus on a positive experience for the benefit of all. They are Freedom. Freedom is over 30,000 members who want and need a safe and reliable resource for financial products, services and help. Members appreciate our efforts and the role we play in meeting their needs and, in turn, provide the deposits, income and sustainability for continued growth. You are Freedom. Finally, the relationship we build and common goals we share as a member owned, volunteer run, cooperative, support the credit union philosophy of “people helping people” and is what makes us not just another bank. We strive for value, we deliver a personal connection, we provide a commitment to community and we emphasize doing what makes sense to put members first rather than profit for shareholders. We are Freedom.

Therefore, with your active membership, when you share your experience, Freedom can and will continue to evolve, thrive and grow. Rest assured, we ALL are Freedom. As a cooperative, WE make Freedom different, WE make Freedom matter, WE reject any label that suggests Freedom is just another bank and WE make Freedom stronger.  Because strength doesn’t come from what you can do; strength comes from overcoming the things you thought you couldn’t do.

Mike