Letters: Community banking focused on the future

Credit unions became common in the United States during the Great Depression when people joined together to create cooperative community banking solutions as an alternative to the failing banking industry. During this time in 1931, a small group of teachers came together to found Teachers Credit Union to help each other make ends meet in a tough time made tougher when their paychecks stopped for the summer.

Over the years, credit unions have grown to become essential community institutions. And nearly a century later, Teachers Credit Union is one Indiana’s largest credit unions and a source of strength not only for teachers but for people and businesses from all walks of life.

We live in a place where people take pride in their hometown, recognize that local businesses are the lifeblood of the economy and go the extra mile to help their neighbors. To support ongoing growth and continue building strength for our members and our communities, we are re-founding our brand as Everwise Credit Union.

As a not-for-profit organization, we cultivate renewable value for our customer-owners through a balanced, long-term, people-first approach. The new name Everwise better reflects our mission to empower and serve all people. We are an institution for everybody, no matter their background or profession.

The credit union system was started with the idea that people could come together to build a better life by saving and borrowing as a community. Today, our credit union has never been stronger. With more than 300,000 members and nearly $5 billion in assets, we are ever grateful for our legacy, ever improving and ever growing toward a future in which everyone has the ability to grow into their dreams.

—Jason M. Osterhage

Teachers Credit Union CEO